Programme Grants provide support for the long-term development of a health research field by a group of established investigators with an outstanding track record of achievement. The group should have a strategic, long-term vision that will contribute to significantly improving health outcomes for New Zealanders. Up to $5 million is available over five years.

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 2024 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 2024 Programme application guidelines for further details).

* Note: Host organisations are responsible for ensuring that New Zealand is the principal domicile and place of employment of the applicant. 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, you’ll need to 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, and 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):

• Rangahau Hauora Māori – supporting Māori health research that upholds rangatiratanga and uses and advances Māori knowledge, resources and people
• General – supporting excellent ideas and innovations proposed by researchers, designed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, equitably, for New Zealanders.

Important points to note

Guidance on the Rangahau Hauora Māori category and the goals that are required to be addressed in your research proposal 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.

There are no changes in requirements from the previous round.

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 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

2024 Peer Review Manual
4 Dec, 2023 5:45pm - 417KB

2024 Programme Application Guidelines
9 Aug, 2023 9:49am - 565KB