NHMRC Investigator Grants

NHMRC Investigator Grants

Status

Opening  19 Jun2 2024

The Macquarie University Process from Grant Development to Submission

CHANGES FOR 2023 [NHMRC Gender Equity]

  • Leadership level will have a standard RSP of $400,000 per annum (it will no longer be a range of $300K-$600K based on score)
  • For the Leadership category (L1, L2, L3 combined), adopt an intervention to achieve equal numbers of grants by gender (more information will be provided on this in the future)
  • NHMRC will continue to use structural priority funding at the Emerging Leadership levels (EL1 and EL2) to the extent necessary to achieve gender equity targets
  • NHMRC will include non-binary researchers alongside women in both gender equity interventions (structural priority funding for Emerging Leadership grants and the new intervention for Leadership grants)
Aim

The NHMRC Investigator Grants scheme provide the highest-performing researchers at all career stages with funding for their salary (if required) and a research support package (RSP) for five years.

Investigator Grants will support:

  • different career stages – early career researchers, mid-career researchers and established researchers
  • researchers with clinical responsibilities (such as clinicians, public health and allied health practitioners) and
  • part-time researchers.
Structure:

Investigator Grants will be offered in two categories:

  • Emerging Leadership (EL) – recipients will have the title ‘NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow’
  • Leadership (L) -  recipients will have the title ‘NHMRC Leadership Fellow’

Five levels of salary support and six tiers of RSP will be offered across the scheme.

Emerging Leadership Investigator Grants will be restricted to researchers who are ≤10 years post-PhD or equivalent on 1 March of the application year.

Assessment  Criteria

Applications for Investigator Grants are assessed by peers on the extent to which the application meets the scheme objectives. Applications will be assessed against the Assessment Criteria listed below.

  • Track record, relative to opportunity (70%), and
  • Knowledge Gain (30%).

Track Record: NHMRC defines ‘Track Record’ for the Investigator Grant scheme as the value of an individual’s past research achievements, relative to opportunity, not prospective achievements, using evidence. Assessment of Track Record comprises peer reviewers’ consideration of:

  • Publications (35%)
  • Research Impact (20%), and
  • Leadership (15%).

Knowledge Gain: NHMRC defines ‘Knowledge Gain’ for the Investigator Grant scheme as the quality of the proposed research and significance of the knowledge gained. It incorporates theoretical concepts, hypothesis, research design, robustness and the extent to which the research findings will contribute to the research area and health outcomes (by advancing knowledge, practice or policy).

Applications are assessed relative to opportunity, taking into consideration any career disruptions, where applicable.

It is recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants often make additional valuable contributions to policy development, clinical/public health leadership and/or service delivery, community activities and linkages, and are often representatives on key committees. If applicable, these contributions will be considered when assessing research output and track record.

Funding

The provisional funding allocation for the Investigator Grants 2021 grant opportunity is estimated to be between $340 million and $380 million. NHMRC’s Research Committee annually reviews and recommends indicative budget amounts to be awarded across individual funding schemes.

Investigator Grants comprise a Research Support Package (RSP) and a salary component. The salary component of Investigator Grants is provided as a contribution to assist Administering Institutions with employing the successful applicant. However, an Investigator Grant recipient’s total salary is agreed through negotiation between the researcher and their Administering Institution.

Salary

Applicants to the Investigator Grant scheme select the most appropriate Level (Emerging Leader 1 - Leader 3) for their career stage and the percentage of salary required to support their research activities, while ensuring they meet eligibility requirements. If applicants request a salary, the Leadership Level selected will determine the salary awarded. Salary levels have been set at the top of current, broadly equivalent NHMRC Fellowship levels.

Research Support Packages

Successful applicants at Emerging Leadership Levels 1 and Level 2 will be awarded a fixed RSP of $50,000 and $200,000 per annum, respectively.

There is a fixed $400,000 for RSP for the Leadership Investigator Grants. [CHANGE FOR THE 2023 ROUND]

Research Support Packages can be used to fund Direct Research Costs.

Faculty Processes

Guide for NHMRC Applicants on Macquarie Approvals Process Through PURE

The Faculties have their own approval and review processes for grants under this scheme. They may also have deadlines for submission of draft applications that are earlier than Research Services deadlines. Please ensure that you contact your Faculty, as early as possible, for information on process and deadlines. Faculty contacts:

Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences
fmhhs.researchsupport@mq.edu.au
Ph 9850 2788 (x2788), Faculty Research Manager, Dr Kyle Ratinac

Faculty of Science and Engineering
sci.research@mq.edu.au
Ph 9850 8912 (x8912), Faculty Research Manager, Ms Irina Zakoshanski

Macquarie Business School
mqbs-ro@mq.edu.au
Ph 9850 4496 (x4496), Faculty Research Manager, Dr Jan Zwar

Faculty of Arts
artsro@mq.edu.au
Ph 9850 9663 (x9663), Faculty Research Manager, Dr Christine Boman

Key Dates

INVESTIGATOR GRANT NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2026

Applicants will need to complete the new NOI form through Service Now

We are expecting some changes next round due to NHMRC's focus on Gender Equity. Those changes will be communicated to those who have submitted an NOI.

Changes to Eligibility for DVCR Co-Funding

For Investigator Grant Co-Funding requests, please complete the NHMRC/MRFF Co-Funding form and upload it in Pure prior to your mandatory compliance and eligibility check.

Eligibility for the DVCR Co-Funding Scheme is now contingent upon the on-time submission of grant applications by your mandatory compliance and eligibility check. Many applications for external funding require cash and in-kind contributions from the host institution in order to be considered for funding. This funding includes project support funds, funding for research associates, scholarships, and major equipment and, in most cases, is processed via the DVCR Co-Funding scheme. View further information on deadlines, processes and FAQs

  • Applications led by Macquarie University researchers must be submitted to the Research Services Grant Development Team 4 weeks prior to the external deadline if requesting an optional strategic review and 2 weeks prior for a mandatory compliance and eligibility check. Please refer to the fellowships and grant opportunities webpage for information on deadlines and processes.
  • Applications that do not have a Pure record and/or do not have all the appropriate approvals in Pure (Head of Department/School [HoD/HoS] and Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation [DDRI]) will not be submitted to the external funding body.  It is the lead applicant’s responsibility to ensure the approvals in Pure are complete prior to submission.

For applications to be submitted in 2024:

Please note that our grant review processes have changed. Strategic review is optional, while compliance and eligibility check is mandatory.

If you wish to receive a strategic review of your NHMRC application, you must book via the online booking calendar.

Compliance and eligibility reviews for your NHMRC application is mandatory, and you must book via the online booking calendar.

  • NHMRC opening date in Sapphire: Wednesday, 19 June 2024
  • Strategic review (optional):  15-19 July 2024, booking calendar
  • NHMRC minimum data deadline: Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 17:00 (AEST)
  • Compliance and Eligibility check (mandatory): 29 July - 2 August 2024, booking calendar
  • Applicant submits a final application in Sapphire: 11:59 pm Sunday 11 August 2024
  • Research Services submission to NHMRC: Wednesday, 14 August 2024 17:00 (AEST)
  • Outcomes expected: TBA

For applications submitted in 2023:

Please note that our grant review processes have changed. Strategic review is optional, while compliance and eligibility check is mandatory.

If you wish to receive a strategic review of your NHMRC application, you must book via the online booking calendar.

Compliance and eligibility reviews for your NHMRC application is mandatory, and you must book via the online booking calendar.

  • NHMRC opening date in Sapphire: Wednesday, 13 September 2023
  • Strategic review (optional):  9-13 October 2023, booking calendar 
  • NHMRC minimum data deadline: Wednesday, 11 October 2023, 17:00 (AEST)
  • Compliance and Eligibility check (mandatory):23-27 October 2023, booking calendar
  • Applicant submits a final application in Sapphire: 11:59 pm Sunday 5 November 2023
  • Research Services submission to NHMRC: Wednesday, 8 November 2023 17:00 (AEST)
  • Outcomes expected: May 2024
Resources

Note: NHMRC locates all their Scheme documentation in GrantConnect. You will be required to set-up a username and password to access.

Notification Of Intent (NOI)
Complete a Notification of Intent to inform your Faculty and the University Research Services teams of your intention to submit an application. After completing this NOI, you will be provided with regular updates about your funding scheme and sent valuable resources that will assist you in developing a highly competitive research grant application.

NHMRC Information
Funding Guidelines (NHMRC Investigator Grants)
2024 Peer Review Guidelines 
Key Characteristics of an NHMRC Investigator Grant
Investigator Grant Partner Organisations 
Investigator Grant Proposal Template
Check Your Eligibility

MQ Resources
MQ Investigator Grants Toolkit (NEW VERSION - SEPT 2023)
NHMRC Investigator Grant Track Record Template
MQ Career Interruption Eligibility Exemption Request Template  
Successful Grants Library
PURE Quick Guide
Open Access and Funding Compliance
Pure Research Management System
MQ Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
Application Checklist 

INVESTIGATOR GRANTS WORKSHOPS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2025

About: This workshop will provide and introduction to the scheme and what parts of the application have changed this round.
Date: Monday 18 September 2023
Time: 11:00-12:30
Location: Zoom, https://macquarie.zoom.us/j/88597409286
Speaker: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)

SLIDES [PDF]

RECORDING [Microsoft Stream]

INVESTIGATOR GRANTS WORKSHOPS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2024

About: This workshop will provide and introduction to the scheme and what parts of the application have changed this round.
Date: Monday 30 January 2023
Time: 11:00-12:30
Location: Zoom, https://macquarie.zoom.us/j/87249602491
Speaker: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)

SLIDES [PDF]

RECORDING [Microsoft Stream]

INVESTIGATOR GRANTS WORKSHOPS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2023

Introduction to NHMRC Investigator Grant Scheme
About: This workshop provides and overview of the application content, plus the various changes for this funding round.
Date: Monday 24 January 2022
Time: 11:00-12:30
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)

SLIDES [PDF]

RECORDING [Microsoft Teams]

INVESTIGATOR GRANTS WORKSHOPS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2022

Introduction to NHMRC Investigator Grant Scheme
About: This workshop provides and overview of the application content, plus the various changes for this funding round.
Date: Monday 8 February 2021
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)
SLIDES [PDF]
RECORDING [Microsoft Stream] 

INVESTIGATOR GRANTS WORKSHOPS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN 2021

1. Introduction to the NHMRC Investigator Grant Funding Scheme
About: This workshop will provide general background information on the NHMRC Investigator Grant funding scheme. Researchers who have not applied for NHMRC funding in the past, in particular the new schemes, will benefit and are strongly encouraged to attend. The workshop will cover  the application process and structure, assessment process, eligibility and research support services available to applicants. This workshop is designed to give you key information prior to you submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to your Faculty Research Office.
Date: Tuesday 30 July 2019
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: 75 Talavera Road, Level 3, Continuum Room
Speakers: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)
SLIDES [PDF]
RECORDING [Microsoft Stream]

2. NHMRC Investigator Grant Funding Scheme: Research Impact and Leadership
About: This workshop will provide in-depth walk through of the Research Impact and Leadership sections of the NHMRC Investigator Grant application. Research Impact has a weighting score of 20% and Leadership has a weighting score of 15%.
Date: Tuesday 8 October 2019
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: 12 Wally's Walk, Level 8, room 801
Speakers: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)
SLIDES [PDF] RECORDING [Microsoft Stream]

3. NHMRC Investigator Grant Funding Scheme: Knowledge Gain and Publications
About: This workshop will provide in-depth walk through of the Knowledge Gain and Publications sections of the NHMRC Investigator Grant application. Knowledge Gain has a weighting score of 30% and Publications has a weighting score of 35%.
Date: Monday 14 October 2019
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: 12 Wally's Walk, Level 8, room 801
Speakers: Courtney Bendall (Research Services)
SLIDES [PDF]  RECORDING [Microsoft Stream]

Contacts

Grant Development Team
Research Services
grant.development@mq.edu.au
Ph: +61 2 9850 4745

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