Request for Proposals: Project Grant Program (New Zealand)

The Auckland Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) Project Grant Program funds high-quality biomedical, clinical, and population health research that improves the health of New Zealanders. Grants of up to NZD 200,000 are available for projects lasting up to two years and are open to eligible institutions in the greater Auckland and Northland region.

The Auckland Medical Research Foundation Project Grant Program supports rigorous, impactful research across biomedical science, bioengineering, clinical research, and public and population health. The program prioritizes studies with clear relevance to New Zealand’s health needs and strong potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Program Objectives

The AMRF Project Grant Program aims to:

• Support high-quality, investigator-led health research

• Advance biomedical and clinical innovation

• Improve public and population health outcomes in New Zealand

• Fund research with clear scientific merit and translational potential

Funding Amount and Duration

Grant value and tenure:

• Maximum grant amount: NZD 200,000

• Maximum duration: Up to two years

• Number of grants: Approximately 14 awards per round, subject to available funds and application quality
  Projects must commence after the official decision date of the funding round.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is restricted to researchers based at recognized institutions in:

• Greater Auckland

• Northland
  Principal Investigator (PI) requirements:

• Must hold tenure or an employment contract covering the full grant period

• Alternatively, must provide a formal letter confirming future contract support if funding is awarded
  Applicants may appear on up to two proposals per round under AMRF conditions but may hold only one active AMRF project grant as PI at any time.

Eligible Research Areas

The program supports:

• Biomedical research

• Bioengineering

• Clinical research, including clinical trials

• Public health research

• Population health research
  All projects must demonstrate relevance to improving health outcomes for New Zealanders.

Clinical Trial-Specific Requirements

Applications involving clinical trials must meet additional standards, including:

• A clearly defined and robust study protocol

• Appropriate clinical trial registration

• Demonstrated relevance to New Zealand’s health system and population

• Clear budgeting aligned with trial activities

• Well-defined team roles and governance structures

Writing and Application Guidelines

Applicants must follow AMRF’s detailed writing guidelines to ensure:

• Clarity for specialist scientific referees

• Accessibility for a broad medical review committee
  Curriculum vitae requirements:

• CVs must follow the standard New Zealand MSI format

• Content must be concise and limited to relevant information

Equity, Ethics, and Research Integrity

Applicants must:

• Disclose any conflicts of interest, especially those involving potential commercial benefit

• Justify why public-good funding is appropriate where commercial interests exist
  AMRF aligns with NIH expectations on sex as a biological variable:

• Studies should include both sexes where appropriate

• Single-sex studies must be scientifically justified with evidence

What the AMRF Does Not Fund

The AMRF does not support:

• Institutional overheads

• Major equipment purchases over NZD 5,000

• Standard office costs or computers

• Conference travel

• Undergraduate or Master’s student projects

• PhD stipends

• Retrospective or already-commenced research costs

Application Limits and Resubmissions

Key restrictions include:

• Individuals may be named on up to two applications per round

• Only one active AMRF project grant as PI is allowed at any time

• Only one resubmission of a previously unsuccessful application is permitted

• A third application must be based on a new or substantially revised hypothesis

• PhD or MD students may only be listed as co-applicants

Joint Funding and Top-Up Requests

• Applications seeking direct top-up funding for larger grants are a low priority

• Exceptions may be considered if the research is clearly standalone and identifiable as an AMRF-funded project

• Joint funding for new, well-defined applications may be considered

Financial Timing and Future Eligibility

The AMRF notes that:

• Grants with high expenditure over a shortened timeframe may affect eligibility for future rounds

• Applicants may be restricted from reapplying until the equivalent two-year duration has passed

Why This Grant Matters

The AMRF Project Grant Program is significant because it:

• Funds independent, investigator-driven research

• Strengthens Auckland and Northland’s health research ecosystem

• Supports translational research with real-world health impact

• Encourages scientific rigor, transparency, and ethical responsibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without eligible institutional affiliation

• Proposing projects that start before the funding decision date

• Including ineligible budget items such as overheads or major equipment

• Submitting non-compliant CVs or unclear applications

• Failing to disclose conflicts of interest

• Submitting multiple resubmissions without substantial revision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum AMRF Project Grant amount?
Up to NZD 200,000 for a maximum of two years.
Who can apply?
Researchers at recognized institutions in the greater Auckland and Northland region with eligible employment contracts.
How many grants are awarded each round?
Approximately 14, depending on funding availability and proposal quality.
Can I be listed on more than one application?
Yes, up to two per round, but only one active grant as PI is allowed.
Does AMRF fund PhD stipends or major equipment?
No, PhD stipends and equipment over NZD 5,000 are not funded.
Are clinical trials allowed?
Yes, provided they meet AMRF protocol, registration, and relevance requirements.
Can unsuccessful applications be resubmitted?
Yes, one resubmission is allowed; further attempts must be substantially revised.

Conclusion

The Auckland Medical Research Foundation Project Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity for researchers committed to improving health outcomes in New Zealand. By supporting high-quality, well-governed research without funding overheads or infrastructure costs, AMRF ensures that public and philanthropic investment delivers measurable scientific and societal benefit.