ASSCR/NSCFA Near-Miss Scheme

The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (NSCFA) is partnering with the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) in a new NSCFA Near‑Miss Funding Program to provide targeted bridging support for stem cell researchers whose National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) applications were highly ranked but not funded. Commencing with the 2026 NHMRC Investigator Grant round, the program will provide up to two grants of $100,000 to support eligible stem cell research applications that were competitive but not funded. The funding will provide 12‑month bridging support, enabling researchers to maintain critical staff, complete key experiments, and strengthen their programs for resubmission to major funding bodies.

Key Details for the ASSCR/NSCFA Near Miss Scheme

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Applicants must have just missed out on funding through the 2026 NHMRC Investigator Grant Program round. For 2026 NHMRC Investigator Grants, this would equate to a category 6 score or higher.
  2. The project must be Stem Cell Based Research and carried out predominantly in Australia.
  3. Successful applicants will be eligible and be, or will become, members of ASSCR at time of award.
  4. Applications will be considered only if they are complete and submitted by the due date.
  5. The selection committee’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

 

Selection Criteria:
  1. Applications will be scored by a selection panel comprised of members of the ASSCR Executive and NSCFA Scientific and Ethics Committee.
  2. Applications will be judged on their relevance to stem cell biology and the impact this funding will have on the research program
  3. Up to 2 grants may be awarded per round with applicants notified within 2 months of application closing date.
  4. At least one awardee will identify as female.

 

Funding Rules:
  1. Up to two $100,000 awards are available, but the selection committee reserves the right not to award one or more of the awards in any pilot round.
  2. Awards may not be deferred nor renewed.
  3. Successful applicants will be requested to complete a brief report at the end of 12 months on the use and impact of funding award.

 

Applications close 10am AEST on the 26th of June 2026. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by mid-late July.

Apply Here

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