DIG: Accelerating ideas & innovation

Applications for the 2022 MDHS Dean’s Innovation Grants (DIG) are now open.

Do you have a research project that you’d like to see translated to clinical practice?

Then consider applying for the Dean’s Innovation Grants - applications are open to researchers in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) working on translational research who need additional funding to progress to the proof-of-concept stage.

Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to researchers with compelling projects that have the potential to achieve significant societal impact and/or economic benefit – in line with initiatives such as the Medical Research Future Fund and its mission to transform research to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to health system sustainability.

Accelerating and encouraging world-class innovation across the research pipeline is a key priority for Advancing Health 2030, the new strategic plan for the Faculty of MDHS.

Last year, Dr Stephanie Neville from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology based at the Doherty Institute, was awarded the 2021 Dean's Innovation Grant Award for her research to address the global issue of bacterial antibiotic resistance and the current implications facing all of us.

Fellow grant recipients from 2021, Dr Lincon Stamp and Dr Marlene Hao, Research Group Leaders based in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology are now leading the development of a novel gene therapy to alleviate digestive disease.


“The DIG promotes the advancement of discovery research into innovative, translational outcomes. This Award has enabled us to develop and nurture consumer, clinical and industry partnership through unique opportunities for training and networking, that we hope will ultimately lead to impact in both the commercial and clinical space,” says Dr Stamp.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their projects in a ‘Shark Tank’-style pitch event to a judging panel comprising representatives from industry at the end of August. 

Applicants must hold a salaried appointment (fixed-term or continuing) at Level A, B or C within the MDHS Faculty at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

Applications close at midnight on Monday 1 August 2022.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Dean's Innovation Grants webpage.