Deadline: 14-Jul-2026

The National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative funds the development and expansion of essential health and medical research infrastructure in Australia. With four targeted streams—Innovation Enablers, Digitisation of Health Care, Co-Investment Partnerships, and mRNA Technology Enablers—the program invests $85 million over two years to advance world-class research and address unmet medical needs.

Overview of the Initiative

The National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative supports the establishment and extension of research infrastructure critical to advancing world-class health and medical research in Australia. The program targets areas of unmet medical need and aims to enhance researcher capacity, capability, and innovation in health sciences.

Program Streams and Focus Areas

Applicants may apply to only one of the four streams, which are:

Stream 1: Innovation Enablers

• Supports development and expansion of research resources such as:

  • Biobanks and tissue repositories

  • Novel platforms and research tools

  • Secure health data environments

• Goal: Create valuable research assets to advance innovative health solutions

• Funding: $12 million (2026-27), $15 million (2027-28)

Stream 2: Digitisation of Health Care

• Focuses on integrating artificial intelligence technologies into health applications

• Encourages:

  • Cross-sector collaboration

  • Consumer engagement in research

  • Workforce capacity building

• Funding: $6 million (2026-27), $15 million (2027-28)

Stream 3: Co-Investment Partnerships

• Encourages cash co-investment with research institutions, state/territory governments, or industry

• Supports development of infrastructure, personnel, and equipment that:

  • Enhances research capacity and capability

  • Addresses areas of unmet medical need

• Funding: $9.97 million (2026-27), $18.03 million (2027-28)

Stream 4: mRNA Technology Enablers

• Leverages emerging mRNA platforms, technologies, and equipment

• Aims to accelerate development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics

• Funding: $4 million (2026-27), $5 million (2027-28)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Be incorporated in Australia

• Fall under categories defined in Section 24 of the MRFF Act 2015, including:

  • Medical research institutes

  • Universities

  • Corporate Commonwealth entities

  • Corporations (including businesses and not-for-profits)

Funding Details

• Total funding: $85 million over 2026–2028

• Each applicant may submit to only one stream

• Applicants must clearly indicate the chosen stream in their application

How to Apply

1. Select the appropriate stream for your project

2. Prepare a detailed proposal addressing the stream’s focus and objectives

3. Ensure the applicant organization meets eligibility criteria

4. Include project details such as infrastructure needs, innovation potential, and anticipated impact on health research

5. Submit the application according to the program’s official guidelines

Why It Matters

The initiative:

• Strengthens Australia’s research infrastructure in health and medicine

• Addresses areas of unmet medical need

• Promotes innovation and collaboration across sectors

• Enhances researcher capacity, capability, and effectiveness

• Supports the development of cutting-edge technologies, including mRNA platforms and AI-based healthcare solutions

FAQs

1. How many streams can an applicant apply to?
   Only one stream per application is allowed.

2. What are the four program streams?

• Innovation Enablers

• Digitisation of Health Care

• Co-Investment Partnerships

• mRNA Technology Enablers

3. Who is eligible to apply?
   Applicants must have an ABN, be incorporated in Australia, and fall under Section 24 of the MRFF Act 2015 (universities, research institutes, corporate Commonwealth entities, corporations).

4. How much funding is available?
   Total program funding is $85 million over two years, with stream-specific allocations.

5. What is the goal of the initiative?
   To advance world-class health and medical research by developing critical research infrastructure that addresses unmet medical needs.

6. Can projects involve mRNA technologies?
   Yes, Stream 4 specifically funds emerging mRNA platforms and equipment to accelerate vaccines and therapeutics development.

7. Does the program support AI in healthcare?
   Yes, Stream 2 focuses on integrating AI technologies into health applications, cross-sector collaboration, and consumer engagement.

Conclusion

The National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative provides strategic investment to strengthen Australia’s health and medical research ecosystem. Through targeted funding streams, it enables researchers to build innovative infrastructure, implement emerging technologies, and address critical unmet medical needs, ensuring Australia maintains global leadership in health innovation.

For more information, visit Australian Government.