MEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDING
The Auckland Medical Research Foundation
The Auckland Medical Research Foundation promotes medical research in Auckland. The “AMRF research funding area is limited to all recognised tertiary institutions and DHB's in the greater Auckland and Northland region. Each year the Foundation provides funding to support medical research projects for durations of up to two years. The Foundation is committed to funding excellence and has an established policy of supporting emerging researchers”. For more information visit the Auckland Medical Research Foundation’s webpage.

Callaghan Innovation
Callaghan Innovation, administer the government's Business R&D Grants, including the R&D Project Grant and Student Grants. The R&D Project Grant is targeted at those wishing to expand their R&D activities, and funds 40% of eligible R&D project costs. Student Grant funding is available for business to employ undergraduate, postgraduate, Masters and PhD students to work on an R&D project. Callaghan Innovation also play a role in the R&D Tax Incentive scheme managed by the IRD.
Education providers, local government, crown entities and Crown Research Institutes are not eligible for Callaghan Innovation’s R&D grants.
Callaghan Innovation Health Tech Activator. "The HealthTech Activator is a coordinated, ecosystem-wide support mechanism for early-stage founders and companies in NZ’s healthtech sector. The Activator makes it easier for healthtech companies to find and access the support they need to turn their health innovations into successful businesses. In doing so, it aims to advance, de-risk and accelerate the commercialisation of innovation in NZ’s healthtech ecosystem". Learn more.
Callaghan Innovation, administer the government's Business R&D Grants, including the R&D Project Grant and Student Grants. The R&D Project Grant is targeted at those wishing to expand their R&D activities, and funds 40% of eligible R&D project costs. Student Grant funding is available for business to employ undergraduate, postgraduate, Masters and PhD students to work on an R&D project. Callaghan Innovation also play a role in the R&D Tax Incentive scheme managed by the IRD.
Education providers, local government, crown entities and Crown Research Institutes are not eligible for Callaghan Innovation’s R&D grants.
Callaghan Innovation Health Tech Activator. "The HealthTech Activator is a coordinated, ecosystem-wide support mechanism for early-stage founders and companies in NZ’s healthtech sector. The Activator makes it easier for healthtech companies to find and access the support they need to turn their health innovations into successful businesses. In doing so, it aims to advance, de-risk and accelerate the commercialisation of innovation in NZ’s healthtech ecosystem". Learn more.
Clinical Trial Service Partners in New Zealand
A number of New Zealand agencies have come together to develop a register of Clinical Research Organisations and other partners who can help run clinical trials in New Zealand. The register is divided between those organisations who specialise in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology and those who specialise in Technology and Medical Devices. The register also shows in which phase of development the organisation specialises.
A number of New Zealand agencies have come together to develop a register of Clinical Research Organisations and other partners who can help run clinical trials in New Zealand. The register is divided between those organisations who specialise in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology and those who specialise in Technology and Medical Devices. The register also shows in which phase of development the organisation specialises.
The Commonwealth Fund's Harkness Fellowships
The Commonwealth Fund's Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice is available to mid-career health services researchers and practitioners. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to spend up to 12 months in the United States, conducting original research and working with leading U.S. health policy experts. The fellowship will enable candidates to explore critical policy questions, develop in-depth cross-national knowledge and expertise, join an expanded network of colleagues and accelerate professional growth and opportunities.
"The Harkness Fellowship awards up to US$130,000, which covers roundtrip airfare to the United States, a living allowance, funds for project-related travel, research, conferences, travel to attend The Commonwealth Fund program of fellowship seminars, health insurance, and U.S. federal and state taxes. A family supplement (e.g. approximately $60,000 for a partner and two children up to age 18) is also provided to cover airfare, living allowance, and health insurance." To learn more about the fellowship, visit this page and access the Harkness Fellowships Brochure.
The Commonwealth Fund's Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice is available to mid-career health services researchers and practitioners. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to spend up to 12 months in the United States, conducting original research and working with leading U.S. health policy experts. The fellowship will enable candidates to explore critical policy questions, develop in-depth cross-national knowledge and expertise, join an expanded network of colleagues and accelerate professional growth and opportunities.
"The Harkness Fellowship awards up to US$130,000, which covers roundtrip airfare to the United States, a living allowance, funds for project-related travel, research, conferences, travel to attend The Commonwealth Fund program of fellowship seminars, health insurance, and U.S. federal and state taxes. A family supplement (e.g. approximately $60,000 for a partner and two children up to age 18) is also provided to cover airfare, living allowance, and health insurance." To learn more about the fellowship, visit this page and access the Harkness Fellowships Brochure.
The Genesis Oncology Trust
The Genesis Oncology Trust funds a broad range of carefully selected cancer-control research, training and education projects. "Most advances in the area of medical research are made by acquiring new pieces of knowledge and fitting these into the leading edge of existing knowledge. Considerable investment has also been made in the professional development of individuals with the potential to advance the field of cancer control and palliative care." The Trust is funded through one-off donations, 100% of which goes towards the fight against cancer, with all administrative costs covered directly by Genesis Energy.
The Health Innovation Hub
The New Zealand Health Innovation Hub is a partnership between four of the biggest DHBs: Auckland, Canterbury, Counties Manukau and Waitemata. The Hub is supported by funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Pre-seed Accelerator Fund. The Hub works with innovators to develop new products and services that have commercial potential, are based on intellectual property, and improve health outcomes. The Hub provides access to current information about health, market validation and potential investors and partners.
The New Zealand Health Innovation Hub is a partnership between four of the biggest DHBs: Auckland, Canterbury, Counties Manukau and Waitemata. The Hub is supported by funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Pre-seed Accelerator Fund. The Hub works with innovators to develop new products and services that have commercial potential, are based on intellectual property, and improve health outcomes. The Hub provides access to current information about health, market validation and potential investors and partners.
The Health Research Council of New Zealand
The Health Research Council of New Zealand “supports research that has the potential to improve health outcomes and delivery of healthcare”. Funding is allocated annually to “independent research projects that are researcher initiated”. For more information visit the Health Research Council website.
The Health Research Council of New Zealand “supports research that has the potential to improve health outcomes and delivery of healthcare”. Funding is allocated annually to “independent research projects that are researcher initiated”. For more information visit the Health Research Council website.
The Lottery Health Research Committee
The Lottery Health Research Committee “distributes grants for (a) research into the cause, prevention and treatment of disorders affecting the health of New Zealanders; (b) research that will lead to advances in health and bio-medical science for the ultimate benefit of all New Zealanders; and (c) the development, maintenance and retention of a highly skilled workforce of health and bio-medical researchers in New Zealand”. For more information visit the Lottery Health Research Committee webpage.
The Lottery Health Research Committee “distributes grants for (a) research into the cause, prevention and treatment of disorders affecting the health of New Zealanders; (b) research that will lead to advances in health and bio-medical science for the ultimate benefit of all New Zealanders; and (c) the development, maintenance and retention of a highly skilled workforce of health and bio-medical researchers in New Zealand”. For more information visit the Lottery Health Research Committee webpage.
The Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust
The Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust supports innovative research in medical and paramedical fields. Funding includes project and equipment grants; travel grants; conference support grants and scholarships. For more information visit the Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust webpage.
The Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust supports innovative research in medical and paramedical fields. Funding includes project and equipment grants; travel grants; conference support grants and scholarships. For more information visit the Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust webpage.
National Heart Foundation Grants
The Heart Foundation provides a number of Grants and Scholarships for projects directed at improving heart health. Proposals are assessed on their relevance to the objectives of the National Heart Foundation, scientific merit, design and methods, likelihood of success and the expertise and track record of the research team. Grants and Scholarships are available in annual funding rounds. Travel Grants are available quarterly. To learn more, visit the National Heart Foundation Grants webpage.
The Heart Foundation provides a number of Grants and Scholarships for projects directed at improving heart health. Proposals are assessed on their relevance to the objectives of the National Heart Foundation, scientific merit, design and methods, likelihood of success and the expertise and track record of the research team. Grants and Scholarships are available in annual funding rounds. Travel Grants are available quarterly. To learn more, visit the National Heart Foundation Grants webpage.
The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand
The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand is an independent body that raises money to support neurological research and education in New Zealand. The Foundation is funded by individual New Zealanders, with more than 95% of contributions coming from donations and bequests. For more information visit the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand.
The Neuromuscular Research Foundation Trust
The Neuromuscular Research Foundation Trust (NRFT) funds research relevant to New Zealanders living with neuromuscular conditions. Grants of up to $30,000 are available, as well as two postgraduate student scholarships of $5,000. "Proposals which address the prevalence and incidence of neuromuscular conditions and standards of care will be given first priority, although proposals which extend existing research into treatment and cures will also be considered. Research of a preliminary nature with the intention of developing further proposals for substantial financial support from elsewhere is likely to be favoured."
The Neuromuscular Research Foundation Trust (NRFT) funds research relevant to New Zealanders living with neuromuscular conditions. Grants of up to $30,000 are available, as well as two postgraduate student scholarships of $5,000. "Proposals which address the prevalence and incidence of neuromuscular conditions and standards of care will be given first priority, although proposals which extend existing research into treatment and cures will also be considered. Research of a preliminary nature with the intention of developing further proposals for substantial financial support from elsewhere is likely to be favoured."
Royal Society of New Zealand Funds
The Royal Society of New Zealand, in collaboration with a number of national and international organisations, supports and encourages New Zealand’s brightest and best researchers, teachers and students through a wide range of funds.
The Royal Society of New Zealand, in collaboration with a number of national and international organisations, supports and encourages New Zealand’s brightest and best researchers, teachers and students through a wide range of funds.
World Cancer Research Fund International
World Cancer Research Fund International’s Grant Programme funds research on the effects of diet, nutrition, body composition and physical activity on cancer prevention and survival. The Programme has two main funding streams: the Regular Grant Programme and the Request for Applications Programme. The Regular Grant Programme accepts applications related to:
For information on how to apply for World Cancer Research Fund International’s Grant Programme, visit this page.
World Cancer Research Fund International’s Grant Programme funds research on the effects of diet, nutrition, body composition and physical activity on cancer prevention and survival. The Programme has two main funding streams: the Regular Grant Programme and the Request for Applications Programme. The Regular Grant Programme accepts applications related to:
- Addressing emerging exposure-outcome links
- Improving the characterisation of existing exposure-outcome
- Identification and characterisation of host factors/susceptibility that might explain variation in cancer risk
- Identification and characterisation of progression and outcome in cancer survivors
For information on how to apply for World Cancer Research Fund International’s Grant Programme, visit this page.
How we can Help
Applied Support Services is experienced in preparing research project plans and proposals for medical research funding. Projects we have worked on include:
Applied Support Services is experienced in preparing research project plans and proposals for medical research funding. Projects we have worked on include:
- Clinical pathway research
- Computerised safety support tool for drug administration in anaesthesia
- Determine fertility of frozen thawed epididymal sperm
- Hormone treatment protocol to increase fertility
- Humidification of tracheostomy tubes
- Islet cells for human transplantation
- Knee prosthesis market investigation
- Development of therapeutic implants for Alzheimer’s disease
- New methodologies for detecting and correcting poor Asthma medication use
- Radio Frequency Identification tracking systems for surgical hospitals
- Research and development of pathogen free pigs for medical purposes
- Research of a neuroprotective compound in human subjects undergoing CABG surgery
- Therapeutics for wound and tissue repair
- Therapies for treating diabetes through the disruption of amyloid formation in the pancreas
- Vaccine preparations and stimulating the human immune response
This page was last updated on 6 Oct 2020