Jul 16, 2025, 20:01

NMRC CS-IRG New Investigator Grant (CS-IRG-NIG)

The NMRC CS-IRG New Investigator Grant (CS-IRG-NIG) provides up to S$260,000 over 2 years (or up to 3 years for patient-recruitment studies) to support clinical PIs launching their first independent research program in Singapore. It funds basic, translational, or clinical projects across all health areas, with priority given to national disease priorities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Principal Investigator:
- Clinically qualified (MD/MBBS/BDS) with postgraduate clinical training or allied-health/non-medical PhD holders conducting clinically relevant research.
- Holds a primary appointment and salary at a Singapore public hospital, AMC, PHI, or public university.
- Independent investigator status with evidence of research interest (e.g., publications, prior national training awards).
- No prior PI/Co-PI awards of national-level grants (e.g., NMRC CSA/STaR, NRF Fellowship, MOE Tier 2/3).
- Has not received > S$500,000 in external competitive direct-cost funding as PI.
- Employed ≥ 9 months/year locally; commits to ≥ 6 months’ residency in Singapore per grant year.
- No outstanding reports from previous national grants.
- For patient studies: PI or Co-I must be SMC-registered or demonstrate patient access via SMC-registered collaborators.
Research Themes: Open to all health areas; seven priority domains for tie-breakers:
1. Cancers & neoplasms
2. Cardiovascular
3. Eye
4. Infection
5. Mental health
6. Metabolic & endocrine
7. Neurological

Funding Details:

Quantum: Up to S$260,000 (inclusive of up to 30% indirect costs^) for up to 2 years; projects with prospective patient recruitment may extend to 3 years under the same cap.
Allowable Costs: Personnel, consumables, equipment, patient-care costs, and indirect costs (up to 30%; not applicable to scholarship budgets).
^Indirect costs are not applicable for research scholarship budgets.

Deadline:

Submit and secure Host Institution DOR endorsement via IGMS by August 1, 2025, 5:00 PM (SGT). Late or unendorsed submissions will not be accepted.

Where to Go for Further Information & Submission:

Application Guide & Form: Download the CS-IRG-NIG Guide and Application Form from the NMRC website under “Competitive Research Grants → CS-IRG New Investigator Grant.”
Online Submission: IGMS portal (requires Host Institution DOR endorsement).
Queries: Contact the NMRC Secretariat via the IGMS helpdesk or refer to the CS-IRG-NIG FAQ on NMRC’s site.