MDNSW Logo
Newsletter sign-up
Contact
Donate now

Innovator Grants Program

Supporting innovative laboratory-based research focused on muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions.

The Muscular Dystrophy NSW Innovator Grants Program supports high-quality dry and wet laboratory research focused on muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions.

The program aims to advance understanding, diagnosis and therapeutic development, with a clear pathway to benefit people living with neuromsucular conditions.

Funded by Hearts & Minds Investments, the program is now inviting expressions of interest from eligible researchers for its first round.
Download application form

Program Snapshot

  • Funding available: Up to AUD $100,000 per project
  • Number of grants: Up to five grants are expected to be awarded this round.
  • Project duration: Up to 12 months.
  • Research scope: Dry and/or wet laboratory-based research.
  • Applicants: Early- and mid-career researchers are encouraged to apply.
  • Eligibility: Chief Investigator must be affiliated with an Australian-based administering institution

Download program guidelines

Key dates

Applications open
Calendar Mark Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

3 August 2026

Applications close
Calendar Mark Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

4 September 2026

What we fund

The program supports laboratory-based research with clear relevance to muscular dystrophy (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, LGMD, FSHD, myotonic dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophies). Broader neuromuscular conditions may be considered where relevance is explicit. Projects must involve dry lab and/or wet lab research.

The program does not support clinical trials involving direct participant interventions, non-laboratory research, pure epidemiology or survey-only studies, commercial product marketing or business development, major capital works or retrospective funding for work already completed.

For examples of eligible research activities, full eligibility requirements, funding rules and exclusions, please read the program guidelines →

How to Apply

Read the program guidelines
Understand eligibility requirements, exclusions, funding rules and the assessment process.
Prepare your application
Complete the application form, including your project summary, research plan, milestones, budget and details of the research team.
Submit your application
Email your completed application form and any required supporting documents to info@mdnsw.org.au by the application deadline.

Research Grants Committee

Eligible applications will be assessed competitively by the MDNSW Research Grants Committee, comprising scientists and clinicians with neuromuscular expertise. MDNSW may also seek external peer review where required.

Prof. Michelle Farrar

Chair

Prof. Alastair Corbett

Member

Prof. Kristi Jones

Member

Prof. Steve Vucic

Member

Dr. Matthew Silsby

Member

Prof. Matthew Kiernan

Member

Generously funded by

Upcoming events

View all events

Contact Us

Say hello & contact our friendly team today.

Email: info@mdnsw.org.au

Phone: (02) 9888 5711

Freecall: 1800 635 109

Send us a message

Contact Us Now
Donate now

Proud partnerships and memberships

MDNSW Logo

Muscular Dystrophy NSW
ABN 11 774 587 436

Registered CharityNDIS
Quick links
Services
Information
Get involved
Upcoming events
News
About us
Contact us
Contact

Phone: (02) 9888 5711

Freecall: 1800 635 109

Email: info@mdnsw.org.au

Postal Address: PO Box 3071, North Strathfield NSW 2137

Muscular Dystrophy NSW would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

© 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW. All Rights Reserved. Website Managed by Wolf IQ

Privacy Policy  |  Terms & Conditions   |  Policies

Contact Us
Donate now

Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Newsletter Type*