Research grants are now open

Osteopathy Australia supports innovation and research through a range of funding opportunities. We encourage osteopaths, academics, and early-career researchers to develop new ideas that contribute to osteopathic knowledge. Strong applications clearly show alignment with our research priorities, a well-defined question, robust methodology, feasibility, and potential impact on practice and the wider healthcare community.

Spark grant

Fuel bold ideas that can shape the future of osteopathy - open to all academic levels including PhD students.

Seeding grant

Support for osteopaths interested in undertaking research for the first time including early career researchers and PhD students.

Spark Grant awardees

Congratulations to Dr Jack Feehan and Dr Kate Burke (Osteopath).  Find out how their projects will contribute to building the evidence base.

Seeding Grant awardee 

Congratulations to Daniel Corcoran PhD student on being our successful Seeding Grant awardee.

Applying for a grant for the first time

Step 1: Review eligibility
Confirm you meet the grant requirements -  see below.  

Tip: Identifying your project idea, get your team members onboard before applying. Seek the team’s full participation early on in the planning as it will  increase the impact of your research clinical perspective.

Step 2: Read the Seeding Grant guidelines and PowerPoint

Download the relevant grant guidelines which include:

• Assessment criteria: research design, significance, innovation, and impact
• Funding limits and allowable expenses
• Reporting requirements

Step 3: Find an academic partner and co-collaborator

• University-based osteopathy or allied health researchers
• Experienced research-active osteopaths
• Industry or professional partners

Tip for non-researchers: Start networking early with academics and research- active osteopaths. Universities often welcome industry collaboration, and Osteopathy Australia can help connect you with potential partners.

Discuss your idea and confirm roles – we would suggest a that the first time researcher considers that the academic partner leads the research design, methodology and analysis, while you provide clinical expertise, patient access, and insight into real-world practice.

Step 4: Identify an idea

Think of a clinical question, patient care challenge, or professional issue needing evidence. Work with your partner and co-collaborators on your research proposal.

Tip: Discuss your idea and confirm roles with your team:

• You provide clinical expertise, patient access, and insight into real-world practice.
• Academic partners lead research design, methodology and analysis.

Step 5: Prepare your application
Address all the questions in the application, including team members details, budget including itemised costs and justification and timeline or gantt chart. Attach supporting documentation ie CVs and letters of support if required.   

Step 6: Submit your application

• Applications are submitted during advertised rounds (open for at least 60 days).
• Follow instructions in the guidelines for submission format via email to [email protected] 

Tip for non-researchers: Start networking early with academics and research- active osteopaths. Universities often welcome industry collaboration, and Osteopathy Australia can help connect you with potential partners.

Eligibility criteria

Our Research Foundation grant schemes are open to all members who are passionate about contributing to the growth of osteopathic research. Whether you’re an experienced researcher or a hands-on practitioner curious about getting involved for the first time, these grants are designed to support projects that build research capacity and strengthen the evidence base for osteopathy. 

Members who can apply:

• Practitioners currently enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program (e.g., Master’s by Research or PhD)
•  Early career researchers (ECRs) within five years of completing their PhD 
•  Practitioners with an interest in research, even if you have limited experience, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

 Non-members (including osteopaths) can also be included as co-collaborators, provided the team includes at least one Osteopathy Australia member. This approach ensures that projects remain grounded in osteopathic practice while benefiting from diverse perspectives and expertise.  

 By working together, we can foster innovation and ensure that research outcomes are meaningful and impactful for the profession.

Update on our research grants program

Hear from Osteopathy Australia Board Director, Professor Kathryn Refshauge, as she shares an exciting update about our research grants. 

Additional information

Research funding is allocated to support independent projects that align with Osteopathy Australia’s research priorities and strategic objectives. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with applications undergoing a rigorous, blinded review and being assessed and ranked by independent external academic reviewers to minimise bias and manage potential conflicts of interest. Only then are funding decisions made by the Research Committee. Recommendations are then ratified by the Board and are based on merit. 

Funding rounds are held annually and advertised for a minimum of 30 days through professional associations and research institutions. The Committee may, at its discretion, prioritise specific topics or themes for each round. Unused funds in a given funding round do not carry over to the subsequent year.
 

Congratulations to Professor Amie Steel - the 2026 successful awardee of a $100,000 grant 

Osteopathy Australia is pleased to announce that Professor Amie Steel, Southern Cross University is the successful awardee of the Targeted Call for Research (TCR)

Research grants frequently asked questions

Find out more key information about our research grants and the application process.

External grant opportunities

To encourage ongoing innovation, we offer and promote grant opportunities for osteopaths and researchers. These grants support pilot studies, postgraduate research, and practitioner-led projects that align with national health priorities and clinical needs.