In a decisive response to Australia’s escalating research funding crisis, the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (NSCFA) is partnering with the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) to announce 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.
This pilot initiative is designed to urgently fill critical funding gaps and preserve research momentum in stem cell research.
With success rates for major national schemes at historic lows, increasing numbers of high-quality research projects narrowly miss out on NHMRC funding each year. For many laboratories, these “near misses” result in lost staff, stalled experiments, and, in some cases, the permanent closure of promising research programs. This new program directly targets that vulnerable gap.
A targeted response to immediate need
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 months of bridging support, enabling researchers to maintain critical staff, complete key experiments, and strengthen their programs for resubmission to major funding bodies.
The scheme prioritises science-driven excellence and will be open to applicants who missed out on funding for a stem-cell-based project, but who achieved an overall category 6 score or higher. The Foundation and the Society particularly encourage applications led by mid-career investigators.
Designed to be rapid, fair, and researcher-focused
Recognising the administrative burden already placed on researchers in preparing funding applications, the program has been deliberately designed to be non-onerous. A short, concise statement of the research program, capability or momentum that is at risk without bridging support and proposed use of funds will complement already existing NHMRC application materials. The selection process will be jointly managed by representatives from ASSCR and NSCFA, with a strong emphasis on transparency, equity, and scientific merit.
The NearMiss Funding Program will be offered initially as a two-year pilot, representing a total investment of up to $400,000. Outcomes from the pilot will inform future refinements and long-term sustainability.
A sign of leadership in a bleak funding environment
At a time when national research funding remains under intense pressure, NSCFA and ASSCR are sending a clear message: the stem cell research community must act collectively to support our researchers and their programs of work.
Applications for the NSCFA NearMiss Funding Program will open following the announcement of the NHMRC Investigator funding outcomes, with the first awardees announced mid-2026. Further information on eligibility, timing and the application process will be provided via the NSCFA and ASSCR websites.
Find out more about the Near Miss Scheme
