Research Foundation Grant

2025 grant round opening 1 July 2025 

These grants aim to promote, encourage, and support research that advances osteopathy.

• Seeding grants are valued at up to $5,000 each. Seed funding is granted for research projects that can achieve a tangible outcome within 12 months of receipt of grant funds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Project grants are valued at up to $12,500 each. Project funding is granted for research projects that can achieve a tangible outcome within 24 months of receipt of grant funds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
• The targeted call to research grant is valued at up to $100, 000 as a partnership grant opportunity. This is a one-time request for grant applications on osteopathy for musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopathy Australia intends to select and partner with one applicant for their submission to a Category 1 funding scheme such as, but not limited to, ARC Linkage or NHMRC Partnership. Funds will be conditional upon success in the Category 1 funding round.

The number of grants awarded will depend on the quality and number of applications received.

Applications are now CLOSED. 

Applications are judged based on alignment with the research priorities of Osteopathy Australia’s strategic plan; capacity and credibility of the team of investigators; strengthening of collaborative research partnerships; quality of research design and methodology; significance, innovation, and impact of the research project; potential for extramural funding following project completion; budget justification; feasibility of the project.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 60 days of the submission deadline.

Funding guidelines, policy, and application forms

Guidelines and policies for the program can be found below with the application form. 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

Applications are now closed: 2025 forms will be updated closer to the opening of the 2025 grant round.

Research Grant Guidelines 2024

Research Grant Funding Policy 2024

Grant Application Form 2024
This form is to be completed by the Lead Investigator applying for the Research Grant Program.

Grant Application Checklist 2024

Submission: Please submit applications via email to research@osteopathy.org.au 

Forms for successful grant applications

With successful grant applications, the funding agreement outlines a range of reporting obligations. These templates have been developed to assist.

Project Progress and Outcomes Template - Interim Report

Project Progress and Outcomes Template - Final Report

Grant Budget Acquittal Template

Submission: Please submit reports via email to research@osteopathy.org.au

Additional Information

Research funds will be allocated to support independent research projects that align with our research priorities and the research strategy. These funds are disbursed through a competitive process that calls for proposals of research projects by applicants. Dissemination of the available funds for these grants is determined by the Osteopathy Australia Research Committee based on merit alone. If the total value of approved applications in any one round does not equate to the total available annual research budget, surplus funds will NOT accrue to the research round in the following financial year.

Funding rounds will take place annually. Advertisements will take place through professional associations and external research institutions for at least 30 days prior to the submission deadline. Osteopathy Australia Research Committee may choose, at their discretion, to specify a topic or theme that will be prioritised above other criteria for the forthcoming grant round.

Unsolicited applications for research funding

Osteopathy Australia is committed to a clear and transparent process to underpin the awarding of any funding for research projects devised and directed independently to Osteopathy Australia. In general, we will only fund research projects associated with Osteopathy Australia-directed calls for applications. In very rare or exceptional circumstances, we may consider funding research outside of these structured funding rounds. Investigators wishing to be funded need to submit a request and these applications will be reviewed by the Research Committee based on research significance and methodology. Recommendations from the Research Committee will then be made to the Board. It is at the sole discretion of the Board to determine whether funding will be approved. Osteopathy Australia is not obligated to provide detailed reasons should an application not be approved by the Board. Requests should first be emailed to research@osteopathy.org.au