PhD Research Grant

Apply for a CPA Research Foundation PhD Grant

CPA Research Foundation PhD Grant

Cerebral Palsy Alliance provides funding to researchers, clinicians and medical experts whose projects deliver on CPA’s mission – to champion a world of opportunity for people with cerebral palsy and their families.

The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance PhD Researcher Grants are available on a competitive basis to attract new and highly qualified graduates into the field of cerebral palsy research.

PhD grants can be requested for a maximum of 3 years however the funds should not exceed AU$35,000 per annum.

Applicants do not necessarily need to have confirmation of acceptance or enrolment in a PhD program when applying for the grant, but the award will only commence once the applicant provides confirmation of acceptance from the institution.

The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance will only fund direct costs related to the objective of the award. Grant awards must not be used for indirect costs including infrastructure, overheads or administration costs that are expected to be provided by the Administering Institution as standard support for researchers.

Guidelines for Applicants

  • The grant is only available for a research PhD student applying or studying in a recognised institution.
  • Must have an official PhD supervisor who is affiliated with a recognised institution and/or research organisation.
  • Research topic must contribute to the field of cerebral palsy research.
  • Individuals completing non-research PhD study (e.g. a clinical doctorate) are not eligible to apply.
  • Note: grants are not available to applicants from the United States – if you are a US-based individual, head to Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation website to learn more about relevant grants.
  • Applicants must use the online application form accessible from the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance website.
  • All online applications submitted before the closing date will be acknowledged by email.
  • All sections in the application form must be completed.
  • One PhD candidate and a maximum of five PhD supervisors can be included in the application.
  • Applicants must seek consent from all supervisors prior the submission of application. Failure to do so may result in your application being removed from consideration.
  • Applicants must seek consent from all supervisors included in the application.
  • Applicants must include a letter of support from their primary supervisor, using the template provided by the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
  • Budget must not include any salary. Only the stipend for one PhD student can be requested in the application.
  • Justification for the stipend rate must be provided. For Australian applications, the stipend rate should not exceed the Priority Stipend rate on the NHMRC Website.
  • Applications must nominate a single Administering Institution that will be responsible for the management of the grant.
  • The grant agreement will only be executed upon submission of confirmation of acceptance/enrolment in the PhD program.
  • The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance steering committee will conduct a competitive review process based on:
    • Academic achievement
    • The research plan & relevance to cerebral palsy research
    • The perceived outcomes that will lead to significant progress in the field of cerebral palsy research
    • Alignment with the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance strategy and overall vision
    • The support provided by the supervisor and the Administering Institution to help develop the student’s career in research
  • The successful applicant will be chosen at the sole discretion of the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research steering committee, and this decision is final. No feedback or comments will be provided.
  • All applicants will receive notification of the outcome in writing.
  • Enrolment in the nominated PhD program must commence within one year of the award, otherwise the award will be withdrawn.
  • Grant recipients must notify the Research Foundation if they receive another external grant for the same purpose as this grant award.
  • Payment of the grant award will only start after execution of the grant agreement.
  • The grant award will be paid through the Administering Institution associated with and nominated by the grant recipient.
  • Under no circumstances will payments be made to individual bank accounts.
  • Subsequent grant payments will only be made upon receipt of satisfactory reports and invoices issued by the Administering Institution.
  • PhD grant awards can only be used towards the following costs:
    • Stipend for one PhD student,
    • Student fees,
    • Research expenses, and
    • Tuition fees (only applicable for students required to pay tuition fees for their study)
  • Grant recipients are required to submit periodic research progress and financial reports.
  • The final report and financial acquittal must be submitted within sixty (60) days of study completion.
  • Grant recipients must use the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance reporting template.
  • The Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance reserves the right to publish or use the report (or parts of it) for Fundraising/Marketing purposes.
  • The support of the Research Foundation of Cerebral Palsy Alliance must be acknowledged in any presentations, publications or reports resulting from the study.

PhD Research Grant timeline - 2023

Find out more

For any questions or queries relating to CPA Research Foundation grants, please contact: CPAResearchGrants@cerebralpalsy.org.au