Project Support Eligibility

Project support eligibility

Project support programs refer to funding for projects and initiatives that advance scientific knowledge, develop new treatments, or address critical gaps in paediatric cancer research. Relevant Impact Programs include Next Generation Therapies, Safer Therapies and Survivorship and Living Well.

In-scope activities

1. Research must demonstrate clear relevance and impact for paediatric oncology, ensuring that the research outputs and outcomes are applicable for the unique biology and challenges of paediatric oncology.

2. Research must have a clearly defined scope and objective, a strong rationale demonstrating the project’s significant and relevant, well-formulated hypothesis, and a defined approach with milestones for testing.

3. Discovery and translational research that supports the development of novel treatments, or repurpose of currently approved treatments, for paediatric oncology.

4. Clinical research that aims to improve patient care on new or existing interventions in paediatric oncology.

5. Implementation science research with clearly defined research questions and appropriate outcome measures, such as health economic analyses, so that the resulting evidence base supports consideration for future funding within the health services sector.

6. Salaries for individuals involved in the delivery of research activities and are directly contributing to the research outputs and deliverables.

In-scope activities, but deprioritised

7. Investigator-initiated national or international early-phase clinical studies not led by Victorian sites.

8. Large, multi-stage project that may be more appropriate for other traditional funding mechanisms (e.g. NHMRC or MRFF)

Process

For project-support Impact Programs, the application process involves two stages: an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a full application. EOIs are reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Panel and Patient and Family Advisory Committee members, who shortlist applicants to be invited for the full application stage. The full applications are then evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Committee and PFAC members, who make the final funding recommendations. The evaluation criteria remain consistent across both stages and are based on the quality, novelty, and potential impact of the project, the proposed budget, and the qualifications of the applicant. Additional assessment criteria specific to each funding call can be found in the respective guidelines. Committee members score applications individually before meeting to discuss and reach consensus on the highest-ranking submissions. Some funding calls may also include further expert peer review as part of the evaluation process.