Population Health Research Grant: Open Category (Singapore)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Population Health Research Grant (PHRG) Open Category supports innovative research that improves health outcomes by addressing the social, environmental, behavioural, healthcare, and system-level factors that influence health across different populations and life stages. The grant funds research in health promotion, preventive health, and health services research to develop evidence-based solutions that strengthen healthcare systems and improve long-term health outcomes.

Researchers can apply for funding of up to S$2.028 million, including up to 30% indirect costs, for projects lasting up to five years. The grant supports research across priority areas such as mental health, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, healthcare innovation, digital health, rehabilitation, health systems improvement, and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Overview of the Population Health Research Grant (PHRG) Open Category

The Population Health Research Grant (PHRG) Open Category is a competitive research funding opportunity designed to support studies that address major population health challenges.

The grant focuses on research that examines:

• Factors influencing health outcomes across communities.
• Prevention and management of diseases.
• Healthcare access and quality.
• Health system effectiveness.
• Innovative models of healthcare delivery.
• Sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

The program encourages research that can generate practical evidence and improve health policies, healthcare services, and population wellbeing.

Purpose of the Population Health Research Grant

The main purpose of the PHRG Open Category is to support research that creates measurable improvements in public health.

The grant aims to:

• Improve understanding of factors affecting population health.
• Develop effective prevention strategies.
• Strengthen healthcare systems.
• Improve healthcare accessibility and quality.
• Encourage innovation in healthcare delivery.
• Support evidence-based health policies.
• Address current and emerging health challenges.

The program takes a population health approach by considering health influences throughout different stages of life and across diverse population groups.

Research Areas Supported

The PHRG Open Category supports research under two main areas:

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

Health Promotion and Preventive Health Research

This research area focuses on preventing illness, promoting healthier behaviours, and improving health outcomes before diseases develop or worsen.

Priority research themes include:

Mental Health

Research related to:

• Mental health promotion.
• Prevention of mental health conditions.
• Community-based mental health interventions.
• Improving access to mental health services.

Maternal and Child Health

Studies focusing on:

• Pregnancy and maternal wellbeing.
• Child health outcomes.
• Early-life interventions.
• Family and community support systems.

Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases

Research may address:

• Diabetes prevention and management.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Cancer prevention.
• Chronic respiratory diseases.
• Lifestyle-related health risks.

Emerging Health Technologies

Projects may explore:

• Digital health tools.
• Artificial intelligence applications.
• Remote healthcare technologies.
• Technology-enabled health interventions.

Complex Patient Care

Research may focus on:

• Patients with multiple health conditions.
• Integrated care models.
• Coordinated healthcare approaches.
• Improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Sustainable and Cost-Effective Healthcare

Studies may examine:

• Healthcare efficiency.
• Resource optimization.
• Affordable healthcare solutions.
• Long-term healthcare sustainability.

Palliative Care

Research areas include:

• Improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• Supporting families and caregivers.
• Improving end-of-life care services.

Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Research may evaluate:

• Safety and effectiveness of traditional therapies.
• Integration of complementary approaches into healthcare.
• Evidence-based use of alternative treatments.

Rehabilitation and Caregiver Support

Studies may focus on:

• Physical and functional recovery.
• Rehabilitation services.
• Support systems for caregivers.
• Improving independence and quality of life.

Safety and Effectiveness of Health Technologies

Research may evaluate:

• Medicines.
• Vaccines.
• Medical devices.
• Other healthcare technologies in real-world settings.

Health Services Research

The Health Services Research category supports studies examining how healthcare systems operate and how different factors affect healthcare outcomes.

Research may examine:

• Social determinants of health.
• Healthcare financing systems.
• Organisational structures.
• Healthcare technology adoption.
• Patient behaviours.
• Healthcare access.
• Quality of care.
• Healthcare costs.
• Health outcomes.

Key Topics in Health Services Research

Priority areas include:

Healthcare Access and Quality

Research may explore:

• Barriers to healthcare access.
• Improving healthcare delivery.
• Reducing health inequalities.
• Enhancing patient experiences.

Innovative Models of Care

Projects may investigate:

• New healthcare delivery approaches.
• Integrated care systems.
• Community-based healthcare models.
• Patient-centred care strategies.

Implementation Science

Research may focus on:

• Translating evidence into healthcare practice.
• Understanding barriers to implementation.
• Improving adoption of effective interventions.

Digital Health and Technology-Enabled Care

Projects may examine:

• Digital healthcare platforms.
• Electronic health solutions.
• Remote monitoring systems.
• Technology-supported behaviour change.

Primary and Community Care Improvement

Research may support:

• Stronger primary healthcare systems.
• Community-based interventions.
• Prevention-focused care models.
• More efficient healthcare delivery.

Who Is Eligible?

The Principal Investigator (PI) leading the research application must meet specific eligibility requirements.

The applicant must:

• Hold an MBBS, BDS, PharmD, MD, PhD, or another relevant postgraduate qualification of at least a Master’s degree.
• Hold a primary salaried appointment at a local public institution.
• Be an independent Principal Investigator.
• Demonstrate a strong research track record.
• Have experience through nationally competitive research funding or substantial research publications.
• Have at least nine months of employment per calendar year with a local public institution.

Eligible applicants may come from fields related to:

• Medicine.
• Public health.
• Healthcare services.
• Biomedical research.
• Health technology.
• Social and behavioural health research.

Principal Investigator Requirements

Applicants must follow specific leadership requirements.

Key rules include:

• Only one Principal Investigator is allowed per application.
• Each individual may submit only one application as Principal Investigator during a grant call.
• The Principal Investigator must demonstrate research independence and capability to manage a large research project.

Funding Amount and Project Duration

The PHRG Open Category provides:

• Maximum funding: Up to S$2.028 million.
• Project duration: Up to five years.
• Indirect costs: Up to 30% of the total funding amount.

Indirect costs are intended to support institutional expenses associated with conducting research.

The Research Scholarship budget is excluded from indirect cost calculations.

How the Population Health Research Grant Works

The application process generally follows these stages:

Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal

Applicants should identify a population health challenge and develop a research plan that explains:

• The health issue being addressed.
• Research objectives.
• Methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Potential impact on healthcare systems or communities.

Step 2: Ensure Research Alignment

The proposed project should align with:

• Health Promotion and Preventive Health.
• Health Services Research.
• Population health improvement goals.

Applicants should demonstrate how the research can create meaningful improvements in health outcomes.

Step 3: Prepare the Funding Application

The application should include:

• Research proposal.
• Budget plan.
• Timeline.
• Expected impact.
• Investigator qualifications.
• Supporting information.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Researchers must submit applications according to the official grant call requirements.

Only eligible Principal Investigators meeting all requirements can submit applications.

Step 5: Review and Selection

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scientific quality.
• Research innovation.
• Population health impact.
• Feasibility.
• Investigator capability.
• Potential for long-term healthcare improvement.

Why the Population Health Research Grant Matters

Population health challenges are influenced by multiple factors, including lifestyle, social conditions, healthcare systems, technology, and access to services.

The PHRG Open Category helps address these challenges by supporting research that can:

• Improve disease prevention.
• Strengthen healthcare systems.
• Reduce healthcare inequalities.
• Develop innovative care models.
• Improve patient outcomes.
• Support sustainable healthcare solutions.

The research funded through this program can contribute to long-term improvements in public health and healthcare delivery.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly defining the population health problem.
• Demonstrating real-world impact.
• Using strong scientific methods.
• Explaining how findings can improve healthcare practice.
• Highlighting innovation and sustainability.
• Showing relevance to healthcare priorities.
• Providing a realistic budget and implementation plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting research unrelated to population health.
• Failing to explain practical health impact.
• Providing unclear research objectives.
• Ignoring eligibility requirements.
• Proposing projects without strong methodology.
• Underestimating the importance of implementation and real-world application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Population Health Research Grant (PHRG) Open Category?

The PHRG Open Category is a research funding program that supports studies improving health outcomes through population health approaches, including prevention, healthcare services improvement, and health system innovation.

How much funding can researchers receive?

Researchers can request up to S$2.028 million, including up to 30% indirect costs, for projects lasting up to five years.

What research areas does the grant support?

The grant supports Health Promotion and Preventive Health research and Health Services Research, including areas such as mental health, chronic disease prevention, digital health, healthcare systems, rehabilitation, and sustainable healthcare.

Who can apply as Principal Investigator?

The Principal Investigator must hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, work at a local public institution, have a strong research track record, and meet employment requirements.

Can multiple Principal Investigators apply for one project?

No. Only one Principal Investigator is permitted per application.

Can an individual submit multiple applications as Principal Investigator?

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

Are indirect costs included in the funding?

Yes. The grant includes up to 30% indirect costs. However, indirect costs do not apply to the Research Scholarship budget.

Conclusion

The Population Health Research Grant (PHRG) Open Category provides significant funding support for researchers developing solutions to improve population health outcomes. By supporting innovative studies in prevention, healthcare delivery, health systems, and emerging health technologies, the grant helps create evidence-based approaches for healthier communities.

Researchers with strong, impactful proposals that address current and future health challenges can use this opportunity to advance research, improve healthcare systems, and contribute to long-term public health improvements.

For more information, visit NMRC.