Instructions to applicants

Closing date: Friday 27th November 2026 AEST

Please read these instructions carefully before completing the application form. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Aims of the Scheme

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Research Grant Scheme aims to facilitate research in resuscitation and first aid practice in the Australian setting. 

Preference will be given to projects that:

·      will contribute evidence to known gaps in scientific knowledge

·      addresses a link(s) in the ‘Chain of Survival’

·      has translational potential or will lead to larger project funding 

·      are likely to be completed within 24-months

·      Reviews will not be funded, irrespective of the type of review (ie systematic, scoping, narrative, integrative etc.)

Eligibility Criteria

Applications will be accepted from Experienced Principal Investigators or Novice Principal Investigators. 

Novice investigators will have limited research track record and no formal research training (e.g. no PhD). Novice investigators must include an experienced investigator to supervise the project and to provide a letter of support for the planned research. Undergraduate students are not eligible unless the research is part of an Honours degree. The ARC can connect novice researchers with experienced researchers if required. 

Investigators named on previously funded grants to National or State Branches that are ongoing or have not completed a final report are ineligible (unless named as an experienced investigator on a novice grant).

Applicants may only apply for one grant as a Principal Investigator. There is no limit to the number of applications on which an eligible individual can appear as a Chief Investigator. Projects must not be submitted or have received funding from elsewhere (including State Branches).

The Principal Investigator must be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident. 

Applications submitted after the closing date and time will not be accepted. 

Committee Members of the ARC may apply, but may not be involved in the assessment of grants or decisions about funding. 

Length of the grant

The grants are tenable for 24-months. Awardees may request a time extension in writing, with a revised timeline, but no additional funding will be provided. 

Applications 

Application forms may be obtained from the bottom of this page. Handwritten and incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Application form and letter of support (Novice Investigators only) must be emailed to info@resus.org.au as one PDF file and named using the following convention: SURNAME_2026 (e.g. JONES_2026). 

Award Funding

The ARC Research Grant Scheme will provide up to A$20,000 for each grant. 

Funds may be used for costs related to the research project, including research staff salary and small items of equipment necessary to complete the research (and not already available from other sources). The ARC will fund registration costs to present findings at either the Australian or New Zealand Resuscitation Council Conference – and this should be included in the budget.  All costs must be detailed and justified.   

Funds may not be used for:

·      salaries for the Principal or Chief Investigators

·      stipends for Higher Degree Research students (e.g. Master or PhD)

·      entertainment or publication costs

·      computers or software

Ethical clearance

Ethics approval certificates, if necessary to complete the project as outlined, must be received by the ARC before funding will be released. 

Progress and financial reporting

Principal Investigators must provide progress reports to the ARC annually for the duration of the grant and on completion of the project. Progress and final reports will include a financial acquittal of funds, and progress to date. Funds not used must be returned to the ARC. 

Future applications will not be considered for investigators with outstanding reports. 

Acknowledgement

The Australian Resuscitation Council must be acknowledged in all presentations and publications arising from the research undertaken as a result of this funding.  Publications and presentations must include a statement to the effect that the views expressed do not represent those of the Australian Resuscitation Council.

Application assessment

A research panel, including ARC Members, will review the applications which will be assessed according to the selection criteria below. 

Selection Criteria

·      Scientific quality (50%)

·      Significance to resuscitation / first aid (15%)

·      Feasibility (15%)

·      Track record of team (relative to opportunity) (20%)

For guidance on relative to opportunity please review the NHMRC policy. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/resources/nhmrc-relative-opportunity-policy

Brief feedback on unsuccessful applications will be provided.  

There is no appeal process. The ARC reserves the right to apply the research funding as it deems appropriate. 

This may mean not awarding any research funds for any reason, including, but not limited to:

a) the grants not meeting adequate quality requirements;

b) perceived or actual conflicts of interest. 

Alternatively, it may mean awarding two grants in the same category.

Contact 

Queries and applications should be directed to info@resus.org.au