The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is the Australian Government’s leading agency for funding health and medical research. It plays a central role in supporting scientific discovery, clinical innovation, and the translation of research into policy and practice. Through its grants program, the NHMRC distributes more than AUD $800 million annually, making it the largest public funder of health and medical research in Australia. 

Purpose and Objectives

The primary objective of NHMRC grants is to advance knowledge that improves health outcomes, strengthens health systems, and contributes to the global evidence base in medicine and public health. The Council aims to support both fundamental scientific discovery and applied research, while fostering the next generation of health and medical researchers. Its funding framework also prioritises Indigenous health, research translation, and alignment with Australia’s National Health Priorities.
 

Grant Categories

The NHMRC administers funding through a structured Grant Program introduced in 2018, comprising four major streams. Investigator Grants provide long-term support to outstanding researchers at all career stages, combining salary and research funding. Synergy Grants support multidisciplinary teams addressing complex health problems, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Ideas Grants fund innovative and creative projects with the potential for significant advances in knowledge, regardless of track record. Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grants provide dedicated support for large-scale studies that generate evidence to guide clinical practice and public health policy.
 
In addition to these, targeted and strategic funding schemes address priority areas such as Indigenous-led research, dementia, mental health, genomics, and emerging health threats. The NHMRC also manages international collaborative grants through agreements with global funding agencies.
 

Application and Review

Applications are submitted through the NHMRC’s Sapphire platform, which standardises processes for eligibility, documentation, and reporting. Proposals undergo rigorous peer review, assessed on scientific quality, innovation, feasibility, and potential for impact. Panels include national and international experts to ensure independence and fairness. Funding outcomes are publicly reported, reflecting the Council’s commitment to transparency.
 

Accountability and Governance

Recipients of NHMRC grants are subject to strict requirements regarding ethical approval, financial management, and reporting of outcomes. The Council enforces compliance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, ensuring integrity in the use of public funds. Importantly, NHMRC funding is designed to support not only the generation of knowledge but also its translation into improved clinical practice, health guidelines, and policy.