Apply Now: Mental Health Translational Research Grants 2026 (Australia)

The Mental Health Translational Research Grants support Western Australian researchers in advancing evidence-based approaches that improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes. The programme provides grants of up to $600,000 excluding GST for projects that translate research findings into practical health policies, services, and interventions over a period of up to 36 months.

Overview of the Mental Health Translational Research Grants

The Mental Health Translational Research Grants provide targeted funding to support researchers and research teams in Western Australia working to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

The programme focuses on translating mental health research into real-world applications by supporting evidence-based models, health policy development, workforce improvement, and stronger partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, and communities.

The grants aim to accelerate the implementation of the Mental Health Strategy by supporting projects that address priority mental health challenges across Western Australia.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The main purpose of the Mental Health Translational Research Grants is to help researchers move evidence-based ideas from research settings into practical mental health services and systems.

The programme supports:

Translation of research findings into health policy and practice.
Development and implementation of evidence-based mental health models.
Prevention of mental illness and promotion of wellbeing.
Collaboration between universities, research institutes, and health services.
Strengthening of the mental health workforce.
Improvement of safe, sustainable, and contemporary mental healthcare.
Growth of Western Australia’s mental health research capability.

Why This Funding Matters

Mental health challenges require solutions that are supported by strong evidence and can be effectively implemented in communities.

This funding helps bridge the gap between research and practice by supporting projects that:

Improve access to effective mental health services.
Strengthen healthcare systems.
Support innovation in mental health treatment and prevention.
Build partnerships between researchers and service providers.
Improve long-term mental health outcomes for Western Australians.

Research Priorities and Focus Areas

The programme supports research activities aligned with Western Australia’s Mental Health Strategy and broader health research priorities.

Priority areas include:

Evidence-based mental health interventions.
Mental illness prevention approaches.
Mental health service improvement.
Research-policy-practice partnerships.
Workforce capability development.
Implementation science.
Sustainable models of mental healthcare.
Research capacity building within Western Australia.

The programme also aligns with FHRI Fund Strategy priorities, including:

Strategic Theme 1: Connect and Collaborate
- Priority 1: Empower Pathways and Collaboration.
- Priority 2: Inspire Impact.
Strategic Theme 3: Foundational Confidence
- Priority 7: Retain early to mid-career researchers.

Funding Amount and Duration

Successful applicants can receive:

Up to $600,000 excluding GST.
Funding duration of up to 36 months.

The grant provides one-off funding to support activities that accelerate implementation of evidence-based mental health approaches.

Funding may support research activities, project implementation, collaboration, workforce development, and translation of findings into practice.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The programme is open to eligible Western Australian research organisations and teams working in mental health research and implementation.

Applicants must include a Responsible Entity and an Activity Lead who meet the programme requirements.

Responsible Entity Requirements

The Responsible Entity must:

Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
Have a physical and operational presence in Western Australia.
Meet all requirements outlined in the programme guidelines.

The Responsible Entity must also demonstrate financial sustainability and cannot rely entirely on grant funding as its only financial source.

Activity Lead Requirements

The Activity Lead must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the programme guidelines.

Requirements may include:

Meeting citizenship or residency requirements.
Holding appropriate work rights where applicable.
Meeting project leadership responsibilities.
Completing reporting obligations.
Leading eligible project activities.

An Activity Lead:

Cannot be listed on more than two applications.
May participate as a team member on multiple applications.

Ineligible Applicants and Activities

Applications may not be eligible if they:

Fail to meet programme eligibility requirements.
Provide incomplete or misleading information.
Duplicate existing activities.
Are submitted after the deadline.
Do not align with the Mental Health Strategy priorities.

Organisations involved in industries producing products or services that may contribute to poor physical health or mental wellbeing are also not eligible.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow the programme guidelines and prepare a complete application package.

Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal

Applicants should clearly explain:

The mental health challenge being addressed.
Research objectives.
Evidence base supporting the approach.
Implementation strategy.
Expected outcomes and impact.

Step 2: Establish the Research Team

Applicants should identify:

Responsible Entity.
Activity Lead.
Research team members.
Health service or community partners where relevant.

Step 3: Demonstrate Translation and Impact

Applications should explain how research findings will be converted into:

Health policies.
Clinical practices.
Community interventions.
Improved mental health services.

Step 4: Submit Application According to Guidelines

Applicants must ensure:

All required information is included.
Eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Supporting documents are provided.
Submission is completed before the deadline.

Assessment and Decision Process

Applications will be assessed according to programme requirements and strategic alignment.

Assessment may consider:

Research quality.
Relevance to Western Australian mental health priorities.
Potential community impact.
Evidence-based approach.
Implementation feasibility.
Research team capability.
Partnership strength.

The Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) may request additional information during the assessment process.

OMRI reserves the right to make final decisions regarding eligibility and funding outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects that are not directly related to mental health improvement.
Failing to explain how research will be translated into practice.
Providing incomplete eligibility information.
Not demonstrating Western Australian relevance.
Applying with activities that duplicate existing programmes.
Missing submission deadlines.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly linking the project to Mental Health Strategy priorities.
Demonstrating measurable outcomes.
Highlighting collaboration between researchers and health services.
Explaining how findings will benefit Western Australian communities.
Including experienced researchers and implementation partners.
Providing a realistic timeline and sustainability plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Mental Health Translational Research Grants?

The Mental Health Translational Research Grants provide funding for Western Australian researchers to convert mental health research into evidence-based policies, services, and interventions.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants can receive up to $600,000 excluding GST for projects lasting up to 36 months.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include research organisations and teams with a Responsible Entity that has an active ABN and operational presence in Western Australia.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects focused on mental health research translation, evidence-based interventions, prevention, workforce development, and improved mental healthcare models.

Can an Activity Lead submit multiple applications?

An Activity Lead cannot be named on more than two applications but may participate as a team member on additional applications.

What can make an application ineligible?

Applications may be rejected if they contain incomplete information, duplicate existing activities, fail eligibility requirements, or are submitted after the deadline.

Does the grant support international or non-Western Australian organisations?

The Responsible Entity must have a physical and operational presence in Western Australia.

Conclusion

The Mental Health Translational Research Grants provide significant support for researchers working to improve mental health outcomes across Western Australia.

By funding evidence-based research translation, workforce development, and innovative mental health approaches, the programme aims to strengthen healthcare systems and create lasting improvements in community wellbeing. Eligible researchers and organisations are encouraged to develop impactful projects aligned with Western Australia’s Mental Health Strategy.