• Start by reading the guidelines and request form to understand the type of funding available and what we look for.
• All potential candidates are encouraged to discuss their idea with us. Email us at research@healthway.wa.gov.au or contact us on 133 777.

• Complete the Request Form and ensure all relevant sections are completed and signed.
• You will also need to provide the following attachments with submission of the application:
  • Curriculum Vitae: a brief current resume (no more than five pages)
  • Academic transcript: a copy of your most recent academic transcript.
  • Reference list: a reference list needs to be provided to support the literature review, research design and methodology sections of the request.
  • Certification by partner agencies: signatures from the personnel at your partner agency(s) must be provided to confirm their support.

Assessment process

• Requests are reviewed with our Research Assessment Committee and relevant experts. 
• We contact your two referees to learn more about your experience and ability to carry out the program.
• Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview with Healthway staff and our Research Assessment Committee. 
• Funding decisions are made by our Board, who may seek further information if needed.
• Approved projects also require the Minister for Preventative Health’s approval before funds are released. 

Assessment criteria

We consider:

• Relevance and significance of the proposed research to health promotion, our priorities and health equity.
• The research methodology and scientific validity.
• Strength of the partnerships and the quality of the knowledge translation plan.
• Candidate’s capability and readiness to conduct the proposed study program and research.
• Contribution of the fellowship to the candidate’s career in health promotion.

We will also consider the candidate’s previous academic performance, referee reports and partners.

We will consider what is a realistic project for an Early Career Fellow versus a Senior Career Fellow and this will be reflected in the assessment process.

Question 23 asks candidates to describe how they have considered health equity in their proposal. We encourage candidates to consider the social causes of poor health and design a research project that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of groups experiencing greater inequities. Candidates should consider how people with the least economic and social resources will benefit from the research outcomes. Involving priority population group(s) in the design, testing and translation stages will have the greatest impact. Our priority population groups are outlined in our strategic plan. Projects are not expected to engage with every priority population group – only those most relevant to the research.

• Paid work: Fellows may undertake up to 8 hours of paid employment per week, with approval from their institution and supervisors. This work must not interfere with the study program.
• Annual leave: Fellows may take a total of 20 days of paid leave per year during their tenure. This leave is not cumulative.
• Sick leave: Is provided in line with the Fellow’s institution policies. The fellowship tenure is not affected by sick leave. For illness lasting more than one month, a temporary suspension may be approved.
• Parental leave: Up to 12 months of parental leave may be taken. The fellowship will be temporarily suspended during this period.
• Extensions and deferment: Will only be approved in exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made  in writing and submitted through the Grants Portal by the institution’s research office. Deferment longer than 12 months  will result in the fellowship being forfeited.
• Acknowledgment: Fellows (and past candidates) must acknowledge Healthway support in any publications, conference presentations or media coverage arising from the fellowship work.
• Other financial support: Any additional financial support must be approved by Healthway before you accept it.

• Your research grants office submits requests through our Grants Portal.
• We cannot accept requests directly from individual researchers.
• Your organisation must be registered in the Grants Portal before applying.
• For help with the Grants Portal, your research grants office can contact us on 133 777 or healthway@healthway.wa.gov.au.

If you’re unsure, email research@healthway.wa.gov.au to arrange a time to discuss your idea and competitiveness.  We encourage conversations early in the process.

The guideline and request form will become available when the grant round opens. If you need an idea of what to expect, email research@healthway.wa.gov.au and we may be able to share guidelines from a previous year.