Welcome to Tracker, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) fortnightly newsletter with the latest information on major activities and funding opportunities.
Release of the NHMRC Research Translation Strategy
The new NHMRC Research Translation Strategy 2026–2030 (the Strategy) reinforces research translation as a core NHMRC focus and reflects NHMRC’s commitment to foster greater translation and commercialisation of health and medical research
The Strategy describes NHMRC’s role in research translation and includes an overview of key research translation pathways and stakeholder roles. Supported by case studies that demonstrate real world impact, it identifies action areas for NHMRC to support a more connected, effective and equitable research translation system. The Strategy is underpinned by key principles and objectives and sets 3 priorities focused on strengthening partnerships, building capability for translation and commercialisation, and supporting equitable, high-quality research for public benefit.
Development of the Strategy reflects consultation with key stakeholders across the health and medical research sector through NHMRC’s advisory committees. It aligns with the National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026-2036, and builds on existing NHMRC strengths such as the revised Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research.
90 years of NHMRC through stories of impact – Professor Melissa Little
As part of NHMRC’s 90th anniversary celebrations, we're sharing a new series of knowledge impact case studies telling the stories of researchers whose work has helped improve health outcomes for Australians and people around the world.
Our first video profile features Professor Melissa Little and Dr Sean Wilson from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, whose pioneering research into kidney development and regeneration is helping to tackle chronic kidney disease.
There will be more of these impact case study videos coming throughout the year. Watch the video via NHMRC’s website.
Preventing analgesic overuse
Over-the-counter analgesics are some of the most commonly used medicines worldwide and play a key role in everyday pain and fever management. However, overuse of such medicines can cause ill health or even death.
NHMRC-funded researchers have played key roles in developing knowledge about these adverse health impacts and have also influenced public policy to reduce their likelihood. Hospital clinicians and researchers based at major Australian universities undertook clinical, pathological and epidemiological studies to establish a clear causal link between compound analgesic overuse and serious kidney disease, leading to regulatory action by Australian governments.
Read this and other on our impact case studies webpage.
Invitation for public submissions: Australian guideline for drug treatments for people with influenza who are critically ill
The Australian Living Evidence Collaboration is seeking NHMRC approval under section 14A of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 for its Australian guideline for drug treatments for people with influenza who are critically ill.
The guideline has been developed in response to recently released preliminary results from the REMAP-CAP trial, which have implications for the treatment of patients with influenza in critical care settings.
Consultation on draft recommendations is now open until Saturday 8 August 2026.
For further information, visit the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration website.
Invitation for public submissions: Evidence-based gabapentinoid deprescribing clinical guideline
The University of Sydney is seeking NHMRC approval under section 14A of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 for its Evidence-based gabapentinoid deprescribing clinical guideline.
This guideline aims to support safe, person-centred decisions about reducing or stopping gabapentinoids (pregabalin and gabapentin) in adults.
Consultation on draft recommendations is now open until Thursday 13 August 2026.
Have your say, via the University of Sydney’s webpage.
Submissions open for HREC conference
Submissions are now open for the 2026 HREC conference, a shared forum to improve quality and consistency in human ethics review.
This year, conference organisers invite delegates from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Singapore and beyond, to share knowledge, debate emerging challenges and shape the future of research ethics practice.
Submissions opened on Monday 22 June 2026 and close on Friday 25 September 2026.
The conference is free and online. For more information, visit the HREC conference webpage.
Partnership Projects 2026 Peer Review Cycles (PRCs)
Partnership Projects 2026 PRC2:
- Minimum data due by Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 17:00 AEST; only applicants who completed minimum data by this date can submit a full application in PRC2.
- Applications close on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at 17:00 AEST.
Partnership Projects 2026 PRC3:
- Open for applications on Thursday 23 July 2026.
For further assistance, please contact help@nhmrc.gov.au.
Medical Research Future Fund – grant opportunities key dates
The following MRFF grant opportunities have a minimum data due date approaching:
- 2026 Genomics Health Futures Grant Opportunity (GO8294)
- Minimum data due by Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 17:00 AEST
- Applications close on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 17:00 AEST.
- 2026 Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant Opportunity (GO8417)
- Minimum data due by Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 17:00 AEST
- Applications close on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 17:00 AEST.
Details on how to apply for MRFF grant opportunities and all MRFF close dates are available on GrantConnect. Only applicants who completed minimum data by the due date can submit an application. Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, including limits on the number of times a person can be named as a Chief Investigator on applications submitted to a grant opportunity.
Applicants should ensure:
- their Sapphire account is active or access to Sapphire has been requested
- their organisation is an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation before the minimum data due date
- any intended participating institutions are listed in Sapphire or request that a new participating institution be added by emailing help@nhmrc.gov.au, including the institution's website address (URL) and ABN (if applicable).
MRFF grant assessment committee self-nomination:
Register your interest to become a member of a MRFF grant assessment committee.
Updated MRFF reporting processes and templates
NHMRC are working with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to implement updated reporting processes and online templates in NHMRC’s grants management system. Read information for scientific reporting and milestones webpage to keep updated on current advice.
Key NHMRC grant program dates
NHMRC grant opportunities are funded through the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA).
Investigator Grants 2027 applications will close on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 17:00 AEST.
Further information can be found on GrantConnect. Contact investigator.grants@nhmrc.gov.au for assistance.