Clinician Scientist – Individual Research Grant Program (Singapore)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant (CS-IRG) provides funding support for clinician scientists conducting high-quality medical research with the potential to improve healthcare outcomes.

The programme supports investigator-led research projects that aim to:

• Develop innovative therapies.
• Create new diagnostic approaches.
• Test novel healthcare interventions.
• Address unmet healthcare needs.
• Advance medical knowledge through translational research.

The grant is designed to strengthen clinician-led research and promote internationally competitive medical science.

Purpose of the CS-IRG Programme

The CS-IRG aims to support researchers who bridge clinical practice and scientific discovery.

The programme encourages research that connects:

• Laboratory discoveries with patient care.
• Scientific innovation with healthcare solutions.
• Clinical challenges with evidence-based interventions.

Supported projects may include:

• Investigator-initiated clinical trials.
• Translational medical research.
• Basic biomedical research.
• Clinical research studies.

Research Areas Supported

The CS-IRG accepts applications across all research themes.

Eligible research areas include:

• Basic biomedical research.
• Clinical research.
• Translational research.
• Medical technology development.
• Novel therapies.
• Diagnostic innovations.
• Healthcare interventions.

Applicants should demonstrate how their research addresses important healthcare needs and has potential for meaningful patient impact.

Funding Amount and Project Duration

The CS-IRG provides:

• Maximum funding: Up to S$2.028 million per project.
• Project duration: Up to five years.
• Indirect costs: Up to 30% of eligible costs.

Important funding conditions:

• Indirect costs are not applicable to research scholarship budgets.
• Each project must have one Principal Investigator.
• Funding supports investigator-led research activities.

Who Can Apply?

The CS-IRG is intended for clinician scientists and healthcare researchers with strong research potential.

Eligible applicants include:

• Medical professionals.
• Dental professionals.
• Nurses.
• Pharmacists.
• Optometrists.
• Allied health professionals.
• Researchers involved in human clinical research.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Independent research capability.
• Strong scientific track record.
• Ability to lead research projects.
• Commitment to advancing healthcare through research.

Principal Investigator Requirements

Each application must be led by one Principal Investigator (PI).

The PI must:

• Hold a salaried primary appointment at a public healthcare institution or autonomous university in Singapore.
• Maintain at least nine months of employment per calendar year with a local public institution.
• Demonstrate an independent research track record.
• Have the expertise required to lead the proposed research project.

Each applicant:

• Can submit only one application per grant call.
• Must be the sole Principal Investigator for the submitted application.

Eligibility Requirements for Medical and Dental Professionals

Medical and dental applicants must hold recognised professional qualifications.

Eligible qualifications include:

• MBBS.
• MD.
• BDS.
• Equivalent recognised medical or dental qualifications.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Research leadership experience.
• Scientific achievements.
• Ability to conduct internationally competitive research.

Eligibility Requirements for Other Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals without medical or dental qualifications may apply if they meet research requirements.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Nurses.
• Pharmacists.
• Optometrists.
• Other allied health professionals.

Requirements include:

• A PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Appropriate institutional appointment.
• Demonstrated research capability.

Eligibility for Non-Clinical Researchers

Non-clinically qualified or non-practising healthcare professionals may also be considered.

Applications may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if:

• The proposed research involves human clinical research.
• The applicant holds a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• The applicant meets institutional appointment requirements.

Eligibility for A*STAR Clinician Scientist Scholars

Researchers supported under Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Clinician Scientist scholarship pathways may apply.

Eligible scholars include those under:

• MBBS-PhD schemes.
• MD-PhD schemes.
• National Science Scholarship programmes.

Applicants must:

• Hold the required appointments in Singapore.
• Submit applications through a recognised host institution.
• Apply through a public healthcare institution or autonomous university.

NMRC Talent Award Recipient Exemption

Recipients of National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Talent Awards are exempt from the standard appointment requirement.

This exemption recognises prior achievement and research leadership among award recipients.

How the CS-IRG Application Works

Applicants should follow these key steps:

Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal

Applicants should prepare a proposal that clearly explains:

• Research objectives.
• Scientific background.
• Healthcare problem being addressed.
• Research methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Potential patient benefits.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

• Hold the required qualifications.
• Have an eligible institutional appointment.
• Meet research experience requirements.
• Are able to serve as the sole Principal Investigator.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Applications should demonstrate:

• Research achievements.
• Publication record.
• Previous research leadership.
• Clinical or translational research experience.
• Ability to deliver the proposed project.

Step 4: Submit Through the Host Institution

Applications must be submitted through the applicant’s eligible host institution.

The host institution supports:

• Institutional endorsement.
• Research governance.
• Administrative requirements.

Why the CS-IRG Grant Matters

The CS-IRG plays an important role in advancing clinician-led innovation.

The programme helps researchers:

• Translate scientific discoveries into healthcare solutions.
• Develop new treatments and diagnostics.
• Conduct impactful clinical research.
• Strengthen healthcare innovation.
• Improve patient outcomes.

Supporting clinician scientists helps create stronger links between research laboratories and healthcare settings.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without clear clinical relevance.
• Applying without meeting appointment requirements.
• Failing to demonstrate independent research capability.
• Submitting more than one application in the same grant call.
• Proposing projects without translational potential.
• Ignoring qualification requirements.

Tips for a Strong CS-IRG Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the healthcare impact of the research.
• Highlight previous scientific achievements.
• Demonstrate independence as a researcher.
• Present a strong translational pathway.
• Explain how the project addresses unmet healthcare needs.
• Develop a realistic research plan and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CS-IRG grant?

The Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant supports clinician scientists conducting internationally competitive medical research, including clinical trials and translational research projects.

How much funding is available under CS-IRG?

The grant provides up to S$2.028 million per project for research lasting up to five years.

What types of research are supported?

The grant supports basic, clinical, and translational research across all healthcare themes, including therapies, interventions, diagnostics, and investigator-initiated clinical trials.

Who can apply for the CS-IRG?

Eligible applicants include medical professionals, dentists, allied health professionals, and selected researchers involved in human clinical research who meet qualification and appointment requirements.

Can an applicant submit multiple applications?

No. Each applicant may submit only one application per grant call.

Is a PhD required for all applicants?

No. Medical and dental professionals may qualify through recognised medical degrees such as MBBS, MD, or BDS. Other healthcare professionals generally require a PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.

Are A*STAR Clinician Scientist scholars eligible?

Yes. A*STAR Clinician Scientist scholars under MBBS-PhD or MD-PhD schemes may apply if they meet appointment requirements and submit through an eligible host institution.

Conclusion

The Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant (CS-IRG) provides significant support for researchers developing innovative healthcare solutions through basic, clinical, and translational research.

With funding of up to S$2.028 million and support for projects lasting up to five years, the programme enables clinician scientists to pursue impactful research, develop new therapies and diagnostics, and address important healthcare challenges. Eligible applicants should demonstrate research independence, clinical relevance, and strong potential for improving patient care.

For more information, visit NMRC.