Open call for funding applications for investigator-initiated research projects and health promotion projects under HMRF begins

     The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) administered by the Health Bureau invites funding applications for investigator-initiated research projects and health promotion projects from today (December 18) onwards. Applications from locally based tertiary institutions, hospitals, medical schools, non-governmental organisations or other appropriate centres, units and services are invited.

     The HMRF aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local health and medical research. It also provides funding support to evidence-based health promotion projects that help people adopt healthier lifestyles by enhancing awareness, changing adverse health behaviours and creating a conducive environment that supports good health practices.

     The HMRF emphasises the importance of the translational potential of research findings, and therefore supports applications for the following research projects:

1. clinical research (including patient-oriented research, epidemiological and behavioural studies, outcomes research and health services research);
2. infectious diseases research with public health implications from bench to bedside and at the community level, and with translational value; and
3. clinical research based on Chinese medicine theory or clinical research on Chinese medicine theory and methodology.

     Applications in the following areas will be accepted for consideration by the HMRF:

1. public health, human health and health services (e.g. primary healthcare, non-communicable diseases, Chinese medicine); 
2. prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases with public health implications;
3. advanced medical research which applies advanced technologies to facilitate the translation of knowledge generated from health and health services or infectious diseases studies into clinical practice and to inform health policy; and
4. health promotion that facilitates mobilisation of local resources to promote good health and prevention of illness in the community.

     Higher priority for funding will be given to proposals addressing this year's thematic priorities, which are infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, primary healthcare, preventive medicine, digital health and advanced technology as well as clinical trials and implementation science.

     The grant ceiling is $1.5 million per project with a grant duration not exceeding three years. As for larger-scale pilot studies such as those evaluating trialability and scalability for future implementation, or small-scale research with achievable objectives, submissions can be made to apply for a seed grant which has a grant ceiling of $500,000 per project.
 
     Only one application from each principal applicant is allowed; either a new submission or a resubmission of an application. The principal applicant shall be employed by an administering institution which is based in Hong Kong at the time of application and throughout the project period.

     Applications will be subject to a two-tier peer review. The vetting will take into account scientific merit, local relevance, translational potential or value of the proposals, sustainability of health promotion projects, capacity of the administering institutions, track record of applicants, value for money of the proposals and research ethics, where applicable.

     Completed electronic application forms should be submitted via the electronic Grant Management System (eGMS) on or before 6pm on March 31, 2025 (Hong Kong time). Briefing sessions on grant applications, to be held in January 2025, are now open for registration.

     Details are now available on the website of the Research Fund Secretariat. Enquiries can be made by e-mail to rfs@healthbureau.gov.hk.