Apply for Research Funding

The Council of the Foundation funds grants to support medical research in the Otago area relating to human health or the basic sciences of relevance to medicine. 

Funds (normally <$40,000 and for one year only) will be made available for working expenses, including small items of equipment, and salaries (fixed term) of research workers. Applications solely for equipment will not be considered.

Summer Research Scholarships

Applications for 2023/24 Summer Research Scholarships are now closed.

The application process is managed by the University of Otago’s Health Sciences Divisional Office.

2023 dates:

  • Applications closed 10 August 2023, 5:00pm.
  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in October 2023.

For details of how to apply please see the University of Otago’s Summer Scholarships page, or take a look at the Information Handbook.

For further details contact:

Dr Manon Knapen, Division of Health Sciences Administration
[email protected]

Learn more about our Summer Research Scholarships

Annual Grants

The Council of the Otago Medical Research Foundation invites applications for grants to support medical research in the Otago area relating to human health or the basic sciences of relevance to medicine.

Funds (normally <$40,000 and for one year only) will be made available for working expenses, including small items of equipment, and salaries (fixed term) of research workers. Applications solely for equipment will not be considered.

Applications are now closed.

Closing date was Friday 16 June 2023 (2.00 pm). Please note that the University of Otago’s Research & Enterprise Office required applications from University staff by Friday 9 June 2023 (2.00 pm).

Download the application form here

Learn more about Annual Grants

The Laurenson Awards

The Foundation invites applications for grants to support medical research carried out in the Otago area or projects based in Otago. These are to be financed by income from bequests to the Foundation by the late Alexia and James Laurenson, known as The Laurenson Awards.

In accordance with the wishes of the Laurensons, applications are invited for research in areas relating to the investigation and dissemination of knowledge concerning the effects of proper diet and/or drugs on human health.

Applications are now closed. Closing date was Friday 17th November 2023 (2.00 pm). Please note that the University of Otago’s Research & Enterprise Office required applications from University staff by Thursday 9th November 2023 (9am).

Download the application form here.

Learn more about the Laurenson Awards

Jack Thomson Arthritis Fund

The Foundation invites applications for grants to support medical research carried out in the Otago area or projects based in Otago. These are to be financed by income from a 2011 bequest to the Foundation by the late William John (Jack) Thomson.

In accordance with the wishes of Jack Thomson, applications are invited for medical research into the problems and treatment of arthritis.

Applications are now closed. Closing date was Friday 17th November 2023 (2.00 pm). Please note that the University of Otago’s Research & Enterprise Offic required applications from University staff by Thursday 9th November 2023 (9am).

Download the application form here.

Learn more about the Jack Thomson Arthritis Fund