Programme Grants support high-performing teams to undertake a programme of health research in an area of importance and priority for New Zealand. Research programmes are required to have a clear strategic goal, with specific research objectives that can tangibly contribute to improved health outcomes in New Zealand and/or demonstrate the potential to make a significant breakthrough within a field of research. Meaningful collaboration with others to collectively achieve health gains and deliver maximum value for the New Zealand’s public investment in health research is strongly encouraged. Up to $5 million is available over five years.

Key changes

The scoring criteria for ‘Rationale for research’ and ‘Potential for outcomes’ have been updated. All HRC investment must have a clear line of sight to improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, with a focus on areas of highest health need and communities with the highest health needs.

Eligibility criteria

If you're applying as the director (or co-director) of an HRC Programme Grant, you'll need to have New Zealand as your principal domicile and place of employment* and set aside at least 20 per cent full-time equivalent (FTE) of your time on the programme. There are also other specific requirements that you'll need to meet (see the 2025 Programme application guidelines for all the details).

We welcome proposals with co-directors and acknowledge the range of leadership skills and experience required to optimise the potential impact of a Programme Grant. In this context, the eligibility requirements apply to the director and co-director, individually or combined (see the 2025 Programme application guidelines for further details).

* Please refer to the HRC rules for the definition of ‘principal domicile’. Host organisations are responsible for ensuring that New Zealand is the applicant’s principal domicile and place of employment. By submitting an application, the host is satisfied that this condition has been met.

How do I apply?

First, you’ll need to ensure that you have an up-to-date profile on HRC Gateway. You will then need to complete an online registration form via HRC Gateway to signal your intention to apply for a Programme Grant. Following registration, submit a full application online via HRC Gateway using the forms available below. Application guidelines are also available below.

Programme Grant applications are assessed in several stages. Applications are first assessed by external reviewers and an assessing committee; short-listed applications are then assessed by a programme assessing committee. The outcome of these assessments informs Council’s funding decision for Programmes.

There are two Programme Grant categories to choose from (you must select one):

• General: Supporting excellent ideas and innovations proposed by researchers, designed to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.
  

• Rangahau Hauora Māori: Supporting Māori health research that contributes to Māori health gains, upholds rangatiratanga and uses and advances Māori knowledge, resources and people.

Important points to note

All HRC investment must have a clear line of sight to improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, with a focus on areas of highest health need and communities with the highest health needs as outlined in the Government Policy Statement on Health 2024-2027.

Guidance on the Rangahau Hauora Māori category and the goals that are required to be addressed in your research application can be found here: Rangahau Hauora Māori Investment Stream.

Guidance on the Māori Health Advancement (MHA) assessment criterion and examples of how to incorporate this in your research can be found here: Māori Health Advancement.

Guidance on the Research Impact assessment criterion and feedback for applicants can be found here: Research impact assessment slideshow notes.

Got a question?

If you've read through the documents below and under the 'Helpful links' section on the right and still have a question about Programme Grant funding, please send an email to info@hrc.govt.nz and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively, you can phone us on (09) 303 5200.

Documents

Guidelines

2025 Peer Review Manual
4 Jun, 2024 12:34pm - 475KB

2025 Programme Application Guidelines
13 Sep, 2024 4:28pm - 919KB

Forms

2025 Programme Application Form
6 Aug, 2024 3:22pm - 780KB

2025 Programme Budget Form
6 Aug, 2024 3:22pm - 53KB