- Major Research and Innovation Application Support round now open
- WA researchers and innovators secure almost $11 million in national funding
- Up to $1 million to support major national and international grant applications
- Cook Labor Government committed to supporting WA researchers and innovators and making more things here
The Cook Labor Government has opened Round 10 of the Major Research and Innovation Application Support (MRIAS) Program, helping Western Australian health and medical researchers pursue major national and international funding opportunities.
Delivered through the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, MRIAS strengthens the competitiveness of applications to external grant programs and supports Western Australia's research and innovation capability.
Successful applicants receive an in-principle State Government funding commitment of up to $1 million through a competitive, merit-based assessment process.
The program has supported many researchers at different stages of their careers with many recipients going on to achieve success in highly competitive national grant programs.
Applications close at 11am on Thursday, 1 October 2026, and applicants must pursue an eligible external funding program within 12 months of the MRIAS closing date.
Four recipients from previous rounds of the MRIAS program have now secured nationally competitive funding. Professors Ryan Lister, Timothy Jones, Archa Fox, and Dr Kate Lewkowski each received MRIAS support before being awarded Medical Research Future Fund National Critical Research Infrastructure grants.
Together, $3.94 million in MRIAS funding helped leverage almost $11 million in national investment for the State, reinforcing the program's important role in WA's research capability.
More details including application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the list of supported external programs are available on the FHRI Fund website.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Western Australia is home to talented researchers and innovators driving better care, new treatments, and medical breakthroughs.
"Through MRIAS, the Cook Labor Government is helping strong WA proposals compete successfully for major national and international grants.
"I congratulate Professors Ryan Lister, Timothy Jones, Archa Fox, and Dr Kate Lewkowski on their outstanding success in securing highly competitive national funding.
"Their achievements reflect the value of investing in Western Australian researchers, while highlighting their strength on the national stage."
