Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases: Strengthening Health Systems Funding Call 2025

Together with other GACD member agencies, NHMRC is inviting investigators to submit applications with a focus on implementation research addressing strategies for strengthening of health systems to improve equity in high quality care and health outcomes, and reduce the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and/or in underserved populations experiencing health disparities such as Indigenous Populations in high-income countries (HICs).

For NHMRC funding support in HICs, research must focus on Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.  

Additional funding may be available for applications which support:  

• Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and researchers  
• NHMRC’s strategic priorities for international engagement, particularly applications requesting joint funding with other GACD Associate Members and/or applications fostering health research collaboration in LMICs from the Southeast Asia and Pacific region.

Application process  

1. GACD opens funding call
   • Applicants intending to apply for funding from NHMRC should advise of their intent to participate in the call via email to international@nhmrc.gov.au
2. Stage 1
   • First stage proposals submitted to the GACD Portal.
   • First stage proposals are verified and compliant applications assessed by GACD Joint International Review Panel.
   • Applicants notified of Stage 1 review outcomes by GACD.
   • Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a second stage proposal and respond to reviewer feedback in the GACD Portal.
3. Stage 2
   • Shortlisted Australia-based applicants applying to NHMRC for support of the Australian components of the research submit a second stage proposal to the GACD Portal and complete an NHMRC application in Sapphire. The Sapphire application will include a budget justification for the funding requested from NHMRC, and upload of the second stage proposal submitted to GACD. 
   • Meeting of the GACD Joint International Peer Review Panel to assess second stage proposals. 
   • GACD notifies NHMRC of applications deemed fundable by the GACD Joint International Panel. 
   • NHMRC assesses the requested Australian budget component of fundable applications. 
   • Funding recommendation approval process. 

Further details of the funding call and guidance documents can be found on the GACD website.