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

Following the success of the 2025 NHMRC Investigator Grant Bootcamp, Flinders’ Research Development and Support team is pleased to announce we will be running the program again in 2026.

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.

The Bootcamp will take off in mid-February, with activities running into the NHMRC Investigator Grant round (~July 2026). There are limited places available, with priority given to those applying in the upcoming round, and individuals with highly competitive track records as determined by the College Deans of Research.

See the 2026 Provisional Program here.

How to Apply

Applications are by expression of interest.

Applications will open on Wednesday, 12 November.

Applications will close COB Friday, 12 December, with Bootcampers to be notified early January 2026.

This Program is coordinated by Dr Marina Zupan, Senior Research Development Officer.

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, and will also be expected to attend certain sessions.

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
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)

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.”