Pitch your care research idea

Are you a researcher with an idea, but need some guidance on submitting an application? Join FightMND on Friday 29 May 2026 for our Pitch your research idea morning and find out how you can prepare your next grant application.

Do you have a research idea, but not sure if it is a good fit for a grant application? Or just keen for some honest, constructive advice?  

Join FightMND for our Pitch Presentation Morning on Friday 29 May 2026. The morning is designed to support healthcare professionals and early career researchers seeking guidance, feedback and expert insight before applying for grant funding.  

Participants will present their research ideas to a multidisciplinary panel of established researchers, leaders in MND care, and individuals with lived experience. The panel will provide informed, constructive advice to help refine ideas and strengthen future applications for funding. through FightMND, MND Australia, NHMRC, and other local and international funding bodies. 

This session is designed to build confidence, improve proposal quality, and support the next generation of impactful MND research.    

Guidelines and application form Example application

Key dates 

  • Pitch application period: Thursday 9 April to Friday 8 May 2026 
  • Invite to pitch sent: Friday 15 May 2026 
  • Pitch Presentation Morning: Friday 29 May 2026 

How the Pitch Presentation Morning will work 

Step 1: Apply to present 

While we would love to hear from every applicant, the Pitch Presentation Morning will be limited to a maximum of 5 presenters to ensure meaningful discussion and tailored feedback. 

This application period will also ensure we identify panel members with the most relevant expertise for each proposed project. 

Successful applications should: 

  • Have research outcomes will impact the care of people living with or affected by MND. These could include: 
  • Addressing a genuine gap or unmet need in MND care. 
  • Innovating or improving the quality of life or extends life for people living with MND through non‑drug interventions. 
  • Improving clinical care for people living with MND. 
  • Be more than just an idea, with a fleshed-out project plan, budget, and key collaborators identified. 

Please note that applications should not focus on biomedical research or drug therapies.  

Step 2: Invitation to present 

Selected applicants will be invited to present their project during the Pitch Presentation Morning. 

  • Pitch duration: 5–10 minutes 
  • Panel discussion: 10–15 minutes of constructive feedback and expert advice 

The panel will include experienced researchers, MND care experts, and people with lived experience, providing diverse perspectives to help strengthen your proposal. 

Prize for best pitch 

Following the presentation session, panellists will vote for the strongest pitch. Criteria include idea quality, impact and feasibility.  

The winning pitch will receive a $1,000 prize. 

Who is eligible to apply 

The Pitch Presentation Session is open to individuals with relevant experience in healthcare or research. Eligible applicants include the following: 

  • Healthcare professionals:  
  • With or without formal research training (master’s in research or PHD).   
  • Clinical Fellows   
  • Full time researchers:   
  • Early career researchers (according to NHMRC guidelines)  
  • PhD students who have submitted their thesis and awaiting confirmation.