The 2026 Projects from the Health Research Council of New Zealand support research projects that have the potential to vastly improve the health of New Zealanders. Projects can cover a diverse range of areas, including biomedical, public health, clinical, Māori focused, and Pacific health research. Applicants must be employed by a New Zealand host organisation, have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency status and be domiciled in New Zealand. Early and mid-career researchers who have not previously been a first named investigator on a Project contract are encouraged to apply as co-first named investigator in combination with a mentor/experienced researcher.
The award provides up to 1.2 million NZD for up to 3 years. for the host institution. Randomised controlled trial project applications may apply for up to 1.44 million NZD, if required and justified in the full application.
Registrations are due September 10, 2025. Letters of intent are due September 17, 2025, and full invited applications are due December 11, 2025.