- Applications for Major Research and Innovation Application Support now open
- Program supports WA researchers to secure national and international funding
- Up to $1 million in in-principle funding available per successful applicant
- Cook Labor Government committed to growing WA's medical research and innovation
The Cook Labor Government is inviting applications for Round 9 of the Major Research and Innovation Application Support (MRIAS) Program, assisting Western Australian researchers and innovators to compete for nationally and internationally competitive grant funding.
Funded through the State's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, the program provides in-principle financial support to help WA researchers strengthen their applications for major external funding opportunities.
Applications for Round 9 are now open and close at 1pm (AWST), Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
MRIAS offers in-principle cash commitments of up to $1 million through a competitive, merit-based process.
The program is designed to enhance Western Australia's global competitiveness in health and medical research by supporting high-quality proposals for major funding programs such as the Medical Research Future Fund and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Applicants must intend to submit to an eligible external funding program within 12 months of the MRIAS closing date.
Full details, including application guidelines and eligibility criteria, are available on the FHRI Fund's website: fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au/Funding/Current-opportunities/Major-Research-and-Innovation-Application-Support-Program-Round-9
The FHRI Fund continues to play a vital role in building WA's research capacity and capability, supporting innovation that improves health outcomes for Western Australians.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This program is about giving our researchers the best possible chance to secure major national and international funding and deliver innovative solutions that improve health outcomes.
"By providing in-principle financial backing, we are helping to strengthen high-quality applications and ensure WA continues to compete on the global stage.
"I encourage all eligible researchers and innovators to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for Round 9.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to investing in research and innovation that will benefit Western Australians now and into the future."
