Jul 16, 2025, 19:59

NMRC Open Fund – Individual Research Grant (OF-IRG)

The NMRC Open Fund – Individual Research Grant (OF-IRG) supports investigator-led basic, translational, and clinical research relevant to human health. Projects spanning causes, diagnosis, treatment, and consequences of disease—across cancers, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and other priority areas—are eligible.

Eligibility Criteria:

Principal Investigator (PI):
- Holds a primary appointment and salary at a local publicly funded Singapore institution.
- PhD or MD/MBBS/BDS (exceptions on a case-by-case basis).
- Independent investigator status with a track record of nationally competitive funding and substantial publications in the past three years.
- Maintains an active laboratory or clinical research program in Singapore.
- Employed at least nine months per calendar year by a Singapore institution; upon award, commits to ≥ six months’ residency in Singapore each year of the grant.
- No outstanding reports from previous national grants.
- For patient-involving studies, PI must be SMC-registered or collaborate with an SMC-registered Co-I.
Research Themes: All health-related areas, with priority given to:
1. Cancers & neoplasms
2. Cardiovascular
3. Eye
4. Infection
5. Mental health
6. Metabolic & endocrine
7. Neurological

Funding Details:

Quantum: Up to S$1.625 million (inclusive of up to 30% indirect costs) for up to five years.
- Note: July 2025 call projects capped at 4.5 years; no-cost extensions not permitted.
Allowable Costs: Personnel, consumables, equipment, and indirect costs (max 30%; not applicable to scholarship budgets).

Deadline:

Submission Period: July 1 – August 1, 2025
Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5:00 PM (Singapore Time) via IGMS.

Where to Go for Further Information & Submission:

Online Submission & DOR Endorsement: Submit and secure Director of Research endorsement through the IGMS portal by the deadline.
Application Guide: Download the OF-IRG Application Guide from NMRC’s website under “Open Fund – Individual Research Grant.”
Queries: Contact the NMRC Grants Office via the IGMS helpdesk or refer to the OF-IRG FAQ.