CFAs: Research Infrastructure Support Program 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 24-Feb-2026

The Office of Medical Research and Innovation is inviting grant applications under its Research Infrastructure Program to support the indirect costs of delivering high-quality health and medical research in Western Australia. The program provides up to AUD 10 million in funding for eligible Responsible Entities during the 2026 calendar year. Funding aims to strengthen research capacity, promote excellence, and support research translation, commercialisation, and workforce growth across the WA research sector.

Programme Overview

The Research Infrastructure Program is a Western Australia–based funding initiative designed to support the indirect and enabling costs of health and medical research.

Rather than funding individual research projects, the program supports the systems, staff, facilities, and infrastructure that allow high-quality research to be delivered effectively and sustainably.

The program is administered by the Office of Medical Research and Innovation and targets eligible Responsible Entities operating within Western Australia.

Programme Objectives

The program aims to build a strong and sustainable research ecosystem in Western Australia.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting indirect research costs such as administrative, technical, and support staff

• Funding the operation of research facilities, services, and equipment

• Building a sustainable foundation for research development and growth

• Strengthening research translation and commercialisation pathways

• Promoting excellence in health and medical research in Western Australia

• Increasing the capacity of the WA research sector to deliver world-class research

• Attracting and retaining high-quality researchers

• Creating skilled employment opportunities

• Increasing competitiveness in national and international research funding

Funding Amount and Duration

The Research Infrastructure Program provides funding of up to AUD 10 million, excluding GST.

Key funding parameters include:

• Funding period: 12 months

• Activity timeframe: 2026 calendar year

• Funding supports operational and infrastructure-related research costs

Grant funding must complement, not replace, the organisation’s overall financial base.

Funding Streams and Allocation

Funding is delivered through two distinct streams, with allocations based on eligible organisation types.

Stream 1: Medical Research Institutes, Universities, and Hospitals

Total funding pool: AUD 17.5 million

• Stream 1A

  • AUD 10 million

  • Available to medical research institutes only

• Stream 1B

  • AUD 7.5 million

  • Available to medical research institutes, universities, and hospitals

Eligible recipients receive a percentage of the relevant funding pool, calculated in accordance with program guidelines.

Stream 2: Broader Health Research Sector

Total funding pool: AUD 7.5 million

Eligible applicants include:

• Medical research institutes

• Universities

• Health service providers

• Public-private partnership providers

• Private hospitals

As with Stream 1, funding is allocated as a percentage of the relevant pool.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Only organisations that meet all eligibility criteria may apply.

Core Eligibility Requirements for Responsible Entities

Applicants must:

• Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Have a physical and operational presence in Western Australia

• Be one of the following:

  • WA university

  • WA medical research institute

  • WA health service provider

  • Private hospital

  • WA public-private partnership provider

• Have appropriate financial and accounting arrangements

• Have no overdue reports from previous related funding programs

• Not operate in industries that contribute to poor physical health or mental wellbeing

• Ensure grant funding does not represent the entire financial base of the organisation

Additional Eligibility by Organisation Type

Medical Research Institutes

Medical research institutes must:

• Be legally established in Western Australia

• Operate as a distinct legal and operational entity

• Have secure research premises

• Employ a Scientific Director

• Demonstrate a consistent record of peer-reviewed grant funding

Universities

Universities must:

• Be registered with TEQSA

• Operate a local campus in Western Australia

• Oversee health and medical research through a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent

Health Service Providers, Private Hospitals, and PPP Providers

These organisations must:

• Deliver health services in Western Australia

• Oversee research through a Director of Research or equivalent senior role

• Submit applications at the appropriate organisational level, not individual departments

How the Program Works

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm organisational eligibility under the appropriate funding stream

2. Identify eligible indirect research costs to be supported

3. Prepare financial and governance documentation

4. Submit the application in line with official program instructions

5. Applications are assessed for eligibility, capacity, and alignment with program objectives

6. Successful applicants receive funding for approved activities during 2026

Assessment and Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility compliance

• Organisational capacity and governance

• Contribution to research excellence in Western Australia

• Support for research workforce and infrastructure

• Alignment with program objectives

• Financial sustainability and accountability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a physical operational presence in Western Australia

• Submitting applications with overdue reports from previous programs

• Requesting funding that represents the organisation’s entire financial base

• Failing to meet organisation-specific eligibility requirements

• Submitting applications at an incorrect organisational level

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the Research Infrastructure Program fund?

The program funds indirect research costs such as staff support, facilities, services, and research equipment operations.

Does the program fund individual research projects?

No. It supports research infrastructure and enabling costs, not specific research projects.

How long is the funding period?

Funding supports activities over a 12-month period during the 2026 calendar year.

Who can apply as a Responsible Entity?

Eligible entities include WA universities, medical research institutes, health service providers, private hospitals, and public-private partnership providers.

Are private hospitals eligible?

Yes. Private hospitals delivering health services in Western Australia may apply under the relevant stream.

Can grant funding be the sole income source for the organisation?

No. Grant funding must not represent the entire financial base of the organisation.

Are different eligibility rules applied to different organisations?

Yes. Additional requirements apply depending on whether the applicant is a medical research institute, university, or health service provider.

Why This Program Matters

High-quality health and medical research depends on strong infrastructure, skilled staff, and sustainable support systems.

By funding indirect research costs, the Research Infrastructure Program strengthens Western Australia’s research ecosystem, improves competitiveness, and accelerates translation of research into health, economic, and social benefits.

Conclusion

The Research Infrastructure Program offers critical support for organisations delivering health and medical research in Western Australia.

Through flexible funding streams and a focus on sustainability, workforce development, and excellence, the program plays a key role in enabling world-class research outcomes and long-term growth of the WA research sector.

For more information, visit Government of Western Australia.