NHMRC Investigator Bootcamp

Planning to apply for an NHMRC Investigator Grant? Increase your chances of success with this structured program to prepare your application.

About the Program

The Bootcamp is currently undergoing an evaluation, with further announcements about the program to come in early 2027.

The Bootcamp aims to maximise applicants’ odds of success in NHMRC Investigator Grants, by providing a structured process to prepare an application, and equipping participants with grant writing skills.

The Program offers a range of experiential learning opportunities, ranging from interactive sessions to self-paced learning, formal and informal group activities, and coaching. Participants will:

Gain skills and strategies to enhance their competitiveness for fellowships and grants, including benchmarking, pitching, reviewing, and writing
Develop an increased understanding of their research program, achievements, and trajectory
Complete drafts for the key components of an NHMRC Investigator application.

Recordings from previous Bootcamp sessions, as well as other info sessions for Investigator Grants, can be accessed via the Researcher Recordings page:

Guidelines and Strategic Advice (2026)
Metrics and Benchmarking Masterclass (2026)
Nailing Research Impact (2026)
Nailing Knowledge Gain (2026)
Nailing Your Level, Leadership, and Career Info (2026)
Leadership (2020)
Publications (2020)

How to Apply

Participation in the NHMRC Investigator Grant Bootcamp is via Expression of Interest.

The Bootcamp is currently undergoing an evaluation, with further announcements about the program to come in early 2027.

If you intend to apply for an NHMRC Investigator Grant in 2027, we strongly recommend notifying your relevant College RDS team for information and support.

Questions and feedback about the Bootcamp can be directed to Dr Marina Zupan, Research Partnerships & Development.

Important Information for submitting an EOI

Participants will be expected to work with a coach (mentor) throughout the Bootcamp, who will provide support, guidance, and feedback.

You will be asked to nominate a coach as part of your Expression of Interest. Before submitting an EoI, we recommend that you contact potential researchers who would be willing to be your coach for the duration of the program. Your coach should:

Be available to meet with you periodically throughout the Bootcamp (face to face or online)
Be someone you are comfortable speaking and meeting with
Have experience with NHMRC or other competitive grants/fellowships (experience with NHMRC Investigator Grants is desirable but not expected)

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to working with your coach/mentor. It could involve reviewing drafts, sharing ideas and experiences, reviewing progress, or providing motivation & moral support. We encourage you to consider someone from outside your immediate research group to promote broader networking and bring diverse perspectives. They may also be an existing (or potential) mentor.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a place in Bootcamp 2026 you must:

Have received your thesis pass letter
Have not already participated in Bootcamp 2025
Intend to submit an Investigator Grant with Flinders University as the Administering Institution.

Testimonials from Bootcampers

"[The program] was very helpful to get me thinking early about the application, and all sessions were valuable"

"I received excellent and targeted input which helped me greatly in shaping my thoughts"

"The program was extremely helpful in establishing new connections, identifying researchers working in similar or related fields, and facilitating learning from senior researchers and university management."

“Without the bootcamp, I would not have submitted a half-decent Investigator Grant. For people who work part-time or have other non-research responsibilities or small humans who get sick exactly when the grant is due, the bootcamp is an absolute lifesaver. From the super handy workshops to the discussion groups that kept us accountable to deadlines, to caffeinated shut up and write sessions, the Teams channel with our bootcamp cheerleading squad, the whole program was amazing.”

Testimonials from Coaches

"[The Program] was useful and well run for mentees and mentors, alike."

"Thoughts from the entire cohort on how to best present and structure the impact section were incredibly helpful, particularly considering the recent changes to that section. Also, the sessions where we exchanged feedback in real time were very productive, as they allowed us to chat about it directly and better understand the intended points and provide feedback on how to best communicate them."

"Overall, I found the bootcamp incredibly valuable and I think it will have led to measurable improvements in application quality for anyone who fully participated.”