Research Infrastructure Support 2026

The 2026 Research Infrastructure Support (RIS) program provides funding to eligible Western Australian medical research institutes, universities, and hospitals for the indirect costs of research and for costs associated with operating shared research-dedicated facilities, services and equipment.

‘Research infrastructure’ refers to resources essential for supporting quality research that are not directly funded by research grants, such as laboratory consumables, computers, support staff, research services, and equipment.

Under Stream 1, eligible entities receive a share of $17.5 million to support indirect costs of research, with a dedicated allocation for eligible medical research institutes. Stream 1 funding will be awarded based on each entity’s proven research excellence, demonstrated by eligible research grant income received by that entity in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Under Stream 2, eligible entities receive a share of $7.5 million for operational costs associated with running shared research facilities, services and equipment, to make them more accessible to the health and medical research sector. Stream 2 funding is awarded based on reported eligible operational costs in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Awarded amounts will be calculated based on eligible research grant income and eligible operational costs.

Program Status: Open for Applications

Applications close: 1.00pm (AWST), Tuesday 24 February 2026

Please note that the Grant Management System Application Form is not yet published. The application questions are provided in the Application Form in word document format so that you can commence preparing your application.

The Grant Management System Application Form will be available online closer to the Application due date, and this website will be updated with submission instructions when this is available.

The Guidelines and Conditions, Application Form and RIS Research Grant Income and Operational costs worksheet can be accessed below:

Queries related to the Guidelines and Conditions can be directed via email to DOH.OMRI@health.wa.gov.au with the subject line beginning with ‘Query – RIS2026’.

Queries regarding the application process can be directed via email to DOH.GMS@health.wa.gov.au with the subject line beginning with ‘GMS Application Assistance – RIS2026’.

Information on other FHRI Fund programs can be accessed by subscribing to updates or checking the FHRI Fund current opportunities.