Key changes for the 2026 Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant round.

  • Appendix C Guide to Applicants, section 6.8.1.1 outlines requirements for the use of identifiable images in applications.
  • The Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research is being embedded in application and assessment processes (see Section 7.6) including: 
    • The 2026 Clinical Trials and Cohorts Studies application form in Sapphire includes a new mandatory question about the integration of sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics and/or sexual orientation in the proposed research (see Appendix C Guide to Applicants). 
    • The score descriptor for the Research Quality assessment criterion includes an additional component on the appropriateness of how sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics and/or sexual orientation are integrated in the proposed research and/or the strength of the justification for why any of these Variables are not integrated.
  • Stemming from the Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria Review, all applicants must describe how their proposed research could benefit Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health and contribute to Closing the Gap targets (Appendix C Guide to Applicants). The response will be considered by peer reviewers in the overall assessment of the application, using the assessment criteria (Section 6).
  • Appendix A Chief Investigators must retain evidence, consistent with AIATSIS guidance, of their identification as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and must provide this evidence to NHMRC, if requested.
  • Consumer and community representative/s (CCR) will continue to review applications in  the 2026 Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies round. A set of consumer and community involvement assessment criteria has been added to the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies 2026 Grant Guidelines (Appendix B) and Peer Review Guidelines (Appendix C & D). The consumer and community involvement assessment criteria will have a weighting of 20% of the overall score, and the scientific assessment criteria weighting is now 80% of the overall score.
  • The Assessment Criteria and Score Descriptors include a stronger focus on:
    • Appropriate budgeting while accounting for consumer involvement cost, which will have an impact on the feasibility of the project
    • Inclusion of consumer and community members who are integral to the research project
    • Appropriate provision of support for Consumer and Community Involvement as they relate to the feasibility of the project.
  • The Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will remain partnered with NHMRC’s Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies grant scheme for the 2026 round and will consider applications for research funding in the area of Cystic Fibrosis.