MEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDING
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”.
Callaghan Innovation Research Funding - Update April 2025
Callaghan Innovation has been disestablished. Some of its services, including R&D grants and the R&D Tax Incentive, will be handed to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. We will provide updates on these changes as they become available.
Health Tech Activator.
Health Tech Activator was part of Callaghan Innovation. Callaghan Innovation has been disestablished. Some of its services, including R&D grants and the R&D Tax Incentive, will be handed to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. We will provide updates on these changes as they become available.
"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.
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 Cancer Research Trust
The 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
