The Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) scheme provides support for teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in basic science research, clinical research, health services research and public health research.
The objective of the CRE scheme is to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research outcomes into policy and/or practice. The CRE scheme will also support researchers in capacity building activities, including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC.
The intended outcomes of the CRE scheme are to:
- support the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research
- promote effective translation of research into knowledge gain, health policy and/or practice
- foster and build capacity and capability in the health and medical research workforce
- provide opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams.
It is anticipated that funding will be available across 4 application streams in the 2026 CRE grant opportunity:
- Basic Science Research
- Clinical Research
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Research
Peer review of CRE grants
For information on the CRE peer review process refer to the Centres of Research Excellence Peer Review Guidelines published on GrantConnect at opening of the grant opportunity.
Grant at a glance
Duration of funding
5 years
Level of funding
CREs in Basic Science Research, Clinical Research, Health Services Research and Public Health Research – $3,000,000
Key changes
The following key changes are anticipated for the CRE 2026 Grant Opportunity Guidelines. Refer to the Forecast Opportunity on GrantConnect.
- The grant opportunity is scheduled to open for applications on 1 October 2025, earlier than recent years.
- Funding is available from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, for one CRE for Infection Prevention and Control Research in Aged Care through the Health Services Research application stream.
- Applicants will be required to describe in their grant proposal the proposed distribution and governance arrangements for the requested CRE funding, and how the CRE funding will complement already secured funding, data and resources. The response will be considered in the assessment of the application.
- CRE score descriptors have been updated for assessment criterion 4.