MRFF Cardiovascular & Diabetes Care Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Preventive and Public Health Research Initiative (PPHRI) Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) Grant Opportunity was established to support critical medical research and innovation projects in Australia. The primary intent is to develop innovative, technology-enabled, patient-centred models of care for people managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes (Type 1 or 2), or both conditions concurrently.

The intended outcome of this research is to enhance healthcare delivery, promote equitable health outcomes, and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. The program is part of the Australian Government’s strategy to fund large-scale, multidisciplinary projects that integrate technology into patient care.

The total funding pool available for this competitive grant opportunity was $20,000,000.00 (AUD). It supported the medical research and healthcare innovation sectors by funding major projects that require co-design with patients and health services, driving the development and validation of new care methodologies.

Key Grant Details

Key details regarding the MRFF – PPHRI – 2025 TTRA Grant are as follows:

• Grant amount or funding range: Individual grants had an Estimated Grant Value ranging from $0.00 to $2,500,000.00 (AUD).
• Application open and close dates: The opportunity was published on 2-Jul-2025 and closed for applications on 5-Nov-2025 at 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time). Minimum Data submission closed on 8 October 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Applications were accepted exclusively from approved MRFF Eligible Organisations (primarily within the medical research, public health, and healthcare innovation sectors).
• Required co-contributions: Co-contributions were not explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement in the provided documentation.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The grant supported research applicable across all Australian states and territories (ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS), with specific streams targeting research located in, or focused on populations in, regional, rural, or remote areas.

Priority Sectors

The grant is targeted at the medical research and healthcare sector, with a critical focus on specific patient populations to address healthcare equity:

• Core Conditions: People with cardiovascular disease, diabetes (Type 1 or 2), or both conditions.
• Geographic Priority: Populations and research entities located in regional, rural, or remote areas (Modified Monash Model MM 2–7).
• Demographic Priority: Research focusing on the health of First Nations peoples, with demonstrated leadership by First Nations researchers and communities, and research focusing on the health of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, with demonstrated co-leadership from CALD individuals.

Funding Scope

The program provided a maximum estimated grant value of $2,500,000.00 per project from the total pool of $20,000,000.00. Funding was structured across two primary streams:

• Stream 1: Focused on developing and validating innovative models of care for people with either cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
• Stream 2: Focused on developing and validating innovative models of care for people with both cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Categories: Within each stream, four Topics (A, B, C, D) further directed the research towards location or specific population groups (e.g., regional, First Nations, CALD).
• Project Timeline: Grant activities were required to be completed within 5 years of the execution of the grant schedule.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications for this program were subject to strict eligibility requirements focused on the submitting entity and the project team:

• Business structure or size: Only applications submitted by an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation were accepted.
• Compliance: Applicants were required to satisfy all requirements detailed in the MRFF – PPHRI – 2025 TTRA Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Models of Care Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
• Location/Residency: For Topic B, the organisation undertaking the majority of the research, the Chief Investigator (CI) A, 50% or more of all CIs, and all research participants must be primarily resident in a regional, rural, or remote area (MM 2–7).

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supported medical research and innovation activities aimed at developing, implementing, and validating new models of care. Eligible activities were explicitly defined by the project requirements:

• Technology & Innovation: Implementing projects that are technology-enabled, including remote patient monitoring, digital therapeutics, or devices.
• Research & Development (R&D): Conducting large-scale, multidisciplinary research and medical innovation.
• Co-design: Activities related to the co-design of models of care with patients and health services.
• Analysis: Performing a cost-effectiveness analysis as an integral part of the project.
• Focus Areas: Activities demonstrating a focus on equitable health outcomes for First Nations peoples, CALD backgrounds, and those in regional/remote areas.

Assessment Process

The MRFF TTRA Grant Opportunity was classified as a Targeted or Restricted Competitive process. This indicates that funding decisions were made on the basis of a competitive evaluation process rather than being an entitlement.

While specific weighted assessment criteria are not listed, the evaluation would have been based on the following implied criteria:

• Project Merit: The quality, significance, and translational potential of the proposed technology-augmented, patient-centred model of care.
• Strategic Alignment: The extent to which the proposal meets the specific objectives of the MRFF and the Department of Health to improve healthcare delivery for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Compliance with Scope: Adherence to all project requirements, including being large-scale, multidisciplinary, technology-enabled, co-designed, and including a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Recent Program Updates

The MRFF – PPHRI – 2025 TTRA Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Models of Care Grant Opportunity has closed for applications. The official close date was 5-Nov-2025. Future updates regarding the outcome of the grant or subsequent funding rounds will be managed through the official NHMRC and Department of Health websites.

Application Tips

The following practical advice is relevant for applicants preparing for similar future opportunities or for grant compliance:

• Review and Align: Thoroughly read the Grant Guidelines and ensure the proposal aligns precisely with the intended outcomes, focusing on innovative, technology-enabled, and patient-centred models of care.
• Liaise Early: Engage early with the MRFF Eligible Organisation that will submit the application to meet internal deadlines and procedural requirements, especially the Minimum Data submission deadline.
• Demonstrate Co-design: Clearly articulate how the project is co-designed with both patients and relevant health services, showcasing a commitment to equitable outcomes for priority populations (First Nations, CALD, regional/remote).
• Quantify Outcomes: Ensure the proposal strongly demonstrates the capability, expected outcomes, and public health benefits, supported by a robust plan for cost-effectiveness analysis.

Where to get help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the program’s official website and other associated Australian government websites.