New Fellowships to drive real-world impact in health care
SPHERE is investing in the next generation of translational research through a new Fellowship program designed to tackle some of the health system’s most pressing challenges.
Supported through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Research Translation Centre (RTC) Grant, the Health Innovation Fellowships will fund pilot projects that improve outcomes for priority populations while addressing clinical issues that place significant pressure on the health system.
“Health systems are under increasing pressure, and we need to be much more deliberate about how we translate evidence into care that delivers real value,” said Professor Julie White, SPHERE Executive Director.
“These Fellowships are about supporting people who can lead that change from within the system.”
Building capability where it matters most
The Fellowships will support early- to mid-career researchers embedded within partner health services to lead projects with real-world impact. Each Fellowship provides $150,000 over two years, towards protected research time to translate evidence into practice.
Projects will focus on reducing low-value care and scaling approaches that deliver better outcomes, with a strong emphasis on equity. Priority will be given to initiatives supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations peoples, people with disability, those experiencing frailty and falls, and individuals with significant mental health needs.
“These are the communities where the system is often not working as well as it should,” Prof White said.
“By focusing on equity and embedding this work in health services, we can improve access to culturally safe, person-centred care while also reducing avoidable demand.”
Up to four Fellowships will be awarded through a competitive process, with health services nominating both Fellows and projects. Successful applicants will receive support through SPHERE’s network, including mentorship, training, a dedicated Disinvestment Framework and project support.
“By enabling researchers to lead implementation-focused projects within health services, the Health Innovation Fellowships aim to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, delivering more equitable, efficient and sustainable care for patients and communities.”
Applications close 21 May 2026.