MRFF 2024 Rapid Applied Research Translation Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The MRFF 2024 (RART) Rapid Applied Research Translation Grant Program is an Australian Government initiative. It is part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The program’s goal is to accelerate the translation of medical research into clinical practice. This will improve health outcomes for Australians. It supports partnerships between researchers, health service providers, and consumers. These collaborations help transform research findings into new or improved health services and care.

The initiative is part of a broader investment to bridge the gap between research and practical health care. It helps improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of health services. It funds projects that are clinically relevant and can be scaled across different health settings.

The RART grant program helps create a responsive health system. It delivers timely, evidence-based care. The total funding pool for this grant opportunity is up to $40 million over three years.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Between $250,000 and $5 million per project.
• Application open: 10 February 2025.
• Application close: 7 July 2025.
• Eligible industries/business types: MRFF Eligible Organisations. This includes universities, medical research institutes, and corporations incorporated in Australia.
• Required co-contributions: Not mandatory, but can demonstrate project sustainability and commitment.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide. The program has specific streams for regional and rural areas.

Priority Sectors

The grant supports a broad range of health research translation projects. The program has two streams based on the location of the chief investigators:

• Stream 1: For chief investigators residing in any area.
• Stream 2: For chief investigators and at least 50% of the team living in a regional, rural, or remote area.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: The total funding of up to $40 million is split between two streams. Up to $15 million is available for Stream 1, and up to $15 million is available for Stream 2. The maximum amount for a single grant is $5 million, and the minimum is $250,000.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is provided through two streams based on location. The projects must deliver late-stage translational research.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The grant provides funding over three years.

Grant Amount in Total

A total of up to $40 million is available for this specific grant opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be an MRFF Eligible Organisation.
• The organisation must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• The organisation must be incorporated in Australia.
• Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to rapid translation.
• Projects must involve collaborations with clinicians, consumers, and end-users.
• Projects must address a defined gap in best-practice health care.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The Rapid Applied Research Translation Grant Program supports late-stage translational research activities. This includes:

• Clinical and implementation research.
• Projects that have the potential to be translated into policy and practice.
• The development of new clinical tools, protocols, and care pathways.
• Training and capacity building are aimed at helping embed new models of care.
• Health economic evaluations and impact measurement.
• Project-related expenses include personnel salaries and equipment.

Assessment Process

Rapid Applied Research Translation Grant is a competitive, merit-based process. Expert panels assess applications. The key evaluation criteria include:

• Project Impact: Contribution to health outcomes and system improvements (40% weighting).
• Project Methodology: Feasibility and scientific quality of the project plan (30% weighting).
• Capacity, Capability, and Resources: The team’s ability to deliver the project (30% weighting).

Recent Program Updates

The MRFF 2024 Rapid Applied Research Translation grant opportunity closed on 7 July 2025. This program is not currently open for new applications.

Application Tips

• Ensure your organisation is an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation.
• Align your proposal with the grant’s objective of translating research into clinical practice.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration with health services, consumers, and other end users.
• Submit a detailed project plan and budget.
• Review the grant opportunity guidelines and sample application form before applying.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.