A Targeted Call for Research is a one-time request for grant applications designed to stimulate research in a particular area that will benefit the health of Australians or address a specific health issue.

A strong, culturally safe and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce is widely recognised as an enabler of health equity, building stronger community engagement while improving access to health services and developing sustainable culturally responsive models of care. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals therefore play a vital role in improving trust in healthcare services, leading to better continuity of care that integrates community leadership and ultimately ensuring health systems are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The objectives of TCR: Strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Pipeline to Improve Health Equity 2026 are:

• To improve understanding of the enablers and barriers influencing attraction, education, recruitment, retention, career progression and leadership across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce pipeline, including diverse and non-linear workforce pathways.
• To evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability and cultural responsiveness of existing workforce development initiatives, models and strategies including contextual conditions that support their success.
• To strengthen research and evaluation capability in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce through meaningful participation, training and leadership opportunities.
• To develop practical and culturally responsive tools, frameworks and measures to support workforce evaluation, planning and continuous improvement.
• To generate evidence-based recommendations that support scalable, gender-balanced workforce development approaches and long-term improvements in health equity.

Applications will only be accepted from NHMRC approved Administering Institutions. A list of NHMRC approved Administering Institutions is available at:

NHMRC Administering Institutions

Applications must satisfy all the requirements set out in the Targeted Call for Research: Strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Pipeline to Improve Health Equity 2026 Grant Guidelines.

The CIA must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. See Section 4.1.1 of the Grant Guidelines.

• Phone: 1800 500 983
• Email: help@nhmrc.gov.au