CFPs: Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (Singapore)

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) supports early-career researchers in Singapore to establish independent research careers in population health. The grant provides up to S$270,400 for projects lasting up to three years, helping new investigators generate evidence and build the experience needed to secure future national-level research funding.

About the Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG)

The PHRG-NIG is designed to support new investigators conducting their first independent research projects in population health. The grant serves as a pathway for researchers to develop their research capability, establish independence, and compete successfully for larger national research grants in the future.

The program supports innovative research that improves health outcomes through health promotion, disease prevention, and stronger healthcare systems.

Program Objectives

The grant aims to:

• Support early-career researchers in establishing independent research careers.
• Promote high-quality population health research.
• Strengthen health promotion and preventive healthcare.
• Improve health services and healthcare delivery.
• Generate evidence for healthcare policy and practice.
• Build research capacity within Singapore’s public health sector.
• Prepare investigators for future national competitive research funding.

Research Areas

The PHRG-NIG supports research under two main areas:

• Health Promotion and Preventive Health.
• Health Services Research.

Priority Research Themes

Priority research topics include:

• Mental health.
• Maternal and child health.
• Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
• Emerging health technologies.
• Care for complex patients.
• Sustainable healthcare systems.
• Palliative care.
• Traditional and complementary medicine.
• Health systems research.
• Rehabilitation.
• Caregiver support.
• Real-world safety and effectiveness of medicines.
• Vaccine effectiveness.
• Health technology evaluation.

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive:

• Funding of up to S$270,400 per project.
• Funding includes up to 30% indirect costs.
• Indirect costs are not applicable to the Research Scholarship budget.
• Project duration of up to three years.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Hold an MBBS, BDS, PharmD, MD, PhD, or another relevant postgraduate qualification of at least a Master’s degree.
• Hold a primary appointment at a local public institution.
• Be salaried by a local public institution from the time the grant is awarded.
• Be employed for at least nine months each calendar year at one or more local public institutions.
• Lead the project as the sole Principal Investigator.
• Submit only one application per grant type during a grant call.

New Investigator Requirements

The grant is specifically intended for researchers who are beginning independent research careers.

Applicants must:

• Be new investigators establishing independent research.
• Not have previously received external competitive funding exceeding S$500,000 in direct costs as the Principal Investigator for their own research project.
• Work with an experienced research mentor.
• Ensure the proposed project represents their own independent research and is not an extension of the mentor’s research program.

Applicants with substantial independent research experience are not eligible for this funding category.

Role of the Mentor

Each applicant must have a mentor who will:

• Provide scientific guidance and career development support.
• Advise on research methodology and project implementation.
• Help strengthen the investigator’s research capability.
• Support independent career development without directing the project.

The funded research must remain the new investigator’s independent work.

Why This Grant Matters

The transition from trainee to independent researcher can be challenging due to limited funding opportunities. The PHRG-NIG provides early-career investigators with the resources needed to establish research independence, develop competitive research portfolios, and generate evidence that improves population health and healthcare systems.

The program also strengthens future research leadership within Singapore’s healthcare and public health sectors.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Develop an independent research proposal within the eligible research areas.
2. Identify an experienced mentor who will support your research development.
3. Prepare a detailed research plan and project budget.
4. Demonstrate the innovation, feasibility, and expected impact of your project.
5. Confirm that all eligibility requirements are met.
6. Submit the completed application before the official deadline.

Application Tips

To improve your application:

• Clearly demonstrate your independence as a researcher.
• Select a research question with strong public health relevance.
• Develop a robust and feasible study methodology.
• Explain how the project will contribute to your long-term research career.
• Clearly define the mentor’s advisory role.
• Prepare a realistic budget and project timeline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Submitting projects that primarily extend the mentor’s research.
• Applying despite exceeding the previous funding eligibility limit.
• Providing unclear research objectives.
• Weak study design or methodology.
• Incomplete eligibility documentation.
• Submitting more than one application under the same grant type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available under PHRG-NIG?

Applicants may receive up to S$270,400 per project, including eligible indirect costs.

2. How long can funded projects last?

Projects may run for up to three years.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

New investigators employed at local public institutions who meet the academic, employment, and funding eligibility requirements.

4. Is a mentor required?

Yes. Every applicant must work with a mentor who provides research guidance while supporting the applicant’s independent research career.

5. Can experienced Principal Investigators apply?

No. The grant is specifically intended for new investigators establishing independent research careers.

6. What research areas are supported?

The grant supports Health Promotion and Preventive Health and Health Services Research.

7. Can applicants submit multiple proposals?

No. Each individual may submit only one application as Principal Investigator for this grant type during a grant call.

Conclusion

The Population Health Research Grant New Investigator Grant (PHRG-NIG) provides early-career researchers with funding of up to S$270,400 to establish independent research careers in population health. By supporting innovative projects in prevention, health promotion, and health services research, the program helps build the next generation of research leaders while contributing to stronger healthcare systems and improved population health outcomes.