Monday 2 March 2026 – Applications are officially open for the Women and Infants Research Foundation’s (WIRF) 2026 Research Acceleration Awards, a major funding initiative supporting Western Australian researchers to advance breakthroughs in women’s, maternal, and newborn health.
This year, WIRF will award $500,000 in research funding, made possible through the generous support of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and the Bass Family Foundation.
The Research Acceleration Awards empower Western Australian scientists with critical funding to fast-track innovative research and strengthen the state’s position as a leading hub for perinatal and women’s health research.
From preterm birth prevention to maternal mental health, neonatology, and gynaecology, WIRF is committed to supporting a diverse range of research areas, including nursing, midwifery, allied health, rare diseases, femtech, and clinical audit.
Funding opportunities
Researchers can apply for grants of $50,000 – supporting one-year projects preferentially, or two-year projects with appropriate justification – ranging from exploratory studies to more advanced research initiatives.
In 2026, WIRF is also introducing travel grants of $5,000 for PhD students for the first time, helping early-career researchers build connections, share knowledge, and strengthen their research capability.
Key dates
- Applications open: Monday 2 March 2026
- Applications close: 12 noon AWST, Friday 17 April 2026
Through sustained investment in research, WIRF continues to support discoveries that improve clinical practice, inform policy, and ultimately enhance the health of women, babies, and families across Western Australia and beyond.
Researchers are encouraged to learn more about the program and prepare their applications ahead of the opening date.
Find out more at wirf.com.au/our-research/grants-funding/
Learn about the 2025 Research Acceleration Award recipients here
