Research Funding Opportunities
2026 Hunter Children's Research Foundation Project Grants
We’re pleased to open the 2026 Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF) Project Grant round.
Funds raised by the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation is made available annually to HMRI affiliated researchers through a competitive application process. The purpose of HCRF Project Grants is to fund important research into children’s life threatening and serious illnesses in the Hunter.
Project Grant Awards are offered for a competitive award at $30,000 each, for a term of 15 months. The funding can be used for research project related activities including consumables, equipment, personnel, other direct research costs, data collection and publications.
Awards are offered in the following categories:
- 2026 HCRF Project Grants: $30,000 per project
2026 Esophagitis Project Grant: $30,000
To apply, please complete the following steps:
1. Determine your eligibility
2. Complete the application form
Applications should be completed using the application forms provided.
You are required to complete all sections of the application form.
3. Lodge your application
The Word document, and any other attachments, should be converted to one PDF before submitting via to [email protected]
Applications must be received by 11.59 pm, Friday 31st July.
2026 Research Excellence Awards
The HMRI Research Excellence Awards were established over 25 years ago to recognise outstanding researchers at all career levels. Award funding is made possible thanks to generous support from HMRI’s philanthropic donors.
Awards are offered in the following categories:
- 2026 HMRI Award for Research Excellence ($20,000), open to all career stages.
- 2026 Director’s Award for Mid-Career Research ($20,000), open to mid-career researchers only
- 2026 HMRI Award for Early-Career Research ($20,000) open to early-career researchers only
- 2026 HMRI Foundation Research Team Award ($30,000), open to research teams or groups of researchers where all members contributed directly to the research, including (where relevant) students, trainees, support staff, consumers and community members.
- 2026 Newcastle Permanent Emerging Innovator Award ($20,000), open to early-career researchers only.
To apply, please complete the following steps:
1. Determine your eligibility
- Guidelines for Research Excellence Awards
- Guidelines for HMRI Foundation Research Team Award
- Guidelines for Newcastle Permanent Emerging Innovator Award
2. Complete the application form
Applications should be completed using the application forms provided.
You are required to complete all sections of the application form.
- Application form for Research Excellence Awards
- Application form for HMRI Foundation Research Team Award
- Application form for Newcastle Permanent Emerging Innovator Award
3. Lodge your application
Please email your completed application form, adhereing to the relevant guidelines, to [email protected]
