Start by reading the guidelines and request form to understand the funding available and we look for.

We encourage all potential applicants to talk to us about their project idea. Email us at research@healthway.wa.gov.au.

• 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.

• Two referees are required to complete the referee report.
• These reports are confidential so will need to be directly emailed to us at research@healthway.wa.gov.au

Assessment process

• Requests are reviewed with our Research Assessment Committeeand relevant experts.
• We contact your two referees to discuss your ability to complete the program.
• Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend an interview with Healthway staff and our Research Assessment Committee members.
• Funding decisions are made by our Board, who may seek additional information if needed. 
• Approved projects also require the Minister for Preventative Health’s approval before funds are released. 

Assessment criteria

We consider:

• Relevance of the proposed research to health promotion, our priorities and health equity.  
• The quality and validity of the research design.
• Strength of the partnerships.
• Strength of the knowledge translation plan.
• Your ability to complete the program.
• How the program will support your future career in health promotion.

We also review academic performance, referee reports and partner organisation’s feedback.

Question 17 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 outline in our strategic plan. Projects are not expected to engage with every priority population group – only those most relevant to the research.

• Paid work: You may work up to 8 hours per week with your institution’s approval.
• Annual leave: You will receive 20 days of paid leave each year, taken during your scholarship period.
• Sick leave: Is provided in line with your institution’s policies. Scholarships may be paused for illness longer than one month.
• Parental leave: Up to 12 months’ parental leave may be taken, with the scholarship paused during this time.
• Extensions or deferments: This will only considered in exceptional circumstances and must be through our Grants Portal by the institution’s research office. A deferment longer than one year will result in the scholarship being forfeited. Institutions may apply for a scholarship extension in the third year if a master’s student is progressing to a PhD.
• Acknowledgement: Any publications, presentations or media must acknowledge Healthway. Please give advance notice by emailing media@healthway.wa.gov.au.
• Other financial support: Any additional financial support must be approved by Healthway before acceptance.

• All requests must be submitted via the by the administering institution or research grants office.
• Requests submitted directly by individual researchers will not be accepted.
• Organisations must be registered in the Grants Portal before submitting a grant request.

For support 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.