Research funding programs

Future Leader Fellows are emerging leaders; the best and brightest in cardiovascular research. Being awarded a fellowship will allow a researcher to build their research capacity, as they become leaders of research groups. In 2021, the Heart Foundation has expanded eligibility criteria to include researcher up to 15 years post-PhD.

Level 1

To support the best and brightest cardiovascular researchers through prestigious and generous funding, helping them to develop as independent researchers.

To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded their PhD 3–6 years prior to the application closing date.

Level 2

To support researchers who are becoming leaders of cardiovascular research groups and developing their own research portfolio.

To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded their PhD 7–10 years prior to the application closing date

*New Level 3

To support senior researchers who have established careers in leading cardiovascular research groups and have developed an extensive research portfolio

To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded their PhD 11-15 years prior to the application closing date

What’s the value of the Grant?

When can you apply?

Applications open:  March 8, 2021
Applications close:  April 30, 2021
Successful applicants notified:  End October

How should you apply?

Applications must be submitted via the Heart Foundation’s Researcher Portal.
Please download the Research Program Funding Guidelines, available on the bottom of this page for more details including eligibility requirements and the application process.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to identify the best and brightest (recent) PhD graduates and to give them a boost to their research career and enhance their ability to attract and secure future funding.

This Award is aimed at early career researchers and seeks to identify the strongest emerging Australian talent who have just completed or nearing completion of their postdoctoral studies (PhD). The successful Postdoctoral Fellow will have not just a demonstrated strong track record during their PhD but also be actively engaged in leadership development such as supervision of students demonstrating the potential to become a leader in their research field.

To be eligible, you must have been awarded your PhD no more than 3 years prior to the application closing date.  

What’s the value of the Fellowship?  

• Stipend Year 1 - $75,000
• Stipend Year 2 - $76,200

When can you apply? 

Applications open: March 22, 2021 
Applications close: May 14, 2021 
Successful applicants notified: End October 

How should you apply? 

Applications must be submitted via the Heart Foundation’s Researcher Portal.  
Please download the Research Program Funding Guidelines, available on the bottom of this page for more details including eligibility requirements and the application process.

The purpose of the Vanguard Grant is to provide funding to test the feasibility of innovative concepts in clinical, public health and/or health services (including clinical service delivery) or biomedical research which may lead to larger, more rigorous studies in the future. Both pilot studies and ‘stand-alone’ projects will be considered. These projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes with the potential to further advance preclinical research technology or improve cardiovascular health.

The Heart Foundation offers funding for Vanguard Grants in both one- and two-year categories. One- and two-year projects are assessed by separate peer review committees. Applicants will be required to select and justify the project length in relation to the feasibility of their proposed project when submitting their application.

We can accept only one application per applicant (Chief Investigator A only please).

What’s the value of the Grant?
Applicants can apply for a maximum budget of $75,000 for a one year grant and maximum budget of $75,000 per year with total budget no more than $150,000 for a two year grant.

When can you apply?

Applications open: March 1, 2021
Applications close: April 23, 2021
Successful applicants notified: End October

How should you apply?

Applications must be submitted via the Heart Foundation’s Researcher Portal.  
Please download the Research Program Funding Guidelines, available on the bottom of this page for more details including eligibility requirements and the application process.

*Please note the application will only be available on the portal from the open date.

Open only to Heart Foundation funded scholars or fellows, this award provides an opportunity to visit national or international research facilities to collaborate and share knowledge.

The award gives recipients opportunities to strengthen skills and further their research careers through the exchange of innovative ideas, knowledge, and activities.  

What’s the value of the Grant? 

This award will cover up to $5,000 to support activities for up to six months. 

When can you apply? 

Applications open: July 5 2021
Applications close: August 13, 2021 
Successful applicants notified: End October

How should you apply?

Applications must be submitted via The Heart Foundation’s Researcher Portal. 
Please download the Research Program Funding Guidelines, available on the bottom of this page for more details including eligibility requirements and the application process.

This award provides funding for research groups and/or individuals conducting research in the cardiovascular health sphere. Projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes with the potential of creating high-impact change in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cardiovascular health research community.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate how the requested funding will benefit:

• Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or communities
• The development of knowledge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cardiovascular health management.  

What’s the value of the Grant? 

When can you apply? 

Applications open: April 19, 2021
Applications close: June 11, 2021
Successful applicants notified: End October

How should you apply? 

Applications must be submitted via The Heart Foundation’s Researcher Portal.  
Please download the Research Program Funding Guidelines, available on the bottom of this page for more details including eligibility requirements and the application process.

*Please note the application will only be available on the portal from the open date.

Strategic Grants aim to generate innovative and collaborative research in the areas of identified knowledge gaps or those deemed to be priorities of the Heart Foundation.

Click here to view the 2021 Strategic Grants topics and find out more about the application process and eligibility requirements.