Motor Neurone Disease Research Grants

All applications should be submitted by email to MOH-OHMRGrants@health.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on 15 February 2024.

Who can apply

Researchers who:

• are based in NSW for the duration of the grant and are employed by an eligible host or administering organisation
• are an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or hold an appropriate visa for the duration of the grant
• will conduct research within the New South Wales health system or an affiliated organisation (university, medical research institute, industry partner)

Clinician-researchers may use up to 50% of the grant to backfill their clinical role, with appropriate justification. If the grant is to be used for this purpose the application must be signed by the appropriate department head in the local health district. Salary limits apply – refer to the Guidelines.

Who can’t apply

• Researchers who are not NSW-based during the period of the grant.
• Researchers who are not an Australian citizen, permanent residency status or hold an appropriate visa for the duration of the grant.
• Researchers who are seeking to conduct research outside of the New South Wales health system or an affiliated organisation (university, medical research institute, industry partner).

Types of projects funded under this grant

Research under this program will focus on improving the understanding of distribution rates of Motor Neurone Disease in NSW regions with potential clusters, exploring possible environmental or occupational exposures; and on improving diagnostic approaches that have the potential to improve rates of early referral.

What you can’t apply for

Funds awarded cannot be spent on capital works, general maintenance costs, organisational infrastructure or overheads, telephone/communication systems, basic office equipment, such as desks and chairs, rent and the cost of utilities.

Funds awarded cannot be used to support research conducted outside of NSW.

Prepare your application with this checklist

• Completed Application Form (as Word document).
• Completed Application Form signed (as PDF document).
• A list of references supporting the science.
• Project images.
• Evidence of career disruption, such as a statutory declaration certified by a Justice of the Peace or other evidence.
• Aboriginal Health Impact Statement, using the NSW Health template.
• Evidence of citizenship or the right to remain in Australia for the duration of the grant.
• Any other supporting documentation relevant to the application.

Address the eligibility criteria

• Applicants must have an established or developing track record of research and research impact in Motor Neurone Disease, or related research.
• Applicants must be located in NSW for the duration of the grant.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent residency status or hold an appropriate visa for the duration of the grant.
• Applicants must conduct research within the New South Wales health system or an affiliated organisation (university, medical research institute, industry partner).

Address the assessment criteria

Applicants should refer to the full selection criteria in the Guidelines. These include:

• Chief Investigator (35%)
• Research project (65%).

After applications are submitted, NSW Health will:

1. Check eligibility: Following the closing date for applications, NSW Health will determine if each application has satisfied the eligibility criteria
2. Arrange review by independent expert panel: An independent panel of expert reviewers will assess each eligible application against the selection criteria.  The independent panel will agree on the final ranking of all eligible applications and will make a recommendation for funding to NSW Health
3. Notify applicants of the outcome: NSW Health will determine grant recipients and amounts. All applicants will be informed as to whether they have been awarded funding
4. Administer Grant Agreements: NSW Health will contact host/ administering organisations for successful projects to execute a funding agreement. A standard, non-negotiable funding agreement will be used.