Google reviews badge
MRFF – Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative – 2026 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

MRFF – Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative – 2026 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

  • Total funding available: Up to $23 million nationally
  • Grant streams:
    • Stream 1 – Incubator (mechanistic research)
    • Stream 2 – Incubator (pre‑clinical / early clinical research)
    • Stream 3 – Incubator (comparative post‑viral research)
    • Stream 4 – Targeted Call for Research (integrated care pathways)
  • Applications close: 2 September 2026

The MRFF 2026 Post‑Acute Sequelae of COVID‑19 Grant Opportunity supports medical research and innovation focused on improving outcomes for Australians experiencing Post‑Acute Sequelae of COVID‑19 (PASC), commonly referred to as Long COVID. The initiative aims to advance understanding of disease mechanisms, develop and evaluate treatments, and strengthen evidence‑based, integrated models of care.

The program prioritises research that translates discoveries into clinical practice, improves health system readiness, and reflects consumer and lived‑experience perspectives.

Key Requirements

Eligible projects must address one or more of the following research objectives:
  • Investigation of biological pathways and mechanistic drivers of PASC subtypes to inform targeted interventions and improve clinical outcomes.
  • Pre‑clinical or early‑phase clinical research to support development of pharmacological and non‑pharmacological treatments for PASC.
  • Comparative research examining shared and distinct mechanisms between PASC and other post‑viral or chronic conditions, including ME/CFS, POTS and fibromyalgia.
  • Large‑scale evaluation of integrated, multidisciplinary care pathways, including self‑management, supported care navigation and patient‑centred decision‑support tools.
Projects should demonstrate clear translational value and pathways to adoption within Australia’s health system.

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible projects must address one or more of the following research objectives:
  • Investigation of biological pathways and mechanistic drivers of PASC subtypes to inform targeted interventions and improve clinical outcomes.
  • Pre‑clinical or early‑phase clinical research to support development of pharmacological and non‑pharmacological treatments for PASC.
  • Comparative research examining shared and distinct mechanisms between PASC and other post‑viral or chronic conditions, including ME/CFS, POTS and fibromyalgia.
  • Large‑scale evaluation of integrated, multidisciplinary care pathways, including self‑management, supported care navigation and patient‑centred decision‑support tools.
Projects should demonstrate clear translational value and pathways to adoption within Australia’s health system.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applications will only be accepted from NHMRC‑approved Administering Institutions.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.