Targeted Call for Elite Researcher Grant (Australia)

The Elite Researcher Grant provides up to $750,000 to support internationally recognized researchers who are currently living and working outside Australia and are willing to relocate to New South Wales (NSW). Administered by NSW Health, the program strengthens the state’s research excellence by attracting global research leaders to conduct innovative projects in health, medical, biomedical, clinical, and data science disciplines.

About the Elite Researcher Grant

The Elite Researcher Grant is a prestigious funding program established by NSW Health to attract exceptional international researchers to New South Wales, Australia. The initiative is designed to position NSW as a global hub for scientific discovery, medical innovation, and health research by supporting internationally respected researchers who can bring new expertise, leadership, and collaborative opportunities to the state’s research ecosystem.

The program promotes cutting-edge research that addresses major health and scientific challenges while strengthening NSW’s long-term research capacity. By attracting elite global talent, the grant encourages knowledge exchange, international collaboration, and the translation of research findings into improved healthcare policies, clinical practice, and community outcomes.

Grant Value

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to $750,000 for an approved research project.

The host organisation must provide a minimum 50% co-contribution of the total grant funding.

Grant Objectives

The Elite Researcher Grant aims to:

• Attract internationally recognized researchers to New South Wales.
• Strengthen NSW’s global research competitiveness.
• Build research leadership and institutional capacity.
• Promote innovative and high-impact health and medical research.
• Encourage international scientific collaboration.
• Support research translation into healthcare policy and clinical practice.
• Generate long-term economic, scientific, and societal benefits for NSW.

Research Areas Supported

The grant supports pioneering research across a broad range of disciplines, including:

• Basic science
• Biomedical research
• Clinical medicine
• Health services research
• Data science
• Population health
• Translational health research
• Development of novel therapeutics
• Public health innovation
• Health system improvement
• Medical research with significant societal impact

Projects should demonstrate scientific excellence, innovation, and strong potential for improving healthcare outcomes.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

• Must currently live and work outside Australia.
• Must be willing to relocate to New South Wales (NSW) for the duration of the grant.
• Must be nominated by an eligible NSW host organisation.
• Must be an internationally recognized leader in their research field.
• Must demonstrate the ability to lead high-performing research teams.
• Must have a strong record of securing competitive research funding.
• Must contribute to research leadership, mentoring, and capacity building within NSW.
• Must conduct the funded research within New South Wales.

Host Organisation Requirements

The NSW host organisation must:

• Nominate the researcher.
• Provide at least 50% co-contribution toward the total project funding.
• Support the research environment and project delivery.
• Approve the research proposal before submission.
• Assist with project governance and reporting requirements.

Eligible Research Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

• Innovative scientific research.
• Biomedical and clinical investigations.
• Health services research.
• Data-driven health innovation.
• Population health studies.
• Translational research.
• Development of new therapies.
• Research collaboration and leadership activities.
• Building research capability within NSW institutions.

Ineligible Expenses

Grant funding cannot be used for:

• Capital works.
• Building construction or renovations.
• General maintenance.
• Organisational infrastructure.
• Institutional overheads.
• Communication systems.
• Standard office equipment.
• Office rent.
• Utility costs.
• Research activities conducted outside New South Wales.

In addition, projects focused exclusively on cardiovascular health or cancer are generally not eligible unless cancer is included as an example within a broader research program.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps.

1. Confirm eligibility as an internationally based researcher.
2. Identify and secure nomination from an eligible NSW host organisation.
3. Develop a detailed research proposal aligned with the program objectives.
4. Prepare a comprehensive research protocol.
5. Obtain formal approval from the host organisation.
6. Ensure the host organisation commits the required co-contribution.
7. Complete the online application through SmartyGrants.
8. Upload all required supporting documents.
9. Submit the application before the closing date.
10. Respond to any additional information requests during assessment if required.

Application Requirements

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Completed SmartyGrants application.
• Research proposal.
• Detailed research protocol.
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating research excellence.
• Evidence of international research leadership.
• Host organisation nomination.
• Host organisation approval.
• Budget and funding information.
• Supporting documentation requested by NSW Health.

Selection Process

Applications undergo a competitive assessment process that includes:

• Eligibility screening.
• Administrative compliance review.
• Independent expert panel assessment.
• Evaluation of scientific quality and innovation.
• Assessment of research impact and feasibility.
• Review of applicant leadership and international reputation.
• Final funding approval by NSW Health.

Successful applicants will enter into a formal funding agreement before the project begins.

Why This Grant Matters

The Elite Researcher Grant represents a major investment in Australia’s research future by attracting globally recognized scientific leaders to New South Wales.

The program helps:

• Increase international research collaboration.
• Strengthen NSW’s scientific reputation.
• Advance medical and health innovation.
• Build research leadership within local institutions.
• Improve translation of research into healthcare practice.
• Support economic growth through innovation.
• Develop the next generation of researchers through mentoring and leadership.
• Enhance evidence-based healthcare policy and services.

By bringing internationally renowned researchers to NSW, the program contributes to long-term scientific excellence and improved health outcomes.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid these common errors.

• Applying without meeting overseas residency requirements.
• Failing to secure nomination from an eligible NSW host organisation.
• Submitting an incomplete research protocol.
• Providing an unrealistic budget.
• Forgetting evidence of the required host organisation co-contribution.
• Proposing research outside the eligible research areas.
• Including ineligible project costs.
• Failing to demonstrate international research leadership.
• Submitting the application after the deadline.

A well-prepared application should clearly demonstrate research excellence, innovation, feasibility, leadership capability, and the expected benefits to New South Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Elite Researcher Grant?

The Elite Researcher Grant is a competitive funding program administered by NSW Health to attract internationally recognized researchers to relocate to New South Wales and conduct world-class research.

How much funding is available?

Each successful project may receive up to $750,000, with the host organisation providing at least a 50% co-contribution.

Who can apply?

Elite researchers who currently live and work outside Australia, are willing to relocate to NSW, and are nominated by an eligible NSW host organisation.

What research fields are supported?

The program supports research in basic science, biomedical research, clinical medicine, health services research, data science, population health, translational research, and novel therapeutics.

Can funding be used for infrastructure or office expenses?

No. The grant cannot be used for capital works, infrastructure, office equipment, rent, utilities, overheads, or research conducted outside NSW.

How are applications assessed?

Applications undergo eligibility checks, expert panel review, scientific assessment, and final approval by NSW Health based on research excellence, innovation, leadership, and potential impact.

How are successful applicants notified?

Researchers selected for funding receive approval from NSW Health and enter into a standard funding agreement with their host organisation before commencing the project.

Conclusion

The Elite Researcher Grant offers an outstanding opportunity for internationally recognized researchers to relocate to New South Wales, Australia, and lead transformative research with funding of up to $750,000. By attracting global scientific talent, fostering international collaboration, and supporting groundbreaking research across multiple health and medical disciplines, the program strengthens NSW’s position as a world-leading centre for innovation, research excellence, and evidence-based healthcare.