MRFF – Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative – 2026 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

The objective of this grant opportunity (GO) is to provide grants of financial assistance to support medical research and medical innovation projects that: Stream 1: (Incubator): investigate biological pathways and mechanistic drivers of PASC subtypes to optimise intervention design and improve clinical outcomes Stream 2 (Incubator): conduct novel pre-clinical and/or early-phase clinical research to improve the understanding of PASC subtypes to inform pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments Stream 3 (Incubator): conduct small scale projects that investigate the similarities and differences of biological drivers and pathological mechanisms between PASC and Topic A OR Topic B (see Guidelines) Stream 4: (Targeted Call for Research): conduct a large-scale project to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of scalable and sustainable approaches for integrated care pathways for people with PASC. For all Streams, applications must reflect the complexity, variability and heterogeneity of PASC, and demonstrate meaningful co-design with consumers across all stages of research. To be competitive for funding, applicants must propose to conduct research that delivers against the above objectives and those of the Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative. Applications to this grant opportunity must propose research that addresses one of the 4 Streams of research. An application may only be submitted to one of the above 4 Streams. Applicants must specify the Stream to which they are applying in their application. This GO is being administered by NHMRC on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Further information on MRFF is available from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website. Eligibility: Applications will only be accepted from approved MRFF Eligible Organisations. A list of approved MRFF Eligible Organisations is available from the MRFF Eligible Organisations List on the NHMRC website. Applications must satisfy all the requirements set out in the Medical Research Future Fund – Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative – 2026 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Grant Opportunity Guidelines Grant Activity Timeframe: For Incubator grants (Streams 1, 2 and 3): within 2 years from the commencement date specified in the grant schedule. For Targeted Call for Research grants (Streams 4): within 5 years from the commencement date specified in the grant schedule. Total Amount Available (AUD): $23,000,000.00 Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $200,000.00 to $3,000,000.00 Instructions for Application Submission: Applicants are advised to read the Grant Guidelines thoroughly and liaise with the MRFF Eligible Organisation that will submit the application to identify any specific requirements that the Organisation might have. Applications must be submitted electronically using NHMRC’s online granting system (Sapphire). Other Instructions: Minimum data closes at 5:00pm (ACT Local Time) on 5 August 2026 Questions should be submitted no later than 1:00pm (ACT Local Time) on 26 August 2026.