The Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) initiative, a Medical Research Future Fund initiative delivered by MTPConnect, is rolling out a $38 million funding opportunity to improve the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their related complications in Australia.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for two new Research Centres and the first round of Research Projects funding are now open.

Research Projects

$18 million to support translational Research Projects that have the potential to transform diabetes and cardiovascular disease outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on patients, families and the community – with up to $6 million available in this first round. 

The TTRA Research Projects must develop innovative preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic and/or disease management products/solutions to address one of the following Priority Areas:

  • Priority 1: Mental health conditions in people living with at least two of the following: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease; or
  • Priority 2: Chronic kidney disease in people living with at least two of the following: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease; or
  • Priority 3: Cardiac and vascular complications arising in people living with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) and cardiovascular disease; OR Cardiovascular disease in people living with Type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance (double diabetes).

Submissions for the first round of Research Projects funding close on 22 February 2021.

Research Centres

$20 million to support the establishment of two new Research Centres; one focused on diabetes-associated complications and the other on cardiovascular disease-associated complications and each funded for up to $10 million over four years.     

The Diabetes Research Centre’s translational research, development and implementation science activities will address the following Priority Areas:

  • Priority 1: Diabetic kidney disease;
  • Priority 2: Peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome;
  • Priority 3: Short-term complications of hypoglycaemia and/or hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) and ketoacidosis.

The Cardiovascular Disease Research Centre’s translational research, development and implementation science activities will address the following Priority Areas:

  • Priority 1: Coronary artery disease (including angina and MACE);
  • Priority 2: Cardiomyopathy / heart failure;
  • Priority 3: Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) / stroke (ischaemic and haemorrhagic).

Submissions for Research Centres funding close on 15 March 2021.