2025 NHMRC-Horizon Europe Grant Scheme

Purpose and Program Overview

The 2025 NHMRC-Horizon Europe Grant Scheme is administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to support Australian participation in Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship program for research and innovation. The scheme funds the Australian component of international collaborative research projects that have already been assessed favourably by the European Commission (EC), enabling Australia-based researchers to contribute to, and benefit from, large-scale European research initiatives.

A total funding pool of $4 million is available under this round. Individual grants range from $0 to $1 million, depending on whether the underlying Horizon Europe topic follows a single-stage or two-stage application model. Funding is not awarded through open competition in the traditional sense; instead, NHMRC invites eligible Australian researchers to apply only after their associated EC application has been deemed fundable.

Within the broader innovation landscape, the scheme plays a strategic role in strengthening Australia’s international research ties. It allows Australian institutions to participate in projects addressing global health and scientific challenges, supports the creation and dissemination of high-quality knowledge and technologies, and reinforces Australia’s standing as a contributor to internationally significant research and innovation efforts.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $0 – $1 million per grant (up to $500,000 for single-stage topics; up to $1 million for two-stage topics)
• Total funding pool: $4 million
• Application deadlines: Single-stage model – 29 April 2026; Two-stage model – 25 November 2026
• Eligible entities: Australia-based researchers named on EC-approved Horizon Europe applications, applying through NHMRC-approved Administering Institutions
• Co-contribution: Not specified in current guidelines
• Location/state/territory applicability: Available to eligible researchers and institutions across all Australian states and territories

Priority Sectors

This program is not restricted by industry sector in the conventional sense. It applies to specific Horizon Europe research topics selected by NHMRC, which currently span areas such as:

• Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection treatment (phage therapy)
• Antibody development for infectious diseases with epidemic potential
• Artificial intelligence applications for pandemic preparedness and response
• High-burden and under-researched medical conditions
• Genomic techniques to enhance cell therapies

Applicants should confirm the exact list of eligible topics for the current round via the official NHMRC guidelines, as selected topics are updated for each funding round.

Funding Scope

• Single-stage topics: Maximum NHMRC contribution of $500,000
• Two-stage topics: Maximum NHMRC contribution of $1,000,000
• Funding category: A single stream providing financial support for the Australian component of an approved international collaborative research project
• Project duration: Grants may be requested for between 1 and 5 years, depending on the scope and requirements of the proposal
• Budget assessment: NHMRC reviews the requested duration and budget and may adjust either to ensure research objectives are achievable and represent value for money

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be an Australia-based researcher named on a Horizon Europe application that the European Commission has assessed as fundable.
• The Administering Institution must be an NHMRC-approved entity and must be listed as an Associated Partner on the EU application.
• Applicants must provide evidence that the EU application has been evaluated favourably, such as an EU grant agreement or formal notification letter.
• The research must fall under one of the specific Horizon Europe topics selected by NHMRC for the relevant round.
• Only one Australian application may be submitted per successful international project.
• Applicants must apply through the correct deadline model (single-stage or two-stage) that corresponds to their Horizon Europe topic.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Salaries and costs associated with the Australian research team’s contribution to the collaborative project
• Research activities directly tied to the Australian component of the Horizon Europe project.
• Costs required to meet the objectives and deliverables agreed with European project partners
• Project coordination and collaboration costs linked to working with EU-based partner institutions.

Specific eligible expense categories should be confirmed against the official NHMRC grant guidelines for the relevant topic, as these may vary by project.

Assessment Process

This grant operates on an invitation basis rather than open competition. Assessment is guided by:

• EC evaluation results: The primary determinant of eligibility, as only applications deemed fundable by the European Commission proceed to the NHMRC stage.
• Quality of the Australian component: NHMRC reviews the value, budget, and duration of the Australian contribution to ensure it aligns with project aims
• Strength of international collaboration: The extent and quality of the partnership between Australian researchers and their European counterparts

NHMRC retains discretion to adjust the requested budget or project duration to ensure funding represents appropriate value for money.

Recent Program Updates

• The 2025 NHMRC-Horizon Europe Grant Guidelines have been published on GrantConnect, confirming the selected topics and application requirements for this round
• Australia and the European Commission concluded treaty negotiations for Australia’s formal association to Horizon Europe, with direct access for Australian researchers expected from 1 January 2027
• As a result of this development, NHMRC does not intend to run a separate grant opportunity of this kind for the 2027 round, as researchers will instead apply directly to Horizon Europe
• Applicants should monitor NHMRC’s Find Funding page for confirmation of future arrangements

Application Tips

• Confirm which Horizon Europe topic applies to the project and whether it follows the single-stage or two-stage deadline model, as this determines the maximum funding available
• Prepare evidence of a favourable EC evaluation, such as a grant agreement or formal EC correspondence, well ahead of the NHMRC deadline
• Ensure the Administering Institution is correctly listed as an Associated Partner on the EU application before submitting to NHMRC
• Clearly justify the requested budget and project duration in line with the proposed research outcomes
• Confirm that only one Australian application is submitted per successful international project
• Work closely with European project partners to demonstrate a strong, well-coordinated collaboration

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected 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 official website of the NHMRC-Horizon Europe Grant Scheme and other associated Australian government websites.