How to apply for a CTN Pilot Grant

The ANZCA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) administers the pilot grant scheme which awards up to $A30,000 each year to investigators to undertake pilot or feasibility studies.  Thanks to a generous grant from retired anaesthetist Dr Peter Lowe, there will be an extra $A10,000 available for an additional pilot grant in the current grant round.

This program is open to all ANZCA and FPM fellows and trainees who are listed as the lead investigator of the study. Fellow and trainees of other specialist colleges may also be eligible to apply in accordance with the CTN pilot grant policy.

Successful applicants require either Human Research Ethics Committee (Australia) or Health and Disability Ethics Committee (New Zealand) approval before funds are awarded. Recipients have up to 12 months to take up their award.

Applicants are encouraged to present their research proposal at the annual CTN Strategic Research Workshop held in August, where they will receive peer-review feedback from colleagues.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be adjudicated by two members of the ANZCA CTN Executive or subject matter experts and will be judged in accordance to the Pilot Grant Scheme Policy, which includes the following criteria:

• the justification of why the pilot needs to be done
• the likely feasibility, fundability, and impact of the definitive trial
• the clarity, appropriateness, and feasibility of the pilot study methodology
• the clarity and appropriateness of the budget
• the track record of the study team including any supervisors

  Entitlements

  Grants of up to $A10,000 are available each year.

  Apply

  Applicants will need to contact the CTN manager to get a copy of the Pilot Grant Scheme Policy, application form and to obtain a registration key. Applicants will need to send a copy of the completed application form and a copy of their CV to [email protected].

  Deadlines 

  The deadline for the 2025 pilot grant round is 5pm (AEDT) Monday 10 December 2024.