Let’s Build Local and Global Teams for MRFF-Funded AI & Health Projects in Australia
Overview
Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is driving the next wave of innovation in health and medical research. As funding priorities shift toward real-world impact, digital innovation, and global collaboration, the strength and structure of your research team has never been more important.
This workshop is designed to support researchers, clinicians, institutions, and innovation partners in building strong local and international teams for future MRFF-funded projects—especially those focused on artificial intelligence, digital health, and data-driven healthcare.
Whether you're leading a proposal or looking to join one, this session will provide clear, practical guidance on how to form a capable, outcome-driven team. You’ll also learn how to find collaborators across sectors and borders, and how to align your team structure with MRFF expectations.
We'll introduce open project opportunities and walk you through how to express your interest. You’ll also get hands-on support using ExpertGate’s AI-powered tools to identify, connect, and manage your research collaborators more efficiently.
This is not just a knowledge session—it’s an invitation to be part of something active and ongoing.
Instructors
Dr Mohammad Riyadh is a leading research strategist and innovation specialist, currently serving as the Director of Global Research Partnerships at both the Australian Graduate Industry Research School (AGIRS) and ExpertGate. He’s heading up the development of what aims to become the world’s largest AI-powered research lab, designed to reshape how research is delivered, funded, and shared across sectors. At the heart of his work is a simple mission: to connect researchers, businesses, and institutions—locally and globally—to fast-track real-world, impact-driven innovation. With more than 15 years of experience in research development, academic–industry collaboration, and grant strategy, Dr Riyadh knows the ins and outs of navigating Australia’s funding landscape. During his PhD, he secured competitive funding from the Australian Government, and has since led or contributed to numerous fu... Read More
Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants—whether based in Australia or overseas—will have a clear understanding of how to build and contribute to competitive research teams aligned with MRFF funding priorities, particularly in the fields of AI and health. You’ll learn how to design a strong, well-balanced team structure, define key roles across disciplines, and identify where your own skills or organisation can add value. The session will introduce practical tools for team planning, collaboration, and proposal development, along with guidance on how to position your team for funding success. You’ll also discover how to use ExpertGate’s AI-powered platform to connect with potential collaborators, manage partnerships effectively, and express interest in joining real MRFF-funded project opportunities. Whether you're looking to lead, support, or partner—this workshop will help you take the next step.
Structure
This live online workshop is designed to guide participants step by step through the process of building strong, well-aligned research teams for future MRFF-funded AI and health projects in Australia. The session blends expert insights, real-world examples, a live demonstration of the ExpertGate platform, and interactive discussion. Participants will explore how to design effective team structures, identify the right mix of local and international collaborators, and align their team’s strengths with MRFF funding priorities. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with practical tools, clearer direction, and opportunities to express interest in joining or leading collaborative research projects.
Assessment
As this is a practical, skills-focused workshop, there will be no formal assessment. Instead, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own team structures and apply the strategies shared during the session to real project ideas. Interactive segments, live demonstrations, and group discussions will help you evaluate your readiness to lead or join an MRFF-funded AI or health research team. Participants will also have the option to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through ExpertGate if they wish to explore collaboration on active or upcoming projects.
Target Audience
This workshop is ideal for:
- Australian researchers and clinicians preparing MRFF applications
- Global researchers and institutions looking to collaborate with Australian teams
- University research offices, grant development units, and funding managers
- AI and data science professionals seeking roles in health research
- Industry partners and health tech companies interested in public-sector projects
- Public health experts, NGOs, and government agencies working on population impact
- Early-career researchers and PhD holders aiming to join MRFF teams
- Clinical trial units and implementation partners for translational research
Recommended Resources
To support your participation in this workshop, we recommend reviewing the official MRFF guidelines and priority areas available through the Australian Government Department of Health website. Familiarity with MRFF’s strategic missions and funding streams will help you better understand how team structure aligns with funding success. We also encourage you to explore the ExpertGate platform ahead of the session, where you can create a free expert profile, browse collaboration tools, and view open project opportunities.
Certificates
Upon successful completion of the course requirements, participants will receive a
certificate of completion from ExpertGate.
