The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Brain Cancer Mission – 2026 Brain Cancer Research Grant Opportunity supports innovative, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of brain cancer.
The 2026 opportunity provides up to AUD $8.4 million in total funding, with individual projects eligible for AUD $1 million to $3 million over up to five years. Projects must involve pre-clinical and/or early-stage clinical brain cancer research and advance knowledge in at least two specified priority areas.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications must be submitted through an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation.
- Eligible organisations may include Australian medical research institutes, universities, corporate Commonwealth entities, and incorporated organisations that meet MRFF requirements.
- Organisations that are not themselves MRFF Eligible Organisations may participate through an eligible administering organisation as a Participating Institution.
- Proposed projects must focus specifically on brain cancer research.
- Projects may include pre-clinical and/or early-stage clinical research.
- Applications must advance knowledge in at least two of the following areas: brain cancer aetiology; identification and validation of new therapeutic strategies; and development of new therapies.
- The Mission’s implementation framework places a strong emphasis on meaningful participation and support for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs).
Funding Details
- Total funding available: Up to AUD $8.4 million.
- Minimum grant amount: AUD $1 million.
- Maximum grant amount: AUD $3 million per project.
- Grant duration: Up to 5 years.
- The broader Australian Brain Cancer Mission is investing $126.4 million over 10 years, including $50 million from the Australian Government through the MRFF and additional commitments from funding partners. (Department of Health, Disability & Ageing)
Deadline
- Applications opened: July 29, 2026.
- Minimum data deadline: October 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM ACT local time.
- Application deadline: November 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM ACT local time.
- Applicants should ensure that all mandatory minimum data are entered by the October 7 deadline, as applications that do not meet the minimum data requirement cannot proceed.
Further Information
- Applicants are encouraged to leverage existing research infrastructure, including initiatives such as the ZERO Childhood Brain Cancer program and Australian Brain Cancer Registry.
- The grant opportunity is administered by NHMRC on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Cancer Australia.
- Official program page: View the official website
- Australian Brain Cancer Mission page: View the Mission
- Download the official Mission Roadmap: Download the PDF
- Download the official Implementation Plan: Download the PDF