2025 Healthcare Systems and Sustainability Grant (EOI)

This grant is funded by nib foundation and managed by the Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the RACGP.

The nib foundation is a charitable trust established by nib health funds in pursuit of its purpose of better health and wellbeing. Since 2008 the foundation has provided over $31 million in funding to nearly 200 community health and wellbeing initiatives with a focus on prevention. Recognising the pivotal role of general practice in bringing about better patient outcomes and long-term savings for the broader healthcare system through decreased use of hospital services and improved illness prevention, the nib foundation partnered with the Australian General Practice Research Foundation in 2024 to launch the Healthcare Systems and Sustainability Grant. Our foundations are delighted to offer this grant again in 2025.

Grant amount: One to two grants with a combined total value of $250,000 (excluding GST)

Funding period: 24 months

Focus area: Systemic issues in the Australian healthcare system, focusing on one or more of the following themes:

• The financial sustainability of general practice.
• Non-pharmacological interventions in general practice, including social prescribing, health promotion, and/or illness prevention.
• Collaboration and coordination of care within the broader healthcare ecosystem.

Objectives: This grant aims to support a quality GP-led research project with potential to shape a more robust Australian healthcare system that provides the type of care our increasingly complex population needs, and that is sustainably funded into the future. We have a focus on supporting research that is translational and which can be implemented to drive quality policy, advocacy, and real outcomes for patients and communities across Australia.

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Expressions of interest close on Friday 4 April 2025 at 5pm (AEST). Following assessment of expressions of interest, selected researchers will be invited to submit an application for funding in mid-May.

The RACGP reserves the right to amend or withdraw this grant program at any stage prior to inviting full applications. In such circumstances, the RACGP will not be liable for any costs, expenses, or commitments incurred by applicants in relation to this EOI.

To be eligible for the Healthcare Systems and Sustainability Grant, the principal investigator must:

• Be a general practitioner or general practice registrar, AND
• Have an active leadership role in the project and sufficient experience in leading and conducting research to ensure its successful completion.

We encourage applicants to consider including early career researchers, within a more experienced team, to continue to build general practice research capacity.

Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Likelihood that the project will meet the full selection criteria (outlined below) (60%)
• Alignment with the objectives and focus areas of the grant (40%)

Selection criteria against which full applications (by invitation only) will be assessed:

• Scientific quality of the proposed research project (30%)
  The proposal should demonstrate strong scientific foundations, including a clear research question, robust methodology, and sound approach to data collection and analysis.
  
  
• Likelihood for translation and impact (20%)
  The proposal should showcase potential for practical, meaningful outcomes that improve patient care and/or healthcare systems.
  
  
• Innovation and originality of the project (20%)
  The project should demonstrate originality in its approach, incorporating innovative ideas to address identified unmet needs or gaps in general practice research.
  
  
• Feasibility of the project (20%)
  The project must be realistic and achievable within the given timeline, budget, and resources, supported by a clear research plan and the necessary expertise and support to ensure successful completion.
  
  
• Contribution to building research capacity in general practice (10%)
  The project should enhance research capacity within general practice, whether through skill development, training, fostering collaborations, or expanding networks.

You may begin anywhere in this application form. Please ensure you save as you go. If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's).

On every screen (page of the form) you will find a Form Navigation contents box, this links directly to every page of the application. Click the link to jump directly to the page you want. You can also click 'next page' or 'previous page' on the top or bottom of each page to move forward or backward through the application.

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For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us on 03 8699 0335 during business hours or email foundation@racgp.org.au and quote your application number.