The HRC established this fellowship as a contribution to building New Zealand’s future capability to conduct world-class research. Therefore, the fellowship is for untenured applicants and will support a researcher whose scientific field has the potential to contribute to both the health and economic goals for the government’s investment in research, science and technology.

The fellowship is intended to support emerging scientists who have demonstrated outstanding potential to develop into highly skilled researchers able to initiate new avenues of investigation. Successful candidates are likely to have published papers in their chosen area in leading journals and should be able to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research. The total value of the fellowship package is $600,000 over four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Eligibility criteria

You are eligible to apply if you are a New Zealand citizen or hold New Zealand residency at the time of application. You will need to be based in New Zealand and undertake the research activity in New Zealand.

You will also need to have held a PhD or an equivalent degree for six to 10 years on the application date. Exceptions for time spent outside the research environment will be considered (e.g. time taken for maternity or paternity leave, or illness) as your track record is assessed relative to opportunity.

You are not eligible to apply if you have been awarded more than one HRC Project Grant as first named investigator, or equivalent support (value/term); are an established academic, e.g. associate professors and professors, regardless of number of years post-PhD; or are employed in full-time, permanent academic roles at the time of application.

How do I apply?

First, you’ll need to ensure that you have an up-to-date profile on HRC Gateway. You’ll then need to complete an online registration form via HRC Gateway to signal your intention to apply for this fellowship. Following registration, you’ll need to submit a full application online via HRC Gateway using the forms available below. Application guidelines are also available below. Ensure that you have read the guidelines as they contain information that is essential to consider when writing your application.

Got a question?

If you have a question about this fellowship, please email info@hrc.govt.nz

Documents

Guidelines

2027 Career Development Awards Application Guidelines
29 May, 2026 11:53am - 900KB

2027 Peer Review Manual CDA
29 May, 2026 11:53am - 885KB

Forms

2027 Career Development Awards Application Form - Hercus
28 May, 2026 11:00am - 769KB

2027 Career Development Awards Budget Form
28 May, 2026 11:00am - 37KB