This program provides funding to establish and extend infrastructure of critical importance, that will be used to conduct world-class health and medical research in areas of unmet medical need.

The 2026 National Critical Research Infrastructure initiative invests in research infrastructure to ensure Australian researchers find innovative solutions to complex health problems in areas of unmet medical need. This grant opportunity has four streams.

Stream 1 - Innovation enablers

Address an area of unmet medical need by promoting the development and implementation of new research infrastructure by supporting development and/or expansion of research enablers such as biobanks, tissue repositories, novel platforms, and secure health data environments to create valuable research resources.

Stream 2 - Digitisation of health care

Translate or implement innovative artificial intelligence technologies into health applications that:

• benefit multiple health disciplines/areas
• involve consumers in the research journey to ensure the research is applicable to the needs of the Australian community; and
• increase artificial intelligence workforce capacity and capability, particularly in relation to health, through cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Stream 3 - Co-investment partnerships

Utilise co-investment (cash only) with the research sector, state and/or territory governments, and industry, in significant critical research infrastructure (e.g. facilities, personnel and equipment):

• to support development of research capacity, capability and/or effectiveness in an area of unmet medical need, or
• to enable Australian research using new platforms, systems and services in an area of unmet medical need.

Stream 4 - mRNA technology enablers

Leverage and enhance emerging mRNA technologies, platforms, and/or equipment to accelerate development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics in an area of unmet medical need.

You can apply if you:

• have an Australian business number (ABN)
• are incorporated in Australia

and in accordance with s24 of the MRFF Act 2015, be one of the following entities:

• a medical research institute
• a university
• a corporate Commonwealth entity
• a corporation (including businesses and not for profits).

Joint applications are encouraged, provided you have a lead organisation who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply. For further information on joint applications, refer to section 7.2. We cannot waive the eligibility criteria under any circumstances.

• Phone: 13 28 46
• Email: NCRI@industry.gov.au