New research grant opens doors for allied health professionals

Published: 4 December 2025

The Heart Foundation has announced a new opportunity for health professionals as part of its annual funding for heart research and professional training, to improve the heart health of all New Zealanders.

Allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists, play an essential role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of people living with heart disease.

“The Allied Health Clinical Professionals Grant recognises that world-class heart care depends on collaboration across the entire health sector,” says Heart Foundation Medical Director Dr Gerry Devlin. “Allied health professionals bring specialist expertise that support patients at every stage, from prevention and diagnosis through to recovery and long-term wellbeing.”

Dr Devlin says the grant is intended to foster research and professional development.

“We want to build capability, enable research projects, and assist career advancement for allied health professionals who are often part of smaller and more diverse disciplines.”

“While our focus has primarily been the funding of cardiologists and researchers, this group represents a vital part of the healthcare workforce, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care, community health, and research settings.”

Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ) serves as an umbrella advocacy group for around 30 member associations, collectively representing more than 30,000 allied health professionals.

In other categories, research fellowships now include research funding of up to $20,000 per researcher and the Nurse Training Fellowship includes salary support for up to 50% FTE for the duration of the fellowship.

Applications for the 2026 funding round open on Monday 8 December 2025 and close Monday 9 March 2026.

For more information about eligibility, funding criteria, and how to apply, click on the button below.

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