Diabetes research grants and funding opportunities Committed, passionate researchers and innovators are the inspiration and engine room of progress towards our shared goals.” Over the past 50 years, Diabetes Australia funding and grants have contributed significantly to the international effort to understand the causes of diabetes, discover effective treatments, and work towards a cure. Our Research Impact Hub is a catalyst for high-quality research data, innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact. We provide funding opportunities to advance scientific knowledge and its translation and commercialisation into evidence-based solutions in alignment with the needs of funders, donors, and the diabetes community. Research funding opportunities Our research funding streams Current funding opportunities for diabetes research Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge Share your story through our Spark Change platform and have your say on what affordable access to AID would mean to you and your quality of life. Applications due by 31 May 2026 (by invitation only) Proudly supported by the Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Estate, The Challenge is a national initiative designed to accelerate the development and adoption of breakthrough innovations that address the most pressing needs in diabetes prevention, management, and care. Learn more Medibank and Diabetes Australia Research Award Applications under review We are calling for research projects that focus on implementing innovative early interventions in primary care to prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more Industry PhD Award Continuous intake The Diabetes Australia Sheila Woodcock industry PhD Scholarship program brings together an industry partner, a university and Australia’s Diabetes peak body, Diabetes Australia, to co-develop industry-focused PhD projects. Explore current opportunities Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes Community Needs Assessment Applications due 3 May 2026 Seeking proposals to complete a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment to identify the unmet needs to inform research priorities of the Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) community. Apply now Research funding streams Project grants and awards This funding stream prioritises high-quality research projects across basic, clinical, health services and systems and public health research that address the priority unmet needs of the community aligned with our strategic goals. Learn more Co-funded project grants and awards Diabetes Australia co-funds research project grants and awards with aligned health agencies to support diabetes research innovation. Learn more PhD scholarships and fellowships Through our PhD Scholarships and Fellowships, we are helping to build capacity of the diabetes research sector by supporting the next generation of diabetes researchers. Learn more Partnership alliances We foster strategic collaborations with research service providers across universities, healthcare organisations, research institutes, industry and government to advance targeted strategic priorities to amplify outcomes and impact. Learn more Support for externally led research initiatives Diabetes Australia receives requests from external parties for support of research funding applications. This includes both cash, in-kind contributions and letters of support. To find out more and to apply for support from Diabetes Australia, please download the application form. Download application form Working with us: Research policies & guidance We’re committed to supporting researchers with clear processes and expectations. Explore our guidelines, policies, and templates to help you deliver research that creates meaningful impact for the diabetes community. Learn more
Project grants and awards This funding stream prioritises high-quality research projects across basic, clinical, health services and systems and public health research that address the priority unmet needs of the community aligned with our strategic goals. Learn more
Co-funded project grants and awards Diabetes Australia co-funds research project grants and awards with aligned health agencies to support diabetes research innovation. Learn more
PhD scholarships and fellowships Through our PhD Scholarships and Fellowships, we are helping to build capacity of the diabetes research sector by supporting the next generation of diabetes researchers. Learn more
Partnership alliances We foster strategic collaborations with research service providers across universities, healthcare organisations, research institutes, industry and government to advance targeted strategic priorities to amplify outcomes and impact. Learn more
