NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence

Key dates for NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence 2024

Release of Forecast Guidelines: 4 September 2023
UQ R&I Internal Expression of Interest Deadline: 29 September 2023
Workshop 1: 11:00am-12:30pm, 5 October 2023
Workshop 2: 1:00pm-2:30pm, 16 October 2023
Proposals open in Sapphire: 18 October 2023
Minimum data requirements in Sapphire: 4pm 15 November 2023
Applications due to UQ R&I: 16 November 2023
Applications close with NHMRC: 4pm 29 November 2023

UQ R&I Workshops

Workshop 1: Collaborative Gain, Opportunities to Expand and Improve
Collaborations, Track Record

Date: 5 October 2023
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Location: 78-343 - General Purpose South, Collaborative Room, St Lucia
Workshop 1 Recording

Workshop 2: Implementation, Capacity Building and Consumer Engagement

Date: 16 October 2023
Time: 1:00-2:30pm
Location: 0881-416 - Mayne Medical School Building, Learning Theatre (ES Meyers), Herston
Workshop 2 Recording

Overview

The NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) scheme supports teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in basic science research, clinical research, health services research and public health research. It will also support one CRE for dementia research with a basic science focus.

The following definitions are provided to assist applicants to select the appropriate stream:

Basic science research seeks to understand th+e biological processes that underpin health and disease at the molecular, cellular, organ system and whole body levels. It may be conducted in vitro, in vivo and/or in silico. It may use, but is not limited to, cells, tissues or other materials of human origin or from relevant animal models.
Clinical research seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases and conditions. It may involve interaction with patients and/or the use of clinical diagnostic materials or patient data.
Health services research seeks to understand and improve the effectiveness, quality, safety, social and environmental dimensions of health care including access, distribution, timeliness and efficiency.
Public health research seeks to improve the health of a population through the prevention of disease, prolongation of life and promotion of health and wellbeing. It includes research to understand the social, behavioural, environmental and other determinants of health and disease.

The objective of the CRE scheme is to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research outcomes into policy and/or practice. The intended outcomes of the CRE scheme are to:

Support the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research
Promote effective translation of research into knowledge gain, health policy and/or practice
Foster and build capacity and capability in the health and medical research workforce
Provide opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams.

Summary of Major Changes in CRE 2024

There are a number of major changes from last round:

Addition of a Basic Science Stream
Increase of funding per grant to $3 Million
Increase in number of CREs awarded to 20:
- Basic Science (5)
- Clinical Research (5)
- Health Services Research (5)
- Public Health Research (5)
One CRE to be funded for dementia research with a basic science research focus (included in the 5 Basic Science CREs)
Adjustments to the Assessment Criteria to accommodate Basic Science
Information about using Generative Artificial Intelligence in grant applications.

How to apply

Step 1. UQ strategic review and development

To help researchers best position their CRE application UQ R&I will be running a strategy panel review of prospective UQ-led CRE applications.
Researchers considering applying to the CRE scheme should complete the UQ R&I NOI by 29 September 2023.
The Research Office Major Initiatives team will also be working with CRE applicants to develop their proposals, including holding workshops. If you have questions about strategic review and development please contact majorinitiatives@research.uq.edu.au

Step 2. Initiating your application in Sapphire

Log in to Sapphire and review/update your Profile. If you do not yet have a Sapphire account, please register for Sapphire. It is advised that requests for Sapphire accounts/activations have experienced considerable delays, so it is recommended for all CI’s to register as soon as possible.

Step 3. Completing the application

Log into Sapphire and complete the application.

Step 4. UQ R&I internal review and feedback

Ahead of internal review, ensure all online components are complete and valid in Sapphire and CIA has initiated the Certification process in Sapphire. Application errors will be signalled and can be corrected during the Certification stage.
To initiate internal review, email your completed UQ Application Certification Form to UQ R&I at majorinitiatives@research.uq.edu.au.
Internal review by UQ R&I/feedback provided

Step 5. Final submission

Final submission by UQ R&I to NHMRC.

Readership and researcher support

Before applying, we recommend you:

Contact your faculty or institute research manager for advice on peer readership programs.
Join the UQ R&I Mailer to stay up to date with round developments.
Access the UQ R&I Grants Library, a helpful resource of past successful proposals.
If offered, attend UQ R&I information sessions and access PowerPoint presentations from presentations and slides.

Key documents

NHMRC

Before applying, please review the full suite of documents when available from GrantConnect, the Australian Government grants information system (login required).

NHMRC documents: