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 financial member of the Society of 12 months standing from the date of approval of membership to the Society to the date of application (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 to SPEC for 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

• Shortlisted proposals announced: May 30, 2026

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