NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence 2026

Overview

The objectives of the CRE scheme are to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research outcomes into policy and/or practice. The CRE scheme also supports researchers in capacity building activities, including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC. The intended outcomes of the CRE scheme are to:• support the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research • promote effective translation of research into knowledge gain, health policy and/or practice • foster and build capacity and capability in the health and medical research workforce • provide opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams.  The CRE 2026 grant opportunity will provide support for teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in basic science research, clinical research, health services research and public health research.  Additional funding is available from funding partners through the CRE 2026 grant opportunity for: • one Early-Onset Bowel Cancer Centre of Research Excellence through the Basic Science Research application stream • one CRE for Infection Prevention and Control Research in Aged Care through the Health Services Research application stream. Applicants select the application stream that best fits their research proposal. Applicants should refer to the Centres of Research Excellence 2026 Guidelines for further guidance in selecting the appropriate stream. A CRE may be a single physical entity or institute, or a geographically disparate network linking across more than one institution. Centres are encouraged to collaborate with, and participate in, national and international research studies.