The Australian government has launched a $5.9m grant round for brain cancer research, targeting pre-clinical and early-stage research into new therapies. The funding is part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission, which aims to support translational research into new therapies.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) will administer the grant opportunity on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Cancer Australia. The money will support innovative, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational pre-clinical and early-stage clinical brain cancer research projects.
Research Priorities
Proposed projects must advance knowledge in at least two priority areas: the aetiology of brain cancer, identification and validation of new therapeutic strategies, and development of new therapies. The NHMRC said the work is intended to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians by addressing key challenges in brain cancer through projects with strong translational potential.
Individual grants will range from $704,000 to $2.1m, with projects to be completed within five years of commencement. Applications close on 4 November 2026, with minimum data submissions due by 7 October 2026, and applicant questions must be submitted by 28 October 2026. Applications must be lodged electronically through NHMRC’s Sapphire online granting system.
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The Australian Brain Cancer Mission has a dedicated webpage with more information on the grant opportunity and the mission’s objectives. Further information on the MRFF is available from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Lists of Mission Funding Partners and MRFF Eligible Organisations are available on the Australian Brain Cancer Mission and NHMRC websites, respectively. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines carefully before submitting their proposals.
The grant round is a significant investment in brain cancer research, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of Australians affected by this disease. With the application deadline approaching, researchers and organisations are encouraged to submit their proposals and contribute to the advancement of brain cancer research.