Welcome to Tracker, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) fortnightly newsletter with the latest information on major activities and funding opportunities.
Speaking of Science - 50 Years Deadly: Aboriginal science, genomic sovereignty and what precision medicine must do for our mob
This year NAIDOC Week marks an important milestone, Fifty Years of Deadly – a tribute to the people who built this movement, the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression and the communities who keep showing up.
Join NHMRC as we host Australia’s first Indigenous bioinformatician, Adam Heterick, of both the Black Ochre Data Labs (The Kids Research Institute Australia) and at the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (ANU) for our Speaking of Science webinar.
Adam will discuss his research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander genomics and health equity, Indigenous data sovereignty in practice and strengths-based framing that empowers First Nations researchers and communities to be leaders, not subjects.
There will be a Q&A session at the end, so we encourage you to attend and ask questions!
This webinar is on Wednesday 8 July 2026, 10:00AM–11:00AM AEST.
National Health and Medical Research Strategy – webinar
The National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036 sets out a 10-year vision for strengthening Australia’s health and medical research system and improving outcomes for the community.
The Strategy provides a national framework to build on Australia’s world leading research capability, improve coordination across the sector and support the translation of research into real world impact for all Australians.
Led by Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM and developed through extensive engagement with the health and medical research sector, the Strategy reflects a shared vision for the future of Australia’s research system.
Join our upcoming webinar and hear from NHMRC CEO, Steve Wesselingh, and HMRO Assistant Secretary, Natasha Ploenges, for an overview.
This webinar will take place on Friday 26 June 2026, 10:00AM–12:00PM AEST.
Horizon Europe opens doors for Australian researchers and industry
NHMRC is excited to share a major step forward for Australian research and innovation, with treaty negotiations now concluded for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe – the world’s largest research and innovation program.
From 1 January 2027, Australians will be able to apply directly for funding, opening the door to leading and collaborating on projects tackling global challenges.
This opportunity is broader than health and medical research. Australian researchers, industry and business can partner with leading researchers across Europe and beyond, helping Australian organisations plug into global supply chains and bring ideas to market faster.
As we move towards full association, NHMRC will continue supporting international collaboration. The 2026 NHMRC–Horizon Europe grant opportunity will proceed as planned, but no separate round will be offered in 2027.
For enquiries, contact Horizon.Europe@industry.gov.au.
Targeted Call for Research on Reframing Women’s Health
The Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Reframing Women’s Health 2026 is open for applications in Sapphire.
This grant opportunity aims to advance high‑quality research that addresses critical gaps in women’s health by strengthening the integration of sex‑ and gender‑based approaches and broadening the understanding of women’s health beyond reproductive and sexual health. The outcomes of this TCR will catalyse change in women’s health research and produce actionable evidence to improve health outcomes.
- Minimum data due on Wednesday 22 July 2026 17:00 (AEST)
- Applications close on Wednesday 5 August 2026 17:00 (AEST).
Further details on this opportunity are available on GrantConnect.
Contact help@nhmrc.gov.au for further assistance.
Key NHMRC grant program dates
NHMRC grant opportunities are funded through the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA).
2027 Investigator Grants round
Minimum data for 2027 Investigator Grants (GO8450) is due Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 17:00 AEST.
- Minimum data is due on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 17:00 (AEST)
- Applications close on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 17:00 (AEST).
To meet minimum data requirements, applicants must complete the fields outlined in section 3 in Appendix H of the Investigator Grants 2027 Guidelines.
Applicants must complete the required fields with correct information. Use of placeholder text will not be accepted. Applicants are also reminded to complete their mandatory Sapphire ‘My Profile’ information.
Applicants who intend to submit an application should ensure that their Sapphire account is active or that they request access to Sapphire at least 3 business days before minimum data is required, noting that the account activation processes cannot be guaranteed in less than this time.
Medical Research Future Fund – grant opportunities key dates
The following MRFF grant opportunity has opened for applications:
- 2026 Primary Health Care Research Grant Opportunity (GO8477
- Minimum data due on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 17:00 (AEDT)
- Applications close on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 17:00 (AEDT).
Details on how to apply for MRFF grant opportunities and all MRFF close dates are available on GrantConnect. Applicants are reminded that only applicants who completed minimum data by the due date can submit an application. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to 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, and
- 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 and ABN (if applicable).
MRFF grant assessment committee self nomination
Register your interest to become a member of a MRFF grant assessment committee.
MRFF reporting processes and templates
NHMRC is working with the Department of Health, Disability and Aging to implement updated reporting processes and online templates in NHMRC’s grants management system.
Read information for scientific reporting and milestones on our website to keep updated on current advice.
Key dates
Please see the funding schemes and calendar page.
Tracker
See previous editions of Tracker.
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If you have any questions about the newsletter, email communications@nhmrc.gov.au.