Apply for a National Research Infrastructure Grant

The National Research Infrastructure Grant Scheme supports projects advancing nationalised and sustainable research infrastructure for motor neurone disease (MND).

In 2026, the scheme is accepting applications focused on establishing, strengthening and sustaining national-scale Biorepositories that advance MND research in Australia.

The scheme’s goal is to increase investment into innovative programs that:

• Support the most critical infrastructure for MND research.
• Build partnerships focused on the co-development of research infrastructure.

The 2026 targeted grant round seeks proposals for biorepositories that:

• Enable research and foster collaboration across disciplines.
• Enable research and foster collaboration across disciplines.
• Have a national scope with pathways for international integration.
• Link comprehensively with clinical data.
• Provide clear policies for sample access, data linkage and sharing, or a viable roadmap to achieve this.
• Outline a roadmap demonstrating how data generated by the research infrastructure aligns with best practice standards and protocols, is harmonised and integrates seamlessly with national and international datasets, and aligns with the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable).
• Have established partnerships with secured co-funding.

Funding

Funding is available for projects from $350,000 to $2 million suitable for a 3 – 5 year timeframe.

Applicants must submit expressions of interest / proposals compatible with this timeframe.

Application process

The application process for the Grant is in two stages:

Expressions of interest: close 5pm AEDT, Monday 23 February 2026
Full applications (by invitation): close 5pm AEST, Thursday 7 May 2026

Eligibility

Applications must come from Australian-based research institutions or organisations that follow best-practice and ethical standards. The scheme is open to experts in MND research and those experienced in managing research infrastructure.

Applicants with limited MND experience should collaborate with researchers who have strong expertise and collaborations with international experts are encouraged.

Applications must include at least one partner organisation, and at least 50% of funding (in cash or demonstrated tangible value) must be from partners.

To be competitive, proposals must deliver national benefit, address the most critical infrastructure needs for MND research, and include a clear, relevant plan for sustainability.

Key dates

Grants open: Tuesday 9 December 2025
Expressions of interest close:  5pm AEDT, Monday 23 February 2026
Grant applications close: 5pm AEST, Thursday 7 May 2026 (invited applications only)
Successful applicants notified: September 2026
Expected project start date: November 2026

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through FightMND’s online grant management system, Fluxx.

Previous applicants: Login to Fluxx
New applicants: Sign up for Fluxx

Guidelines and how to guides

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the FightMND National Research Infrastructure Grant guidelines before completing their application.

If you need help registering for the National Research Infrastructure Grants or signing up to Fluxx, here are some how-to guides:

• Step-by-step manual on how to register for Fluxx
• Step-by-step manual on how to submit an EOI in Fluxx (and full invited application)

Questions

If you have any questions on the National Research Infrastructure Grants scheme or if there are any issues with the online application form, please contact Dr Davor Stanic, FightMND Infrastructure and Innovations Manager at [email protected]