icare announces research grants to advance prevention & treatment of dust diseases, including new fellowship
Funding now open for researchers and clinicians to build capacity and improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for workers with dust diseases.
icare is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Dust Diseases Board Researcher Development Stream Awards Program FY26.
With $526,000 in funding available, the program supports early-to-mid career researchers and clinicians at all career stages to undertake innovative research that builds capacity and advances the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of dust diseases.
Applications close at 4:00 pm AEST on 4 August 2025.
The FY26 program includes:
This program helps researchers and clinicians grow their expertise while contributing to real-world improvements in how we prevent, diagnose, and treat dust diseases.
For FY26, the Dust Diseases Board introduces Prevention Fellowships, offering up to $122,000 per year to support research that identifies and addresses risk factors contributing to dust diseases, focusing on reducing exposure and preventing disease onset.
The Clinical Fellowships continue to offer flexible eligibility, allowing candidates without a PhD to apply, if they have at least five years of relevant professional experience and skills.
The Dust Diseases Board welcomes applications from research scientists, occupational hygienists, others working in occupational health, and clinicians at any career stage.
These awards aim to enhance capacities in key fields related to dust diseases, such as, but not limited to: thoracic oncology, respiratory health, occupational and environmental medicine, public health, nursing, psychology, allied health, or radiology.
“The support from the Dust Diseases Board was instrumental in advancing our research on silicosis. With this funding, we developed a first-of-its-kind disease model that closely mirrors the human condition and allows us to test real-world therapeutic options. It’s a powerful example of how targeted research investment can accelerate scientific progress and lay the foundation for future clinical breakthroughs.”
How can I get more information
All interested candidates must review the program guidelines and submission protocols before applying.
View the DDB Grants website for application process and documents by using the button below.
