Research Funding
Apply for scientific & clinical research grants
Investing in scientific research to advance neuromuscular knowledge, diagnostic tools, and potential treatments in Aotearoa.
MDANZ awards competitive research grants to accredited New Zealand universities, health boards (Health NZ), and research institutions to fund scientific studies led by qualified investigators.
Target Audience: Principal Investigators, Neurologists, University Researchers, and Allied Health Scientists
Annual Funding Round: Opens 1 September 2026, closes 23 October at 5pm (or as specified)
Independent Peer Review: Evaluated by the MDANZ Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee (MSAC)
Who can apply?
This funding stream is dedicated exclusively to research institutions and clinical teams. To be eligible to apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Accredited affiliation: The Principal Investigator (PI) must hold an academic or clinical position at a recognised New Zealand university, hospital board (Health NZ), or accredited research institute.
Qualified teams: Co-investigators may include clinical neurologists, geneticists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and senior research fellows.
Scope of research: Projects must focus on scientific, medical, or health-outcome research related to neuromuscular conditions covered by MDANZ.
Ethics compliance: All studies involving human participants, tissue samples (including Pūnaha Io BioBank samples), or animal models must hold or be pending formal New Zealand Ethics Committee approval.
Please note: The funding on this page is strictly for academic scientists, clinicians, and medical researchers conducting scientific studies.
If you are an MDANZ member or family seeking personal financial support, grants for equipment, or respite funding, please visit our Member Grants & Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund Page, or connect directly with your Regional Fieldworker for assistance.
Available research grant categories
MDANZ awards funding across three scientific categories:
Project & Seed Grants
Up to $50,000
(or discretionary amounts)
Seed funding for pilot studies, preliminary data collection, or novel diagnostic/therapeutic concepts that can leverage larger health research council grants (e.g., HRC).
Travel & Dissemination Grants
Up to $5,000
Assisting early-career researchers and clinicians to present NZ neuromuscular research findings at international scientific conferences or attend clinical training workshops.
Clinical & Allied Health Fellowships
Variable / Co-funded
Supporting targeted research fellowships for neurologists, physiotherapists, and genetic counsellors working to improve local clinical care standards.
Grant evaluation & review process
Proposals undergo rigorous peer review led by the Neuromuscular Research Foundation Trust (NRFT) – an independent panel of leading New Zealand neurologists, clinicians, and senior scientists.
Applications are assessed on four key criteria:
Scientific merit & rigour: Feasibility, methodology, and scientific originality.
Relevance to neuromuscular health: Potential to advance clinical care, diagnostic speed, or future treatment access in New Zealand.
Translational potential: Ability of the findings to bridge laboratory research with clinical application.
Research team track record: Capability and expertise of the research team relative to career stage.
Research grant documents & submission
Before submitting a proposal, please review the complete guidelines regarding eligible overheads, reporting requirements, and intellectual property policies.
Download Research Grant Application Form – Fillable Word template
Download Research Grant Policy & Guidelines – Full terms and conditions
All completed application packs, progress reports, and pre-application queries should be submitted directly to the Research Committee:
Email: nrft@mda.org.nz
Phone: 0800 800 337 (MDANZ National Office)