Early Career Researchers (ECR) who have not previously received funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) or the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) may be eligible for New Investigator (NI) status. This allows you to apply for an NHMRC Project Grant that will be assessed in a modified process, designed to increase ECR access to funds. In order to apply for an NI project grant you will need to complete a form by the NHMRC deadline, which usually falls between the 20 & 25 January. The exact deadline is usually announced early January, so if you are planning to apply for this status, please mark your calendars and keep an eye on the Bulletin for updates.

View Application Form

Please do not submit this form until the funding rules for next year are announced as there may be changes to eligibility requirements.

1. Log on to RGMS
2. Go to ‘Main Menu’ > ‘Applications’ > ‘New Investigator Form’
3. Click on New Investigator Form button at the bottom of the page

2017 Eligibility Requirements

All Chief Investigators (CIs) on an NI application for funding must at the time of the NI application submission date:

• Be less than 10 years from the date of the letter advising them that their doctoral thesis was passed, unless career disruptions exist.
• Not have been named a CI (or equivalent) on a funded NHMRC research support grant and/or an ARC research support grant.
• Not have been named a CI (or equivalent) on a funded research support grant from an agency listed on the Australian Competitive Grants Register or an equivalent national or international competitive funding grant totaling AUD $250,000 or more. Note the $250,000 limit is not cumulative.

Applicants may still have held a salary-only award (Scholarship or Fellowship) from any funding source including NHMRC (e.g. NHMRC Career Development Fellowship, Early Career Fellowship Award). If applicants have received funding support that includes research and salary support, applicants must provide details of each funding component for the research and salary support (the research support component must not total $250,000 or more). Applicants must also provide justification why the applicant should be considered an NI. Applicants who fail to provide all necessary details at the time of NI application submission will not be eligible for consideration of NI status and will progress as a standard applicant in the round.