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CFPs: Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (Singapore)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) supports early-career researchers in developing independent research programmes in population health, health promotion, preventive health, and health services research. The grant provides up to S$270,400 per project, including up to 30% indirect costs, for research projects lasting up to three years.

The grant is designed for new investigators who are building independent research careers and preparing to compete for future national-level research funding. Eligible applicants must hold relevant postgraduate qualifications, be employed by local public institutions, meet research funding limits, and work with an experienced mentor while maintaining ownership of their research project.

Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG)

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) is a funding opportunity designed to support emerging researchers conducting independent research projects in population health.

The grant aims to help new investigators:

  • Establish independent research programmes.
  • Generate preliminary evidence for future research funding.
  • Develop leadership experience in health research.
  • Build capacity in population health and healthcare innovation.

The programme acts as a pathway for researchers preparing to apply for their first independent national-level competitive research grant.

Purpose of the PHRG-NIG Grant

The PHRG-NIG focuses on supporting research that improves population health outcomes and strengthens healthcare systems.

The grant supports projects in two broad research areas:

  • Health Promotion and Preventive Health.
  • Health Services Research.

Funded projects should address important healthcare challenges and generate evidence that can improve prevention, treatment, healthcare delivery, and health policy.

Priority Research Themes

The grant supports research projects covering a wide range of population health priorities.

Priority themes include:

  • Mental health research.
  • Maternal and child health care.
  • Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
  • Emerging health technologies.
  • Care approaches for patients with complex health needs.
  • Sustainable healthcare models.
  • Palliative care.
  • Traditional and complementary medicine.
  • Health systems research.
  • Rehabilitation.
  • Caregiver support.
  • Real-world safety and effectiveness of medicines.
  • Vaccine effectiveness research.
  • Evaluation of other health technologies.

Applicants should ensure that proposed research aligns with population health priorities and addresses meaningful healthcare needs.

Grant Amount and Project Duration

The PHRG-NIG provides:

  • Maximum funding: Up to S$270,400 per project.
  • Project duration: Up to three years.
  • Indirect costs: Up to 30% of the total grant amount.

Important funding conditions:

  • Indirect costs are not applicable to the Research Scholarship budget.
  • Funding should support activities directly related to the approved research project.
  • Projects must be led by a single Principal Investigator.

Who Can Apply?

The PHRG-NIG is intended for new investigators who are beginning to establish independent research careers.

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be early-career researchers.
  • Demonstrate potential to lead independent research.
  • Have relevant academic and professional qualifications.
  • Be supported by a suitable research mentor.

Applicants with extensive research experience or established independent funding records are not eligible under this grant category.

Principal Investigator Eligibility Requirements

The Principal Investigator (PI) must meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualifications

The applicant must hold one of the following:

  • MBBS.
  • BDS.
  • PharmD.
  • MD.
  • PhD.
  • Another relevant postgraduate qualification equivalent to at least a Master’s degree.

Employment Requirements

The Principal Investigator must:

  • Hold a primary appointment at a local public institution.
  • Be salaried by a local public institution at the time of award.
  • Complete a minimum of nine months of employment per calendar year with local public institution(s).

Eligible institutions may include recognised public-sector research, healthcare, or academic organisations.

Research Funding Experience Restrictions

The PHRG-NIG is specifically designed for researchers who have not yet established large independent funding portfolios.

Applicants are not eligible if they have:

  • Previously received external competitive research funding exceeding S$500,000 in direct costs.
  • Received this level of funding as Principal Investigator for their own independent research project.

This requirement ensures that the grant reaches investigators who are still developing their independent research careers.

Mentor Requirement

Applicants must work with an experienced research mentor.

The mentor’s role is to:

  • Provide scientific and research guidance.
  • Support development of the investigator’s research skills.
  • Advise on project implementation.
  • Help strengthen the applicant’s long-term research career.

However, the funded project must remain the new investigator’s independent research.

The project should not:

  • Become an extension of the mentor’s existing research.
  • Transfer leadership responsibility to the mentor.
  • Reduce the applicant’s independence as Principal Investigator.

Application Rules

Applicants should follow these requirements:

  • Each application must have one Principal Investigator.
  • Each individual can submit only one application per grant type during a grant call.
  • Applicants should submit projects that demonstrate independence and innovation.
  • Research proposals should clearly explain objectives, methodology, outcomes, and impact.

How the Grant Works

The PHRG-NIG application process involves several key stages:

Step 1: Develop an Independent Research Proposal

Applicants should prepare a proposal that includes:

  • Research problem and significance.
  • Objectives and research questions.
  • Methodology and study design.
  • Expected outcomes.
  • Potential impact on population health.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

  • Meet qualification requirements.
  • Are employed by an eligible public institution.
  • Meet funding history restrictions.
  • Have an appropriate mentor.

Step 3: Prepare Grant Application Materials

Applicants should include:

  • Research proposal.
  • Investigator information.
  • Institutional details.
  • Mentor information.
  • Budget justification.
  • Research timeline.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applicants must submit their application according to the grant call requirements and deadlines.

Why This Grant Matters

The PHRG-NIG helps strengthen the future research workforce by supporting investigators at an important career stage.

The grant provides opportunities to:

  • Develop independent research expertise.
  • Build a strong academic track record.
  • Generate evidence for healthcare improvement.
  • Address major population health challenges.
  • Prepare for larger national research funding opportunities.

Supporting new investigators helps create a sustainable pipeline of researchers who can lead future healthcare innovations.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

  • Submitting research that is primarily controlled by a mentor.
  • Proposing projects outside population health priorities.
  • Applying despite exceeding funding history limits.
  • Failing to demonstrate independence as a researcher.
  • Providing unclear research objectives.
  • Ignoring eligibility requirements related to employment or qualifications.
  • Submitting multiple applications under the same grant type.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

  • Clearly explain the public health importance of the research.
  • Highlight innovation and potential impact.
  • Demonstrate how the project builds independent research capability.
  • Select a mentor who provides guidance without controlling the project.
  • Develop a realistic timeline and budget.
  • Show how findings could influence healthcare practice or policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the PHRG-NIG grant?

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) supports early-career researchers conducting independent research projects in population health, preventive health, and health services research.

How much funding can researchers receive?

The grant provides up to S$270,400 per project, including up to 30% indirect costs, for projects lasting up to three years.

Who is eligible to apply?

Researchers with relevant postgraduate qualifications who are employed by local public institutions and meet the new investigator criteria can apply.

Can experienced researchers apply for this grant?

No. Researchers with substantial independent research experience or previous external competitive funding exceeding S$500,000 in direct costs as Principal Investigator are not eligible.

Is a mentor required for the application?

Yes. Applicants must work with a mentor who provides research guidance while ensuring the project remains the applicant’s independent research.

Can one researcher submit multiple applications?

No. Each individual may submit only one application per grant type during a grant call.

What research areas are supported?

The grant supports health promotion, preventive health, health services research, mental health, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, healthcare technologies, rehabilitation, palliative care, health systems, and other population health priorities.

Conclusion

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) provides important support for emerging researchers who are building independent careers in population health research.

By offering up to S$270,400 in funding for projects lasting up to three years, the programme helps new investigators develop innovative research solutions, strengthen healthcare evidence, and prepare for future national-level research opportunities. Eligible researchers should ensure their proposals demonstrate independence, strong scientific value, and alignment with population health priorities.

For more information, visit NMRC.