HCF Research Foundation opens 2024 grants

The HCF Research Foundation has opened its application window for the 2024 Health Services Research Grants.

The initiative aims to encourage Australian researchers to propose projects that promise to revolutionise healthcare outcomes, ensuring all Australians have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services precisely when needed.

Over the last two decades, the HCF Research Foundation has injected over $31 million into various research endeavours spanning 59 universities, research institutes, and hospitals nationwide.

“We’re very proud of the support we’ve provided researchers, helping to make healthcare more responsive, affordable, and of high quality, and look forward to the innovative ideas the research community will contribute this year,” said HCF Research Foundation head Dr Christopher Pettigrew.

HCF’s 2024 Health Services Research Grants

The 2024 grant program is particularly interested in proposals that:

• Innovate in healthcare delivery, specifically those that develop and assess new models of care that enhance patient outcomes and experiences through efficient use of the current healthcare workforce;
• Address healthcare biases, focusing on identifying and eliminating disparities in care provision across different demographic groups to ensure equitable treatment for all patients; and
• Investigate viable alternatives to conventional hospital care, aiming to establish and sustain supplementary healthcare approaches that integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

“We’re looking for projects that not only demonstrate innovation but also practicality and scalability, with the ability to translate research findings into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery,” Pettigrew said.

The 2024 Health Services Research Grants program is slated to start funding for selected projects from the beginning of 2025. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is set for 5pm, Monday, May 6, 2024 (AEST).

The opening of grant applications follows the launch of HCF’s free heart health checks for adult members.