HEAL Capability Building
HEAL is committed to supporting the next generation of climate, environmental and health researchers, with a strong focus on early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs).
Through tailored training, mentorship, leadership development, networking opportunities and placements with partner organisations, HEAL will help EMCRs build the aptitude, skills, experience and professional connections needed to undertake impactful interdisciplinary research and translate evidence into policy and practice.
These opportunities will be enabled by the HEAL Future Leaders Schools, HEAL conferences, and collaborations with national and international experts, fostering a diverse and connected research workforce equipped to address existing and emerging environmental health challenges.
HEAL Future Leaders School
The HEAL Future Leaders School (FLS) is a flagship capacity‑building initiative of the HEAL National Research Network. It equips emerging public health researchers with interdisciplinary research, leadership, policy translation, and science communication skills to address climate change and improve health outcomes in Australia.
HEAL Professional Development Grants
Developed by the HEAL EMCR Committee, the HEAL HDR/EMCR Professional Development Grant provides up to $2,000 to support HDR students and early–mid career researchers within the HEAL National Research Network to enhance their research skills through activities such as training, conferences, fieldwork, and secondments aligned with HEAL Research Themes.
Open to eligible members with a HEAL investigator sponsor, the scheme prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, those in rural and remote areas, and first-time recipients. Applications for 2026 are open from 15 June to 30 July, with funding to be used within one year.
HEAL HDR/EMCR Professional Development Grants are now closed. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes in September 2026.
HEAL Mentoring Program
The HEAL Mentoring Program is a network-wide initiative designed to support the professional growth and development of Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) and PhD students by connecting them with experienced mentors across the HEAL Network. Through carefully matched mentor-mentee partnerships based on career goals, interests, experience, and personal preferences, the program provides a supportive space to discuss career development, research opportunities, leadership, networking, work-life balance, and other professional challenges. As a mentee-driven program, participants are encouraged to take an active role in shaping their mentoring journey, while mentors share their knowledge, insights, and experiences to help guide and support the next generation of climate, environment, and health researchers. Beyond individual development, the program aims to foster meaningful connections, strengthen collaboration across disciplines, and build a supportive and inclusive research community within HEAL.
HEAL Innovation Fund
The HEAL Innovation Fund is a competitive grant program that supports innovative, solution-focused research aligned with HEAL’s interdisciplinary priorities. It funds projects that are co-designed with communities and stakeholders, promote research translation into policy and practice, and have the potential to generate meaningful real-world impact and future external funding opportunities.
The HEAL Innovation Fund has provided $1 million over three years, funding 29 projects, 11 of which are Indigenous led. Projects were selected based on their potential for impact, collaboration, community engagement, research excellence, and contribution to HEAL’s strategic priorities.
| Recipients (A-Z) | Organisation | Amount (AUD) | Status |
| Claire Leppold | University of Melbourne | $29,602 | In progress |
| Coen Hird | University of Queensland | $29,980 | In progress |
| Eloise Skinner/Colleen Lau (Co-PI) | University of Queensland | $30,000 | In progress |
| Erin Mathieu | University of Sydney | $30,000 | In progress |
| Gundjarranby Rosemary Garrawurra/ Veronica Matthews/ Petra Buergelt | University of Canberra/ University of Sydney/ | $30,000 | In progress |
| Jingyi Shao | University of Canberra | $30,000 | In progress |
| Jodi Thomas | QIMR Berghofer | $30,000 | In progress |
| L McDonald | RMIT | $28,900 | In progress |
| Manoj Chandrabose | RMIT | $28,900 | In progress |
| Nichole Lister | Deakin University | $29,602 | In progress |
| Sharna Motlap | Charles Darwin University | $30,000 | In progress |
| Recipients (A-Z) | Organisation | Amount (AUD) | Status |
| Amal Chakraborty & Oliver Costello | University of Sydney; Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation | $20,000 | In progress |
| Caroline Deen | University of Sydney | $19,990 | In progress |
| Emily Flies (HEAL AI) & Lauren Tynan | University of Tasmania & Macquarie University/Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) | $49,992 | In progress |
| Francis Nona | Queensland University of Technology | $49,960 | In progress |
| Linda Ford (HEAL CI) | Linda Ford (HEAL CI) | $45,382 | In progress |
| Mira Cooper | University of Sydney | $49,936 | In progress |
| Shannon Rutherford | Griffith University | $35,700 | In progress |
| Veronica Mathews (HEAL CI) & Yonatal Tefera | University of Sydney/SAHMRI | $46,501 | Complete: Preliminary Exploration of an Indigenous Health in All Policies Approach |
| Wenbiao Hu (HEAL CI) | Queensland University of Technology | $43,996 | In progress |
| Nichole Lister | Deakin University | $29,602 | In progress |
| Zalalem Mengesha & Soumya Mazumdar | University of Canberra | $19,696 | In progress |
| Recipients (A-Z) | Organisation | Amount (AUD) | Status |
| Penelope Jones | Menzies, UTAS | $19,775 | In progress |
| Geoff Morgan | University of Sydney | $50,000 | In progress |
| Fiona Charlson | University of Queensland | $41,966 | In progress |
| Nigel Goodman | University of Canberra | $49,961 | In progress |
| Patricia Lee | Griffith University | $36,662 | In progress |
| Dr Luise Kazda, Dr Sean Docking, Dr Kristen Pickles | University of Canberra, Monash University, University of Sydney | $20,000 | In progress |
| Manoj Bhatta | QIMR Berghofer | $30,000 | In progress |
| L McDonald | RMIT | $28,900 | In progress |
| Manoj Chandrabose | Menzies | $19,400 | In progress |