Funding Available to support Emerging Australian Health Researchers

The Australia–USA Mobility Fund supports emerging Australian health researchers to host senior US researchers for short collaborative research visits in Australia. The program funds 14–28 day visits to strengthen international collaboration, skill development, and research networks, with preference for cancer-related research. Grants of up to A$5,000 support travel and living costs to enable hands-on scientific exchange.

Program Overview: Australia–USA Health Research Collaboration

The Australia–USA Mobility Fund is a bilateral research mobility initiative supported through the Adam J Berry Memorial Fund.

It enables Australian emerging researchers to host senior United States researchers for short-term, in-person collaboration focused on health and natural science research.

Key Objectives of the Program

• Strengthen Australia–USA health research collaboration
• Support early-career researcher development in Australia
• Build international scientific networks
• Enhance research skills through hands-on collaboration
• Promote knowledge exchange and mentorship
• Encourage cancer-related research advancement
• Foster long-term institutional partnerships

Priority Research Areas

Health and Natural Sciences

• Biomedical and health sciences
• Natural science research related to health
• Translational research projects

Cancer Research (Priority Area)

• Cancer biology and treatment research
• Oncology-focused collaborative studies
• Cancer prevention and diagnostics

Collaborative Research Activities

• Seminars and academic workshops
• Methods clinics and training sessions
• Short bench rotations
• Co-design and research planning sessions

Funding Structure and Grant Value

Maximum Funding

• Up to A$5,000 (GST exclusive)

Funding Breakdown

• International airfare support: up to A$2,500 (including taxes)
• Living allowance: up to A$200 per day (max A$2,500)

Duration of Visits

• 14 to 28 days
• Must occur during the 2027 calendar year

What the Grant Covers and Does Not Cover

Covered Costs

• International economy airfare for visiting researcher
• Daily living allowance during visit

Not Covered

• Accommodation costs (covered by Australian host institution)
• Bench fees
• Research project costs
• Institutional overheads
• Visa, insurance, and administrative expenses

Who is Eligible?

Australian Applicants Must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Reside in Australia during application and visit
• Be either:
  • PhD candidates at an Australian institution, OR
  • Early-career researchers within 5 years of PhD completion
• Have health-related natural science research focus
• Show relevance to proposed international collaboration

US Visiting Researcher Must:

• Be employed at a US research institution
• Hold a PhD in a relevant field
• Be a senior scientist or faculty member
• Maintain employment during application and visit period

Project and Collaboration Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Be collaborative between Australian and US researchers
• Demonstrate strong professional development outcomes for Australian applicant
• Justify the need for in-person engagement
• Show added value beyond virtual collaboration

Eligible Activities Include:

• Research seminars
• Methods training clinics
• Short-term lab rotations
• Co-design research sessions
• Collaborative project development

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify US Research Partner

Australian applicant selects a senior US researcher.

Step 2: Develop Collaboration Plan

Define:

• Research goals
• Training and knowledge exchange activities
• Expected outcomes

Step 3: Application Submission

Submit proposal through Australian host institution.

Step 4: Evaluation Process

Applications assessed on:

• Research quality
• Collaboration strength
• Career development impact
• Relevance to health sciences

Step 5: Funding Decision

Successful applicants receive mobility funding support.

Step 6: Research Visit Implementation

US researcher visits Australia for 14–28 days in 2027.

Step 7: Knowledge Sharing and Impact

Outcomes include strengthened collaboration and research development.

Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)

This initiative strengthens global health research by:

• Supporting early-career researcher development in Australia
• Enhancing international collaboration in health sciences
• Improving cancer and biomedical research outcomes
• Promoting hands-on scientific training and mentorship
• Building long-term Australia–USA research partnerships
• Accelerating knowledge exchange between institutions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a qualified US senior researcher
• Proposing virtual-only collaboration (not eligible)
• Missing early-career eligibility requirements
• Requesting non-eligible costs (bench fees, overheads, etc.)
• Weak justification for in-person visit necessity
• Lack of clear professional development outcomes

Tips for a Strong Application

• Secure strong US research partner early
• Focus on clear career development outcomes
• Emphasize hands-on training and collaboration
• Align project with health or cancer research priorities
• Clearly justify why in-person visit is essential
• Include structured 14–28 day activity plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this program?

Australian PhD candidates or early-career researchers within 5 years of PhD completion.

2. What is the funding amount?

Up to A$5,000 (GST exclusive).

3. What is the duration of the visit?

Between 14 and 28 days in 2027.

4. Who visits whom?

A senior US researcher visits an Australian institution.

5. What research areas are supported?

Health-related natural sciences, with preference for cancer research.

6. What costs are covered?

Airfare and living allowance only.

7. Is accommodation covered?

No, accommodation must be provided by the Australian host institution.

Conclusion

The Australia–USA Mobility Fund is a targeted research collaboration program that strengthens health science capacity in Australia by enabling short-term visits from senior US researchers. By supporting hands-on training, mentorship, and joint research activities, it enhances early-career development and builds long-term international partnerships in health and cancer research.