ACADI ECR Grants

Are you passionate about a career in diabetes research? Want to access a world-class network of research professionals and training resources? Apply for an ACADI Early Career Researcher (ECR) grant!

This year, ACADI, in collaboration with industry partners Abbott and Novo Nordisk, is offering two grants to ECRs at ACADI core partner institutions whose work contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, management, or treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Important dates

Friday 8 May 2026
12pm (AEST)

Applications open via SmartyGrants

Sunday 5 July 2026
12pm (AEST)

Applications due via SmartyGrants

Late August 2026

Notification of outcomes

Objectives

The objectives of the funding are to:

  • Support ECRs in the early stages of their career in research related to diabetes and its possible complications, who demonstrate clear evidence of high research potential and the motivation to make a difference to the field of diabetes.
  • Build an applicant's track record to enhance competitiveness in bidding for research funds.
  • To help achieve ACADI’s vision to deliver novel interventions for timely diagnoses, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.
  • Grow a national network of diabetes researchers.

Funding

Two grants are available and will be allocated for a 12-month period.

  • ACADI–Abbott ECR Grant: one grant of $25,000 is available
  • ACADI–Novo Nordisk Diabetes researchers and Innovators ECR Grant: one grant of $20,000 is available for allied health professionals.

The grants will contribute directly to the research activity specified in the Research Proposal and Budget submitted with the application, in accordance with the grant conditions.


How to apply

1. Review the funding documents

Review the Funding Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria documents for this scheme.

2. Complete the application form via SmartyGrants

You will need to have the following supporting documents for your application:

  • two-page Resume/CV.
  • two-page research Project Plan (with an additional page listing up to 12 references).
  • two written academic references (including contact details).
  • details of other funding sources.

Remember to leave plenty of time to collate the supporting documentation you require for your application. This will need to be uploaded into your SmartyGrants application form before you can submit.

Apply via SmartyGrants here.


Useful documents


Contact ACADI

Please kindly ensure you have consulted the Funding Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria, FAQs before submitting a query.

acadi-grants@unimelb.edu.au