Ian Potter Foundation - Medical Research Program
Key dates for Ian Potter Foundation - Medical Research Program 2026
- Ian Potter Foundation Information Session: November 2025 (view recording)
- Proposals open with Ian Potter Foundation: 2 February 2026
- EOIs due to UQ Research Office: 2 February 2026
- Full Applications close: 26 March 2026
Overview
The Ian Potter Foundation (IPF) Health – Medical Research Program aims to support the provision of equipment and capital infrastructure to support outstanding medical research groups.
Applicants must propose purchase of a single item of equipment valued at over $100,000. Funds may not be used to cover maintenance, consumables, staffing, or overheads.
As the IPF is unlikely to fund 100% of the purchase, cash co-funding is expected. In-kind contributions are optional and must be directly related to the operation of the instrument. Evidence of collaboration within and outside of UQ is strongly encouraged to maximise the potential benefit of new equipment.
Successful proposals will have:
- Significant co-funding
- Strong collaboration and support from partners (incl. letters of support)
- Wide application and use for the proposed equipment
- Ability to address a gap in research capability
- Longevity of equipment purchased.
Enquiries on research infrastructure acquisitions or coordination should be directed to the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) at pvcri@research.uq.edu.au.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest
As UQ can submit a maximum of two applications, a mandatory internal Expression of Interest (EOI) will be run to select the applications most closely aligned with the core scheme requirements.
Central cash co-contributions from UQ will be discussed with the selected applicants during preparation of the full application.
Please submit your EOI by the internal EOI close of 2 February 2026.
Full applications
Following the EOI process, the endorsed UQ applicant will prepare a full proposal. Application templates will be forwarded to the selected applicants following panel review.
Step 1: Project preparation
- Review the key IPF scheme information by consulting the Ian Potter Medical Research website.
- Watch the IPF Information Session recording.
Step 2: Completing the application
- Create an account in the Ian Potter Foundation online portal and complete the required fields.
- Add details of your proposal to the template UQ letter of support (emailed to UQ applicants).
Step 3: UQ R&I internal review and feedback
- To initiate review, email a copy of your completed application, draft UQ letter of support, and other attachments to UQ R&I at grants@research.uq.edu.au.
- UQ R&I will provide application feedback and coordinate signature of UQ letters of support.
Step 4: Final submission
On receiving authorisation from UQ R&I, submit your application online.
Readership and researcher support
Before applying, we recommend you:
- Familiarise yourself with the framework for Applying for Competitive Research Grants at UQ.
- Contact your faculty or institute research manager for advice on peer readership programs.
- Subscribe to the UQ R&I Mailer to stay up to date with round developments.
- Access the UQ R&I Grants Library, a helpful resource of past successful proposals.
- Read the UQ R&I Grant writing advice and strategy website for tips on preparing your application
Key documents
Ian Potter Foundation
- IPF application form (DOCX, 45 KB) (for reference only, applications are submitted through IPF's online portal)
Contact UQ R&I
Round coordinator
Health Team
If you are applying through UQ but you are not a current UQ staff member, please contact the round coordinator to be added to the UQ R&I mailing list.