The Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) scheme provides support for teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in basic science research, clinical research, health services research and public health research.
The objective of the CRE scheme is to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research outcomes into policy and/or practice. The CRE scheme will also support researchers in capacity building activities, including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC.
The intended outcomes of the CRE scheme are to:
- support the conduct and development of innovative, high quality, collaborative research
- promote effective translation of research into knowledge gain, health policy and/or practice
- foster and build capacity and capability in the health and medical research workforce
- provide opportunities to expand and improve collaborations between research teams.
Funding will be available across 5 application streams in the 2025 CRE grant opportunity:
- Basic Science Research
- Clinical Research
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Research
- One Health Research.
Peer review of CRE grants
For information on the CRE peer review process refer to the Centres of Research Excellence Peer Review Guidelines published on GrantConnect.
Grant at a glance
Duration of funding
5 years
Level of funding
CREs in Basic Science Research, Clinical Research, Health Services Research, Public Health Research and One Health Research – $3,000,000
Key changes
Applicants should note the following changes to the CRE 2025 Guidelines:
- Stemming from the Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria Review, all applicants are required to describe how their proposed research could benefit Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health and contribute to Closing the Gap targets. The response will be considered by peer reviewers in the overall assessment of the application.
- CRE score descriptors have been amended to include assessment of the alignment between the objectives of the proposed research and the objectives of the CRE scheme and application stream.
- Funding for one CRE grant focused on venom research through the Basic Science Research, Clinical Research, Health Services Research or Public Health Research streams.
- In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, funding for two CRE in One Health Research grants.
