TSANZ Research Accelerator Grants @TTS2026

The TSANZ Research Accelerator Grants (previously known as the TSANZ Research Kickstarter Grants) will be awarded to eligible TSANZ members to support a new research project based on a showcase presentation in a TSANZ workshop being held at TTS2026 on Sunday September 20. Research groups will present a 15-minute project pitch to an expert panel with seed funding grants awarded to the best clinical science and best basic science proposals.

Eligibility:

• MUST be a current financial member of TSANZ (including full member concession and student members)

• Research must be conducted primarily in an Australia or New Zealand setting

• Projects must focus on a novel research question that have the potential to fill a knowledge gap and/or transform the clinical approach to organ donation and transplantation and improve outcomes for transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand.

• Projects must not have received prior funding.  

Award process:

• 1 application / submission per individual as the CIA/lead investigator

• A two-page project outline using the PROVIDED QUESTIONS, must be submitted for SPEC's consideration prior to April 30, 2026

• Project pitches must be presented in person at the TSANZ Research workshop at TTS2026 on September 20, 2026

• Presentations will consist of a 10-minute project pitch followed by 5 minutes Q&A from expert panel and audience

• The highest ranked clinical and basic science project pitches, scored by the expert panel according to pre-specified criteria will each be awarded a Grant.

• Projects must commence within 12 months of the award being presented

• A project update report, including how prize money has been spent must be submitted to SPEC prior to the TSANZ ASM 2027

• An abstract outlining project progress/results must be submitted for TSANZ ASM 2027 or 2028

Award criteria (encouraged):

• Novel and creative projects

• Projects unlikely to receive alternative sources of funding

• Projects where seed funding may be leveraged to access future funding opportunities

• Projects that involve collaboration between multiple Australian/New Zealand research sites and/or inter-disciplinary groups

Prize details:

• 2 x $10,000 cash grants will be awarded to winning projects

• Money may be spent at the researcher’s discretion but should align with the original project proposal and budget presented at TTS. A report of the budget must be provided to SPEC prior to the TSANZ ASM 2027

Dates for submission of applications:

• Project Proposals - Applications now open

• Deadline for submission: 5pm AEST April 30, 2026. Please email your application to [email protected] as either a Word or PDF document

• Shortlisted proposals announced: May 30, 2026

• Showcase presentation (must be in person) at TTS in Sydney: September 20, 2026