In 2026-2027, Allied and Scientific Health Office (ASHO) is partnering with The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG) to support Local Health Networks to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative models of care which highlight the value and impact of allied and scientific health services.

This grants program, co-funded by ASHO and THRFG, will support targeted multidisciplinary research projects to translate ideas into clinical practice, and make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our community.

ASHO is interested to understand outcomes from allied and scientific health service delivery to facilitate advocacy for this workforce and contemporary models of care.

Funding available

The 2026-2027 Innovative Model of Care Research Grants will award a maximum of $30,000 (incl. GST) per single project.

The grants program will operate over the financial year, with funds available from 1 July 2026.

All funds awarded to successful applications must be expended before the end of the 2026-2027 financial year.

Grant submissions close 15 May 2026.

Eligibility criteria

The project lead must be classified as either an Allied Health Professional (AHP), Medical Scientist (MeS) or Medical Physicist (MPH).

Grant applications must address innovative allied and scientific health models of care, delivering outcomes aligned to the following key SA Health priorities:

  • Optimising acute hospital flow.
  • Reducing specialist outpatient clinic waiting times.
  • Improving access to elective surgery.

How to apply

Applicants are required to read the grant program guidelines (PDF 255KB) and complete all mandatory forms before submitting.

All members of the research team must also provide a brief Research Curriculum Vitae using either the Research CV template — example A (DOCX 33.9KB) or Research CV template — example B (DOCX 40.8KB), outlining their relevant research or quality improvement experience.

Submit your application via this Application Form, which will be available from 30 March 2026 and close 15 May 2026.

Previous Innovative Model of Care Research Grants recipients

In 2025-2026, the inaugural Innovative Model of Care Research Grants (which are currently in progress) were awarded to:

Alexandra Lekis, AHP4 Geriatric Evaluation and Management Allied Health Manager at SALHN, who is leading the study Does implementing dementia-friendly hospital practices lead to fewer adverse events and shorter inpatient stays for individuals with dementia? This project tests dementia-friendly strategies to create a more supportive and responsive hospital environment, enhancing consumer experience and patient safety while delivering safe, effective care that reduces complications and eases pressure on inpatient services.

Rosena Tretola, Senior Physiotherapist in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, who is leading the project ICU Early Mobility: Impact of Early Mobility on Length of Stay. This project investigates how introducing early mobility practices in intensive care can safely shorten hospital stays for critically ill children, directly supporting SA Health’s goal of improved patient flow and timely access to acute care.