Submitting applications to NHMRC schemes
The NHMRC requires that ALL applications are submitted by the Melbourne Research Office on behalf of applicants. See dedicated scheme pages for closing dates, funding rules, applicant guidance, and exact submission requirements.
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Get mentorship and advice
Early career researchers, and established researchers preparing applications for major grants, are expected to work closely with academic mentors and other colleagues. Contact your Faculty Research Manager or Head of Department to find out mentoring arrangements for NHMRC schemes. Organise your mentor early so that you may test and refine your ideas before you start writing. You should also discuss all prospective applications with your Head of Department, Grant Administrator and/or Department Manager before submission. -
Obtain an ID number
Each NHMRC application must have a unique ID number. This is automatically generated and returned by email to the Chief Investigator when you fill out a Notice of Intent. -
Read the rules
Use dedicated scheme pages to familiarise yourself with funding rules and guidelines, especially the selection criteria and assessment process. Note that some NHMRC schemes require an Expression of Interest to be lodged with the Melbourne Research Office before the application stage. -
Draft the application
Each NHMRC scheme has a separate application form, accessed via the links on our dedicated scheme pages. There may be particular software requirements for using these forms. Make sure you download the recommended version, use the available help manuals, and delete previous grant application templates from your computer. The resources below will help you with particular elements of your application:
>> NHMRC budgets
>> Grant classification codes (inc. SEO/RFCD) for coding your research
The Research Office also holds a collection of successful past applications, which are an excellent resource for grant writing. -
Read and submit the draft
Your draft application should be read by two people not associated with the project, one who is an expert in the research area, and another more general reader who understands the particular review system. Possible readers include senior colleagues, current and previous NHMRC grant holders, and/or Faculty Associate Deans (Research)/Directors of Research. Provide readers with your draft application and any particular selection criteria.
Print and forward one hard copy of the draft application (including attachments) to the Melbourne Research Office by the internal closing date of the scheme. This is normally 3-4 weeks before the external closing date and is advertised on our dedicated scheme pages. -
Finalising the application
The Research Office will review the application for technical correctness and the fulfillment of eligibility criteria. Feedback will be emailed to the individual named on the UoM coversheet. Use this feedback to amend your draft application, before resubmitting the application to the Research Office in accordance with the instructions you receive. This will include the number and format of copies required and the due date for final submission.
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What happens next?
The Research Office will electronically submit the application to the NHMRC, and will inform you of progress. If the selection process involves an interview you should organise some practice sessions. The Research Office may provide some interview preparation support. Once a grant offer is made you will be directed through the acceptance process and informed of any further administrative requirements.
Note on collaborative agreements
During the acceptance process complete a Collaborative Agreement for each successful University of Melbourne lead NHMRC grant where a named researcher is located at another Australian higher education institution.
During the acceptance process complete a Collaborative Agreement for each successful University of Melbourne lead NHMRC grant where a named researcher is located at another Australian higher education institution.