The NMRC Population Health Research Grant – Thematic Category funds targeted, policy‐relevant population‐health research in priority areas defined by the Ministry of Health. Proposals must address one of eight pressing themes—ranging from mental health and maternal–child care to digital health, chronic‐disease mobilisation, healthy ageing, complex‐patient care, sustainable care delivery, palliative care, traditional and complementary medicine, health‐systems research, or rehabilitation—and demonstrate rapid policy or practice impact.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Principal Investigator:

  • Holds a PhD, MD/MBBS/BDS/PharmD, or equivalent postgraduate qualification (minimum Master’s).

  • Employed ≥ 9 months/year at a Singapore publicly funded institution (hospital, AMC, PHI, or university).

  • Independent investigator with nationally competitive funding or strong publication record.

  • Commits to ≥ 6 months’ residency in Singapore per grant year.

  • No outstanding reports from prior national grants.

  • For patient‐based studies: PI or Co‐I must be SMC‐registered or demonstrate patient access via SMC‐registered collaborator.

• Research Scope: Must address at least one of the eight Thematic Category areas below, within a population‐health framework.

Thematic Research Areas:

1. Mental Health: Community access, integration of primary/specialist care across age groups.

2. Care for Mothers & Children: Metabolic, mental, and cognitive health from pre‐conception through adolescence.

3. Chronic‐Disease Mobilisation (“War on Diabetes”) & Other NCDs: Education, behaviour, socioeconomic barriers, and system‐wide engagement strategies.

4. Digital & Precision Health: Telehealth models, data integration, cybersecurity, and tailored interventions for high‐risk groups.

5. Healthy Ageing & Preparedness: Extending functional lifespan, disability mitigation, and pre‐habilitation.

6. Complex‐Patient Care: Multi‐morbid care coordination, self‐management, interprofessional community‐based models.

7. Sustainable & Efficient Care Delivery: Value‐based care, resource optimisation, manpower productivity, cost‐quality balance.

8. Palliative Care, T&CM, Health‐Systems Research & Rehabilitation: Holistic end‐of‐life models; safe Western and T&CM integration; system‐level policy interventions; precision‐guided rehab across the care continuum.

Funding Details:

• Quantum & Duration: Determined through a co‐creation process with MOH and agencies—no fixed caps. Projects should propose funding and timelines aligned with rapid policy translation (2–3 years to adoption).

• Allowable Costs: Personnel, consumables, equipment, community engagements, data analytics, and other direct research expenses. Indirect cost rates to be negotiated during full‐proposal stage.

Deadline:

• Letter of Intent (LOI): Open now; submit anytime before August 1, 2025 via IGMS.

• Full Proposal: By invitation only—shortlisted LOI applicants will co‐develop proposals with MOH and relevant agencies.

Where to Go for Further Information & Submission:

• Guide & Application Form: Download the PHRG Thematic Category Guide and Form from NMRC’s website under Grants → Competitive Research Grants → Population Health Research Grant (Thematic Category).

• Submission Portal: IGMS (requires Host Institution DOR endorsement).

• Queries: Contact NMRC via IGMS helpdesk or refer to the PHRG Thematic FAQs on NMRC’s site.