This research funding stream prioritises high-quality research and innovation projects that demonstrate meaningful community involvement and identify future translational impact pathways and partners to promote activation of the knowledge generated post-project.  

Projects will:

• Be aligned with Diabetes Australia’s strategic goals, particularly those addressing health inequities among First Nations people, culturally diverse communities, and underserved populations
• Address the research priorities and unmet needs of people living with diabetes and the diabetes community, identified through needs assessment research
• Foster meaningful consumer and community engagement throughout the research project lifecycle
• Understand and identify viable future translational impact pathways for the proposed research and outcomes.

Diabetes Australia Project Grants are offered to a maximum of $100,000 AUD for an up to 2-year project. Projects can be for shorter time periods and smaller budgets, but must be feasible in the proposed time period with the requested resources.

Diabetes Australia Project Grant rounds are planned annually; however, the frequency and total funding pool may change from year to year to ensure responsible and sustainable management of research funding and to allow flexibility in responding to emerging research priorities. 

Find out more about current funding opportunities.

Grant guidelines and review criteria

The Diabetes Australia Project Grants application process and review criteria are merit-based and expressed through a rigorous expert review process aligned to best-practice research principles. This includes a focus on quality and feasibility of the research proposal, significance and potential impact of the project including future post-project translational pathways, meaningful consumer and community involvement and team capability and stakeholders to achieve the proposed research impact. 

Kellion Research Award

Successful applicants from the Project Grant applications are eligible to be awarded the prestigious Kellion Research Award. This Grant is awarded to a project that demonstrates a strong focus on type 1 diabetes, with emphasis on prevention and management of complications. The Grant recipient will receive additional support to cover registration, travel and accommodation expenses to attend and present their research findings at a future Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) meeting, and future Kellion Victory Medal Award Ceremonies.