MRFF 2022 Frontier Health & Medical Research Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant is a prestigious funding initiative. It operates under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). It aims to support ambitious, transformative health and medical research programs in Australia. Its primary objective is to fund innovative “moonshot” research programs. These programs develop new treatments or interventions for serious and currently incurable health conditions. They may also focus on repurposing existing health technologies in novel ways. This accelerates their translation into clinical practice. It benefits patients, clinicians, and the broader health system.

The program has a total funding pool of up to $400 million. This is available over nine years (from 2023–24 to 2031–32). Individual grants can be up to $25 million per research program. It encourages research programs spanning a 10-year horizon. This allows researchers to pursue long-term, linked projects. These projects progressively move a health technology from an idea or proof-of-concept toward full implementation and commercialisation. The program plays a key role in strengthening Australia’s health innovation ecosystem. It also helps translate breakthroughs that significantly improve health outcomes.

This grant opportunity is managed by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). Applications are assessed through a two-stage process. This includes an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by an invitation-only complete application stage. This tiered approach balances fostering early-stage innovation and ensuring strong feasibility and impact potential before full funding is awarded.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $25 million per program of research.
• Application open: Expressions of Interest (EOI) opened on 13 February 2023. The grant opportunity is continuously open.
• Application close: 31 March 2026 for EOI submissions. Complete applications are by invitation only, with specific deadlines provided upon invitation. The last grants are expected to be awarded by 30 June 2027.
• Eligible industries/business types: Australian incorporated entities. This includes:
  • Medical research institutes.
  • Universities.
  • Corporate Commonwealth entities.
  • Corporations (including businesses and not-for-profits).
  • Consortia are encouraged, with a lead eligible organisation.
• Co-contributions: Not explicitly mandated as a specific percentage. However, applicants must demonstrate credibility and capacity. This includes leveraging other funding sources where possible. Partnerships and co-investment are encouraged to maximise impact.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide. The majority of research activities and funding expenditure are expected to occur in Australia.

Priority Sectors

The program is open to a broad range of health and medical research areas. It targets serious, complex, and currently incurable health conditions. There are no narrow priority sectors. Instead, emphasis is on transformative, high-impact programs spanning:

• Novel health technologies and treatments.
• Repurposing and innovative use of existing health technologies.
• Translational research enabling clinical adoption.
• Technologies benefiting underserved or priority populations.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: Up to $25 million per research program. There is no minimum grant amount specified for a single project within the program.
• Categories/streams: The grant supports comprehensive programs of linked research projects.
• Project timeline:
  • The overall program of research is planned with a 10-year horizon (a “moonshot” vision).
  • Individual funded projects under the program can be up to 5 years each.
  • Subsequent complete applications for additional projects under the same program of research can be submitted by invitation. A new EOI is not required for these.
• Stages: Applicants may propose to start research at any stage in the research pipeline, from proof-of-concept toward full implementation. Funding aims to support research until it is competitive for private investment.

Grant Amount in Total

Up to $400 million is available over nine years (2023–24 to 2031–32) for this grant opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an Australian incorporated entity (medical research institute, university, corporate Commonwealth entity, or corporation).
• Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Demonstrate excellence and capability in health and medical research.
• Ability to propose a program of interlinked projects. This program must target a significant clinical challenge with proof-of-concept or a clear pathway to it.
• Commitment to translating research into clinical outcomes and health system benefits.
• Compliance with grant guidelines, including ethical and governance requirements.
• Evidence from the board (or CEO) that the project is supported. Also, the applicant can complete the project and meet costs not covered by the grant.
• A Chief Investigator (CI) cannot be named on more than one active EOI or complete application. A maximum of 15 Chief Investigators are allowed per application.
• Must not duplicate any research that has been or is currently being undertaken.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding supports research and related activities directly tied to the approved project.

• Research and development of innovative health interventions and technologies.
• Clinical trials and translational activities supporting technology adoption.
• Collaborative projects across multiple research entities under a unified program.
• Activities aimed at achieving a measurable health impact and scalability.
• Costs aligned with approved research protocols and grant funding rules. This includes equipment, personnel recruitment, and other direct research expenses.
• Project audit activities are required for the grant.

Assessment Process

This is a two-stage, competitive, and merit-based application process. Assessments for EOIs are run twice per year.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Assessed by an independent committee of experts.
• Criteria:
  • Vision and novelty (50% weighting): The ambition, originality, and potential for breakthrough health impact.
  • Team capability (50% weighting): The strength of the research team and their track record.

Stage 2: Invitation-only Full Application

• Assessed by the committee.
• Criteria:
  • Project impact (40% weighting): The potential for the project to deliver significant health benefits.
  • Project methodology (30% weighting): The soundness of the research plan and approach.
  • Capacity, capability, and resources to deliver the project (30% weighting): The applicant’s ability to execute the project, including financial and human resources.
  • Overall Value and Risk of the Project (non-weighted): A comprehensive evaluation of risk and value for money.

Successful EOI applicants are invited to submit a complete application. A due diligence review may also be conducted based on the whole application.

Recent Program Updates

The program has been redesigned to support earlier-stage innovation with a 10-year research horizon. It introduced a rolling EOI process with a final deadline of 31 March 2026. This emphasis on continuous intake provides flexibility for research teams. The program aims to fund a diverse portfolio of ambitious health “moonshots.” These improve outcomes for serious diseases. Funding is anticipated to be awarded from June 2024 to the end of June 2027.

Application Tips

• Read the grant guidelines thoroughly. Understand all requirements and assessment criteria.
• Clearly articulate your program of linked projects and your long-term “moonshot” research vision (10-year horizon).
• Demonstrate strong multidisciplinary collaboration and capability to deliver complex research. List all Chief Investigators (up to 15), ensuring none are named on other active applications.
• Highlight the innovative aspects of your proposed research. Outline the anticipated health system or patient benefits.
• Prepare detailed resource and budget plans with realistic timelines for each 5-year project within your overall 10-year program.
• Engage with department officials or professional grant advisers early. This helps clarify the application process and strengthen your submission.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer expertise in assessing eligibility and crafting compelling applications aligned with MRFF objectives. Further information, application templates, and official guidelines are available via business.gov.au and other government websites. You can also contact the Business Grants Hub for assistance.