This program funds research projects that focus on providing quality care and better patient outcomes.

Each year the HCF Research Foundation invites applicants to apply for funding for health services research projects that address one or more nominated topics. Additional guidance on these topics is provided below to enable researchers to ensure their EOIs align with the call.

The 2026 Health Services Research Grants round will focus on specific research areas of interest within the following two major topics:

1. Uptake, accessibility and effectiveness of innovative mental health models of care that expand options for timely, high-quality support for people experiencing acute mental health needs. This can include strengthened community-based models and integrated pathways of care.
2. Strategies for the identification and remediation of gender bias in health care services.

Your research must explicitly meet one or more of the above topics. If you are unsure, please contact the
Foundation to discuss your project prior to submitting your EOI.

A single reputable institution must be nominated as the Administering Institution. It is expected that projects will be managed with the support of an academic research institution, such as a university, hospital, or research institute.

However, in order to fund quality research in additional health service settings, the HCF Research Foundation is open to applications from institutions outside of those categories - please contact HCF prior to submitting your application if this describes your proposed Administering Institution. The Foundation expects nominated Administering Institutions to have policies and procedures in place for the management of research funds, management of intellectual property, and for the conduct of research consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

• Phone: (02) 9290 8811
• Email: hcf_foundation@hcf.com.au