Today

Welcome to Tracker, NHMRC’s fortnightly newsletter with the latest information on major activities and funding opportunities.

National research funders back Australian health and medical research

In just 4 years, from 2021–22 to 2024–25, almost $6.5 billion was invested through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to support more than 4,000 research projects. 

The Joint report on MRFF and NHMRC funding from 2021–22 to 2024–25 shows how the Australian Government’s 2 major health and medical research funders are working together to strengthen the research system. The MRFF and NHMRC play complementary roles, supporting discovery, translation and innovation across the research pipeline. Their combined investment is building research capability and improving health outcomes for people in Australia.

Read the full report on our website.

Speaking of Science – From clinical practice to research: changing how we care for people with cardiovascular disease and frailty

Australia’s rapidly ageing population is increasing the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and the number of frail older adults in acute care settings.

Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, multimorbidity and frailty, the clinical characteristics and longer-term outcomes of older adults admitted to acute geriatric settings remain poorly understood.

Dr Julee McDonagh, a proud descendant of the Cabrogal clan of the Darug First Nations people and a registered nurse and senior research fellow at the University of Wollongong, will join us for Speaking of Science this October. Dr McDonagh will discuss her transition from clinician to researcher and provide an overview of her research program into cardiovascular disease and frailty.
There will be a Q&A session at the end, so come prepared with your questions for Dr McDonagh!

This webinar will take place on Tuesday 20 October 2026, 10–11 am (AEDT).

Register on Teams.

Partnership Projects 2025 Peer Review Cycle 3 (PRC3) funding announced

On 25 September 2026, the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon Sam Rae MP, announced the funding outcomes for 2025 Partnership Projects PRC3 grants totalling $17.3 million.

These grants support researchers to partner with policy makers and health service providers to design and deliver research that addresses health needs in our community. Researchers work with partners to define research questions and undertake research that the partners then translate into improved health services for end users.

The funded projects will be supported by 123 funding partners, which together are contributing a further $27.7 million, bringing the total investment in the collaborative research to over $45 million.

Find out more about the projects funded in NHMRC's media release. 

Update on NHMRC’s Research Translation Centre Initiative

NHMRC recognises Research Translation Centres (RTCs) that bring together health services, research organisations and other partners to embed research in healthcare and improve the translation of evidence into policy and practice. These collaborations play an important role in building research translation capability, fostering innovation and improving health outcomes.

NHMRC has published a report on a recent review of the RTC initiative, which identifies opportunities to strengthen the initiative and inform its next phase. In addition, a CEO Statement to the sector outlines the proposed future direction of the initiative.

Read more on our website.

A new neurotransmitter – impact case study

Neurotransmitters are small molecules that carry signals between nerve cells and other cells, including muscle cells and gland cells. They are essential for processes such as movement, cognition, digestion and cardiovascular control. 

NHMRC funded researchers discovered a new type of neurotransmitter. Their work has contributed to the development of new drugs that can prevent heart attacks and strokes, treat chronic cough and relieve dry eye disease.

Read more about this and other positive impacts arising from NHMRC grant funding in our impact case studies.

HREC conference – still time to register

Registrations are still open for the 2026 HREC 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. 

The conference is free and will be held online on 16–19 November 2026.

Find out more and register at the HREC conference website.

NHMRC’s 2026 Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies – minimum data due soon

Minimum data for NHMRC’s 2026 Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies applications are due by Wednesday 7 October 2026, 5 pm (AEDT).

Applicants must complete the required fields with correct information. Use of placeholder text will not be accepted. For more information on minimum data requirements, refer to Appendix C in the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grants 2026 Guidelines (available on GrantConnect).

Failure to meet the minimum data requirements by the deadline will result in the application not proceeding. New applications cannot be started after the minimum data deadline.

Applications close Wednesday 4 November 2026, 5 pm (AEDT).

Please email help@nhmrc.gov.au for assistance.

Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities – key dates

Details on how to apply for MRFF grant opportunities and all MRFF closing 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:

MRFF grant assessment committee self-nomination

Register your interest to become a member of an MRFF grant assessment committee.

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