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Spark Grants

Fuel bold ideas that can shape the future of osteopathy

Funding: Up to $20,000 per project 
Open to: All academic levels – including PhD students 
Duration: Up to 24 months 

The Spark Grant supports high-quality, independent research aligned with Osteopathy Australia’s research priorities. In this round, two grants will be awarded, providing the momentum to launch innovative projects with potential for real-world and societal impact. 

Priority research areas: 

  • Clinical effectiveness and value of osteopathy - particularly evidence relevant to policy, advocacy and funding decisions.
  • Priority musculoskeletal conditions – including high prevalence and high burden conditions (e.g. nonspecific and chronic musculoskeletal pain 
 

 Key dates:

  • Applications open: 1 June 2026 
  • Applications close: 3rd August 2026
  • Applications review: August - September 2026
  • Notification of outcomes: November 2026 

Why apply? 

These grants provide spark funding opportunities for researchers and practitioners to initiate innovative projects that can evolve into larger-scale, externally funded studies with the potential to deliver meaningful societal impact

They offer a unique opportunity to: 

  • Advance osteopathic research and practice 
  • Build your research profile and capacity 
  • Generate pilot data for future competitive funding (e.g. NHMRC, ARC) 
  • Contribute to the evidence base and impact of osteopathy in Australia 

Applications open June

For more information, contact: Research and Grant Officer [email protected] 

The Osteopathy Australia grants program has been instrumental in fostering high-quality research. It allowed me to build research skills, engage with collaborators, and generate findings that have direct relevance to clinical practice.” 

 Dr Nicholas Tripodi, PhD 
Senior Lecturer & Co-Course Chair, Osteopathy 
College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University 
Seedling Grant Round 2023 
"Exercise Rehabilitation for Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy: A Pilot Study" 

Funding guidelines, policy and application forms

Applications are now open for the 2025 – 2026 grant round. Applicants must read the guidelines and policy documents before completing an application, as they outline:

  • The purpose of the grant scheme
  • The eligibility and assessment criteria
  • How grant applications are considered and selected
  • How grantees are notified and receive grant payments
  • How grantees will be monitored and evaluated
  • Responsibilities and expectations of the grantee
  • Publication and dissemination expectations

Spark Grants guidelines 

Spark Grants application form 

Osteopathy Australia Research Funding Policy form 2026

Osteopathy Australia Grant applicant checklist

Please submit all forms to the Research & Grants Project Officer at [email protected].

Forms for successful grant holders

Recipients of the Spark grant are required to submit a final report pro-forma within three (3) months of completing their project. The report should outline the project outcomes, key findings, and how the funding supported the development of new or innovative ideas. A budget acquittal must also be submitted, providing a detailed breakdown of how the awarded funds were spent. This ensures accountability and transparency in the management of research foundation funding.

Any amendments to the project, such as an extension request, changes to the approved budget, or modifications to the research plan, must be approved by the chair of the research committee prior to implementation. Awardees should contact the Research and Grants Project Officer to discuss and seek approval for any proposed changes.

Awardees will be provided with the required reporting templates upon project completion.

Please note that failure to submit a completed Report Pro-forma within the required time-frame may affect eligibility for future Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation grants. Eligibility will be reinstated once the outstanding report has been received and accepted.

Additional information

Research funding is allocated to support independent projects that align with Osteopathy Australia’s research priorities and strategy. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with decisions made by the Osteopathy Australia Research Committee based on merit. Funding rounds are held annually, advertised for at least 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 round do not carry over to the following year.

What reviewers look for in a strong application 

"Reviewers appreciate proposals that are clear, focused, and thoughtfully designed. Show that your research question is important, your approach is rigorous, and your outcomes will make a genuine contribution to osteopathic practice. Strong, collaborative teams that balance experience with fresh perspectives stand out. Above all, make sure the significance and potential impact of your work are clear and compelling."

Kathryn Refshauge
Co-Director Brain and Mind Centre
Professor Emeritus
Faculty of Medicine and Health
The University of Sydney