Apply for NHMRC-AMED ASPIRE Grant Program (Australia & Japan)

A key aspect of the successful research programs will be the establishment or enhancement of sustainable partnerships between the Japan and Australia, supported through a strong mobility element to the available funding.

This program aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the maintenance and disruption of biological functions in complex systems. These systems encompass interactions at various levels, such as cell-to-cell, tissue-to-tissue, pathogen-host, and even human-human social relationships. The comprehension of these complex systems is being augmented by state-of-the-art methodologies, including non-invasive biomedical measurement techniques and AI technologies for analysing large-scale complexity.

Funding Information

• In total, NHMRC will fund up to $5 million AUD available in support of the Australia-based research teams and activities; with 345 million JPY for up to 5 years (capped maximum value of 115 million JPY per project with further adjustment for a project period shorter than 5 years) funding provided by AMED in support of the Japan-based research team and activities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications will only be accepted from NHMRC approved Administering Institutions.
• The criteria for your institution to be eligible to apply for AI status are to:
  • Conduct health and medical research in Australia
  • Have a minimum of two years proven track record of:
    • operating under your legal name that is registered with your ABN – in some circumstances the track record under a prior legal name or ABN may be considered.
    • having the objective to improve health and medical outcomes for Australia by conducting health and medical research in location/s in Australia.
    • operating a publicly searchable website under the applicant’s name.
    • having an independent governing board or council with scientific and administrative experience, skills and qualifications.
    • successfully applying for and administering research grants from any government or non-government entity, for example by operating as a Participating Institution (see below) under the leadership of an NHMRC Administering Institution.
    • being financially viable and of sufficient size to provide assistance, resources, facilities and services to support research activity and cover all other expenses like administration, insurance, rent, taxes, repairs, salaries, communications and utility charges, as demonstrated by annual reports and where relevant financial audit reports.
    • have the necessary research infrastructure in place, as demonstrated by annual reports and where relevant financial audit reports
    • Have successfully completed a review of your internal procedures and policies to assure compliance with NHMRC’s policies and requirements, including NHMRC’s Open Access Policy, the NHMRC Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy and policies to support gender equity, ensuring that if Administering Institution status is granted, the institution is able to enter into and meet all of the requirements of the NHMRC Funding Agreement.
    • Be able to confirm that the AI can name the required minimum named individuals in each of the positions, with at least two Research Administration Officers (RAOs), two Responsible Officers (ROs), at least one Financial Officer (FO) and one qualified public accountant or a member of one of the following organisations, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand, or the Institute of Public Accountants as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

For more information, visit NHMRC.