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Pacific health research
The primary role of Pacific health research is to generate knowledge and understanding of Pacific peoples that will improve their health outcomes. Pacific health research design, methods, and approaches aim to be responsive to changing Pacific contexts, underpinned by Pacific cultural values and beliefs, and conducted in accordance with Pacific ethical standards, values, and aspirations. We have a number of scholarships and fellowships designed to foster the Pacific health research workforce.
Current & recent ideas funding opportunities
2025 Explorer Grants
Our Explorer Grants provide seed support for researchers with transformative, innovative, exploratory or unconventional research ideas that have a good chance of making a revolutionary change to how we manage health in New Zealand. These grants are available in any health-related field (e.g. basic, clinical, behavioural, social, public health, kaupapa Māori, Māori health, Pacific health, and translational sciences) and are worth $150,000 for a term of up to 24 months.
2025 Projects
We offer funding of up to $1,200,000 for research projects that have the potential to vastly improve the health of New Zealanders. Projects can cover a diverse range of areas, from biomedical and public health to clinical studies, Māori-focused research, and Pacific health research. Most projects have a term of three years, but we can negotiate terms of up to five years.
2025 Emerging Researcher First Grants
These grants provide research funds to develop the research skills and capability needed in areas of importance and priority for New Zealand – both now and for the future. They support emerging researchers who are seeking to establish independent careers in health research. Up to a maximum of $400,000 for three years is available.
Current & recent people-focused funding opportunities
2025 Pacific Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship provides support for outstanding graduates who have recently completed a degree at doctoral level and who propose to conduct research in any discipline related to improving the health of Pacific peoples. The value of this fellowship is based on a salary at a postdoctoral fellow level for 3 years and includes up to $105,000 for research expenses and an annual allowance of $2,500 to travel to a scientific meeting.
2025 Sir Thomas Davis Te Patu Kite Rangi Ariki Health Research Fellowship
This fellowship supports emerging Pacific researchers who have demonstrated outstanding potential to develop into highly-skilled researchers. It's designed to contribute towards better health outcomes for Pacific peoples, families, and communities, and is worth $600,000 over four years.
2025 Pacific Clinical Research Training Fellowship
The Pacific clinical research training fellowship provides an opportunity for medical, dental and allied Pacific health professionals to undertake a PhD or equivalent qualification. A non-taxable stipend, university fees, and research expenses are available for up to three years full-time or four years part-time. A maximum of $260,000 is available.
2025 Pacific Health Research PhD Scholarships
Our Pacific PhD scholarships provide three years of personal support for outstanding graduates undertaking a PhD in any discipline related to improving the health of Pacific peoples. The value of the scholarship is $30,000 (tax-free stipend) per annum, with other benefits including a $10,000 grant for working expenses and a $3,000 grant for mentoring costs.
2025 Pacific Health Research Masters Scholarship
Our Pacific masters scholarship provides one year of personal support valued at $20,000 for students completing the research component of a master’s degree. Students may come from any discipline, as long as their proposed research links to health and good health outcomes for Pacific peoples.
2025 Pacific Health Research Summer Studentships
These studentships, worth $7,500, aim to introduce research to Pacific students wanting to develop their research skills with supervision and guidance from experienced senior researchers. They provide an opportunity to develop a career in health research by working on a 10-week project over the summer break.
2025 Pacific Health Research Knowledge Translation Grants
Our Pacific knowledge translation grants are available for dissemination of research identified as important for future use, including policy and health service development. Up to $5,000 is available.
2024 Pacific Health Research Emerging Leader Fellowship
This fellowship focuses on the development of Pacific health research knowledge, with a specific emphasis on equity and social investment that supports improving Pacific health. The total value of this fellowship is $500,000 over four years.