Direct Research Cost Guidelines
Under the MRFF Funding Agreement, MRFF funds for a research activity may only be expended on the approved research activity's Direct Research Costs. The Direct Research Costs Guidelines provides advice on the expenditure of this funding.
While is it not feasible to provide a definitive list of expenditure categories and items that may be considered DRCs, these Guidelines provide indicative examples of common expenditure types that may be incurred in the course of a Research Activity; and sets out some examples of expenses that are not to be allocated as DRCs and on which funds must not be spent.
When deciding if expenditure is a DRC or not, reference should be made first to the relevant Grant Opportunity Guidelines under which a Research Activity is funded, and then to these DRC Guidelines. In the event that there is any inconsistency between the two, the Grant Opportunity Guidelines take precedence. A cost that the Research Activity’s Guidelines expressly states may not be paid for will not be a DRC. If clarification is required, please contact your Eligible Organisations Research Administration Officer (RAO) in the first instance. If required, they may then contact mrff.postaward@nhmrc.gov.au
Where there is a need to change the approved funding proposal, such as deferring the commencement of a grant, extending the end date of a grant, or transferring the administration of an MRFF funded grant to a new Eligible Organisation, grantees must submit a variation request in accordance with the MRFF Grantee Variations Policy and Appendix A: Submitting Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Grant Variations for MRFF grants administered by NHMRC.
Personnel and Salary Support Package rates
NHMRC’s Personnel Support Package and Salary Support Package rates should be used and referred to by MRFF applicants and grantees.
Use of all grant funds must comply with the relevant Funding Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the MRFF Eligible Organisation.
