Platform Grants for Neurological Research in New Zealand

Deadline: 02-Nov-2026

The Neurological Foundation is inviting applications for Platform Grants to support the expansion of established research platforms in New Zealand that provide nationwide access to resources for neurological research. The programme aims to strengthen established research platforms and help them become financially and operationally sustainable over the long term without further Foundation funding. It also encourages leadership structures that include early- and mid-career researchers or clinicians, alongside clear succession planning and advisory arrangements.

About the Neurological Foundation Platform Grants

The Platform Grants are designed for established neurological research platforms that are ready to expand their capabilities and progress to the next level. The programme supports platforms that provide resources and services that can benefit neurological researchers across New Zealand. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how the platform can develop into a sustainable operation and reduce its future reliance on Foundation funding. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum grant value is $1,000,000. Funding can be provided for a term of up to 5 years. The grant is intended to support the development and expansion of established research platforms while helping them build a sustainable long-term model. What Can the Funding Support? Platform Grant funding can be used for a range of research, staffing, equipment, and operational expenses directly related to the platform.

Eligible activities and costs include:

- Salaries for postdoctoral researchers. - Salaries for named investigators. - Research assistant salaries. - Technician salaries. - Administration and support staff. - Stipends and fees for PhD students, excluding student services fees. - Publication costs. - Equipment. - Travel for conferences directly related to the platform. - Travel for relevant training courses. The proposed costs should directly support the development and operation of the research platform. Educational Component The research platform must include an educational aspect.

This may involve:

- Student involvement. - Trainee involvement. - Teaching activities. - Engagement with patients. - Engagement with community groups. The educational component should demonstrate how the platform contributes to research training, knowledge sharing, or engagement beyond its core research activities.

Partnership With Māori

Applicants must demonstrate partnership with Māori.

This can be demonstrated through:

- Consultation with Māori. - Māori participation. - Alignment with Māori research principles. - Alignment with Māori research ethics. Applicants should show how Māori partnership is meaningfully incorporated into the platform and its research activities. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, or academics based in New Zealand. The applicant must also be associated with a suitable established research platform that meets the programme’s requirements. The platform should already have a strong foundation and demonstrate potential to progress to the next stage of development. Requirements for the Research Platform The proposed platform must already be well established. It should demonstrate that it is ready for expansion and further development rather than being a newly created or early-stage research platform. Applicants should also provide a business plan that addresses the platform’s long-term development and sustainability. Sustainability and Business Plan A key objective of the Platform Grants is to ensure that supported platforms can become sustainable without requiring further funding from the Neurological Foundation.

The business plan should consider:

- Long-term sustainability. - Potential partnerships. - Future operational requirements. - Opportunities to diversify support. - Options for service fees where appropriate. Applicants should demonstrate how the platform can maintain nationwide access to neurological research resources after the Foundation’s funding period ends. Leadership and Succession Planning The programme encourages platform directorship that includes early- and mid-career researchers or clinicians. Applicants should also demonstrate clear succession planning and appropriate advisory structures. These arrangements are intended to strengthen the platform’s leadership and support its continued development over the long term. Institutional Overheads and Ineligible Salaries Institutional overheads are not eligible for funding. Salaries for individuals who are already funded by their institution are also not eligible. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed budget only includes eligible costs that require support from the Platform Grant. Nationwide Research Access The Platform Grants are intended to support research platforms that enable researchers across New Zealand to access neurological research resources. Applicants should demonstrate the broader value of their platform and explain how its expansion can strengthen neurological research capacity at a national level. What Happens After the Initial Application? Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application in 2027. Further information and timelines will be provided to applicants upon invitation. Being invited to submit a full application does not replace the requirement to follow the Foundation’s subsequent application process. Who Can Submit the Completed Application? Only Host Institutions can submit completed applications to the Neurological Foundation. Applicants should therefore work with their research office or relevant institutional team to understand the internal submission process. Applicants should also be aware that their research office may establish an internal deadline that is earlier than the Foundation’s deadline. Key Facts About the Neurological Foundation Platform Grants

- Funder: Neurological Foundation

- Country: New Zealand

- Grant type: Pla