Background
NFMRI will celebrate its 50th anniversary in November 2027.
NFMRI has a built-for-purpose strategy with a primary success measure of PFRO-owned innovations securing next-step partners.
NFMRI’s strategy and processes build a middle bridge between traditional application and review processes and those used by industry and venture capital. It also aims to influence research culture towards translation through education, improved processes and eligibility criteria.
Our current program supports specified scientific studies not projects where researchers may apply for subsequent study support. As projects progress along the pathway, we seek to advance and de-risk innovation to enable institutions to have the potential to secure good next-step partners. Partners with the capability and capacity to advance innovations towards regulatory approval and ultimately deliver patient benefits.
About the 50th Anniversary grant
NFMRI will award a single grant of up to $1 million over a period of up to three years to an Australian Publicly Funded Research Organisation (PFRO) (e.g. University, MRI) with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
This grant extends the single study applications into a planned project of key Milestone-based studies that would not require consecutive applications. Watch a short video.
Our strategy, processes and eligibility criteria remain unchanged. Individuals and companies are not eligible, intellectual property must be wholly owned by Australian PFRO’s and be unencumbered (e.g. pre-commercial with no investors or licences). Please read our eligibility criteria for details. Inclusion of items that are excluded or not eligible for NFMRI funding will disqualify your application.
Details
- Applications are open to all Australian Publicly Funded Research Organisations with a cap of three of applications per PFRO as agreed by the TTO (Business development Office)
- Eligibility criteria, strategic fit and reporting requirements remain unchanged.
- Aligning with Portfolios 2 & 3 external activities must represent a minimum of 80% of the activities supported by NFMRI funding.
- All EOIs submitted must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the respective Technology Transfer Office (TTO / business development office) that outlines the support provided to the project and how they will work with the researchers on the specific project.
- A complete and budgeted Gantt chart must be provided as an attachment in the full application if invited to proceed beyond the EOI stage.
- The RAC will review the full applications and invite a limited number of applicants to give a presentation.
- It is compulsory for the relevant institution to send at least one representative, either the principal or another researcher who has deep knowledge of the project to NFMRI’s conference Research with Purpose 2027 & NFMRI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. 23-25 November 2027 | Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour NSW
- The successful recipient will be invited to give a short 15 minute presentation at the conference.
Timeline
| 3rd August 2026 | EOI opening date |
| 29th October 2026 | EOI closing date |
| 18th February 2027 | Invite shortlisted full applications |
| 19th May 2027 | Closing date for full applications |
| 30th August 2027 | Invited presentations submitted |
| 15th September 2027 | Presentation to NFMRI Research Advisory Committee |
| 23-25th November 2027 | NFMRI Conference, dinner and grant announcement |
Dates in 2027 may be subject to change.
Expression of interest form (available after the 3rd August)
50th Anniversary Expression of Interest Form
