Money, where it sits.

The University of Melbourne

? – $2.3M

Closes 2026-05-23

Young people shaping livelihoods across three generations. This proposal for a third cohort to the Life Patterns longitudinal study aims to investigate how in a context of technological and structural change a new generation of young Australians builds livelihood-resilience, keeping the focus on those elements that have proven to be enabling for previous generations. The project aims to generate new knowledge about the influences of education, work, housing, relationships, wellbeing on positive trajectories. Expected outcomes of this project include systematic evidence and a new holistic livelihood-resilience framework for analysing youth trajectories. This project should provide significant benefits to the national response supporting positive youth transitions through education and work.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1608 - Sociology. Lead: Prof Johanna Wyn

University of Technology Sydney

? – $501K

Closes 2026-05-24

Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning. The project aims to address the ineffectiveness associated with risk analysis of geotechnical systems by reducing variabilities and by rigorously quantifying such variabilities. It is expected to generate new knowledge in machine-learning-aided risk analysis and in virtual modelling of multiphase-multiphysics-multiscale problems involving random variables. Expected outcomes are datasets and computer tools that are equipped with new functionalities including parameter optimisation, uncertainty quantification, machine-learning based surrogate models and risk analysis. These tools will help to bridge the increasing gap between academic research and engineering practice, transform geo-risk analysis and optimise complex construction processes.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Daichao Sheng

RMIT University

? – $559K

Closes 2026-05-24

Plant-mediated arsenic-iron mineral transformations. The project goals are to advance our understanding of molecular-level iron-arsenic transformations induced at plant-mineral-atmosphere interfaces as influenced by remediation actions and future environmental change. The project aims for this to be achieved through an innovative experimental infrastructure combined with isotopic, spectroscopic and advanced synchrotron-based tools. Intended outcomes and benefits are the generation of new knowledge, which will improve current understanding of arsenic and iron fate impacted by remediation actions, plant growth and planetary changes induced via the atmosphere-plant-soil interface.. Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4106 - Soil Sciences. Lead: A/Prof Dane Lamb

NSW Government

$50K – $800K

Closes 2026-05-25

Taking Expressions of Interest: ACCO-led ECEC Sector Growth Partnership Program Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) who are approved Early Learning providers or are seeking to become approved Early Learning providers.

NSW Government — Aboriginal Languages Trust

? – $600K

Closes 2026-05-25

The Language Centres Partnership Program (LCPP) is a new initiative funded under NSW Closing the Gap to increase the number of Language Centres and sustainable investment in Aboriginal Language Centres in NSW.

The University of Melbourne

? – $770K

Closes 2026-05-25

Data-led bioengineering to uncover hidden chemical wealth in bacteria. The soil bacteria Nocardia are an untapped source of industrially prized chemical compounds called natural products. This project aims to develop innovative bioprospecting genomics technologies built from the disciplines of microbiology, biochemistry and computational statistics to discover hundreds of new natural products in Nocardia. This project will unlock the diversity of potent new enzymes and molecules with high economic value that could include insecticides to protect crops, bioactives to fight diseases, or new enzymes for food and biofuel production. This research unlocks enormous hidden chemical potential in soil bacteria, to build sustainable national economic growth through innovative, high-value industrial chemical development.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: Prof Timothy Stinear

NSW Government — Transport for NSW

? – $30.0M

Closes 2026-05-28

30 million to Bellingen Shire Council to upgrade Gordonville and Summervilles Roads.

NSW Government — Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

? – $1.2M

Closes 2026-05-29

Kick-start funding is designed for eligible businesses that are interested in piloting a few battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or for smaller fleets that want to start their electrification journey.

The University of Queensland

? – $501K

Closes 2026-05-29

Genetic architecture and evolution of complex traits across populations. Most human traits have a genetic component and display substantial diversity within and among populations. How natural selection changes and maintains genetic variation in human traits is a long-standing question in evolution that the proposed project aims to answer. Using innovative statistical methods and largest genomic “big” datasets ever across populations of different ancestral backgrounds, this project expects to generate new knowledge on the roles of natural selection in shaping the genetic variation in traits and identify key factors that drive the differentiation of human populations. These outcomes will significantly improve our understanding on the evolution of human traits and adaptation of populations to changing environments.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0604 - Genetics. Lead: Dr Jian Zeng

NSW Government — Create NSW

? – $650K

Closes 2026-05-29

Supports delivery of NSW Government-endorsed plans and sector strategies for the creative industries. Eligible applicants demonstrate a proven track record delivering programs and services that achieve sector outcomes.

La Trobe University

? – $640K

Closes 2026-05-29

Outfoxing the fox: new cost-effective ways to protect threatened species. This project aims to address the damage caused by invasive foxes by applying new methods of protection for threatened species. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of conservation biology and invasive species management by comparing the effectiveness of fox control strategies for improving the population viability of declining freshwater turtles. Expected outcomes of this project include a community-based conservation model that prevents turtle extinctions in south-eastern Australia at considerable cost savings. Significant benefits include improved management of the impacts of invasive species, and restoration of ecosystem services provided by the scavenging role of freshwater turtles for maintaining water quality.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management. Lead: A/Prof James Van Dyke

University of Technology Sydney

? – $668K

Closes 2026-05-30

Seeing the Bio-Nano "Talk" in the brain via real-time multiplex tracking. This project aims to develop new knowledge and smart tools that have the potential to greatly improve brain research. The blood-brain-barrier is the major physiological barrier that protects the brain from environmental toxins, bacteria and viruses, but limits the effectiveness of nanoparticle-based brain imaging agents. Expected outcomes of this project include a better understanding of the mechanisms that allow nanoparticles to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier, as well as improving brain imaging. Benefits of the project include the commercialisation of technologies and smarl tools developed in this projetct, and establishment of a new Australian biotechnology company that exports brain-imaging technologies to the world.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering. Lead: Prof Bingyang SHI

The University of New South Wales

? – $514K

Closes 2026-05-30

Did ocean circulation changes build the Antarctic ice sheet? The evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet, from its beginning 34 million years ago (Ma) until today, is critical to our understanding of future climate change. This project aims to improve climate and ocean model simulations of the early Oligocene (30 Ma) and middle Miocene (15 Ma), using higher resolution and more accurate paleogeography than has previously been done. Expected outcomes include improvements to paleoclimate reconstructions, better constraints on future climate change, and a better understanding of the impact of ocean eddies on Antarctic climate. These outcomes should strengthen Australia’s long-term program of climate modelling, and enable more effective climate adaptation, mitigation and risk management.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience. Lead: Dr David Hutchinson

NSW Government — Sound NSW (Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport)

? – $1.0M

Closes 2026-05-31

Designed for institutions, organisations and music businesses demonstrating industry leadership and significant engagement with contemporary music in NSW. Applicants will have a track record of achieving outcomes for artists and music professionals.

The Australian National University

? – $501K

Closes 2026-05-31

How will Pacific climate variability impact Australia in a warming world? Temperature variability in the Pacific Ocean is characterised by El Niño and La Niña (year-to-year variations) and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (decadal variations). These phenomena are primary drivers of Australian temperature and rainfall. Leveraging new tools and methods, including Single Model Initial-Condition Large Ensembles, this project will investigate drivers of these phenomena, and their impacts on Australia in a warming world. Outcomes include the quantification of how these climate phenomena modulate extreme weather events, and an understanding of how Indian and Atlantic Ocean warming affects the Pacific region. This will improve the prediction of extreme events, which is critical for preparation for their impacts.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3702 - Climate Change Science. Lead: Dr Nicola Maher

The University of Queensland

? – $1.1M

Closes 2026-05-31

The past, present and future of Indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge. This project aims to resolve the interrelated and compounding problems that Indigenous Australians face in relation to their ethnobotanical knowledge, such as biopiracy, loss of biodiversity, knowledge, and opportunity. This Indigenous-led project aims to build community-based databases to protect, preserve and facilitate community controlled use of ethnobotanical knowledge. This will support and promote Indigenous economic self-sufficiency and sustainability which will be of direct benefit to the partner communities. In addition to providing direct benefits to the communities involved in the research, the project is designed to be replicated across Australia, bringing benefits to Indigenous communities throughout the country.. Scheme: Discovery Indigenous. Field: 4503 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledges and Management. Lead: Hon Prof Henrietta Marrie

The University of Western Australia

? – $1.0M

Closes 2026-05-31

Engineering safer pastures for livestock. This project aims to develop subterranean clover with elevated condensed tannins in leaves. This important pasture legume is currently a bloat risk for cattle and sheep due to low condensed tannins and high soluble proteins. Bloat is a health issue that costs the Australian and New Zealand livestock industries over $200 million per annum. Condensed tannins can reduce bloat, decrease methane production and improve efficiency of production. A novel approach using CRISPR and other innovative molecular techniques will generate breeding lines high in condensed tannins and deliver knowledge applicable to other pasture legumes. Expected outcomes for livestock producers include improved animal welfare, reduced carbon emissions and enhanced profits.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 1001 - Agricultural Biotechnology. Lead: Prof Jacqueline Batley

NSW Government — Department of Education

? – $3.0M

Closes 2026-05-31

The Closing the Gap (CTG) Innovation Fund is a targeted, competitive grant program established under the National Skills Agreement (NSA) Implementation Plan for Closing the Gap, agreed between the Australian Government and NSW in November 2025.

Monash University

? – $645K

Closes 2026-05-31

Beautiful strings. This project aims to carry out several key experimental measurements, in tandem with substantial theoretical work, to improve the understanding and physical modelling of processes involving b quarks, also called beauty quarks, which are of intense current interest for experiments across the globe. Key theoretical innovations include novel treatments of electromagnetic corrections, novel theoretical formulations of the dominant physical paradigm of string fragmentation, and optimisations of key associated algorithms to enable new applications of broad relevance. Experimental measurements will be carried out to validate the new theoretical developments and use them to minimise theoretical uncertainties.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5107 - Particle and High Energy Physics. Lead: Prof Peter Skands

The University of Newcastle

? – $534K

Closes 2026-05-31

Advanced multivariable nonlinear control methodology for matrix converters. The aim of this project is to explore a specific multivariable nonlinear control design problem. Motivation for the project arises from the control of Matrix Converters. Matrix Converters are considered one of the key enabling technologies for the electric transport of the future. However, their penetration into practice has fallen short of their promise. This is, in part, due to the associated control design problem which is extremely difficult involving coupled nonlinear dynamics and under-actuation. We plan to address these problems by using modern control system design methods. Our specific goal is to achieve a provably stable, closed loop control system whose performance is independent of unmeasured disturbances and model errors.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Lead: Prof Graham Goodwin

Queensland University of Technology

? – $556K

Closes 2026-05-31

Learning Robotic Navigation and Interaction from Object-based Semantic Maps. Our project aims to develop new learning algorithms that enable robots to perform high-complexity tasks that are currently impossible. Compared to existing methods that rely on low-level sensor data, we aim to achieve this by learning from a high-level graph representation of the environment that captures semantics, affordances, and geometry. The outcome would be robots capable of using human instructions to efficiently learn complex interaction and navigation behaviours that transfer to unseen environments. Our research should benefit new applications in domains of economic and societal importance that are currently too complex, unsafe, and uncertain for robot assistants, such as aged care, advanced manufacturing and domestic robotics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing. Lead: Prof Niko Suenderhauf

University of Technology Sydney

? – $620K

Closes 2026-05-31

Defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health. This project will determine how ecological relationships among aquatic bacteria govern the health of Australia’s marine and freshwater environments. Cyanobacteria support aquatic ecosystem productivity, but can have detrimental effects when they form harmful blooms, although the factors governing the balance of these contrasting impacts are largely undefined. By coupling sophisticated approaches including genomics, phenomics, and microfluidics to examine how symbioses with other bacteria influence the growth and function of important species of cyanobacteria, this research will elucidate the importance of an over-looked factor in controlling the productivity, health and value of Australia’s aquatic estate.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: Prof Justin Seymour

The Australian National University

? – $512K

Closes 2026-05-31

RNA-binding proteins rewire transcriptomes in immune cell differentiation. This project aims to combine advanced computational and experimental techniques to investigate a new layer of gene regulation by novel RNA binding proteins (RBP) which control messenger RNA length in immune cells. This project expects to demonstrate that these RBPs have a profound effect on immune cell differentiation and response to infection. Expected outcomes include the discovery of new RBPs regulating immunity, with mechanism and function determined by novel CRISPR editing of a transgenic mouse model. The significant benefit will be a more complete understanding of RNA mechanisms of immune response, which will be critical in informing future advances in the rapidly developing areas of RNA-based biotechnologies and synthetic immunology.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1107 - Immunology. Lead: A/Prof Jiayu Wen

The University of Queensland

? – $514K

Closes 2026-05-31

Acidic aerobic digestion to reduce emissions from sewage sludge. This project aims to develop a novel acidic sludge treatment technology for water utilities to reduce greenhouse gases and odour emissions from sewage sludge, a previously overlooked source in wastewater management. Through three work packages targeting critical gaps in current research, it aims to understand the biological & chemical mechanisms, optimize the operating conditions, and promote technology translation. The project is expected to provide utilities with a novel retrofitting solution that can be integrated into the existing system. The anticipated benefit is significant greenhouse gases mitigation from water industry and support it to meet net-zero-emission goal by 2050.. Scheme: Early Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 4011 - Environmental Engineering. Lead: Dr Zhiyao Wang

The University of Western Australia

? – $674K

Closes 2026-05-31

A New Spin on Liquid Hydrogen: Controlled Cold Energy. While hydrogen is set to play a leading role in global decarbonisation, significant challenges remain regarding methods for its reliable storage and transportation. Hydrogen liquefaction has emerged as a promising approach in this regard due to its high energy density and hydrogen purity, but is currently prohibitively expensive. In this project we will exploit the peculiar spin physics of hydrogen to alleviate liquefactions costs through the provision of controllable refrigeration (so-called 'cold energy') following regasification. In particular we will measure, optimise and exploit the highly endothermic catalysed conversion of para- to ortho- hydrogen, which can provide up to 525 kJ/kg of cooling at convenient temperatures. . Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4004 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: Prof Michael Johns

University of Technology Sydney

? – $535K

Closes 2026-05-31

Advanced Machine Learning with Bilevel Optimization. There is an urgent need to develop a new machine learning (ML) paradigm that can overcome data-privacy and model-size constraints in real-world applications. This project aims to develop an advanced paradigm of ML with bilevel optimisation, called bilevel ML. A theoretically-guaranteed fast approximate solver and a new fuzzy bilevel learning framework will be developed to achieve the aim in complex situations; a methodology to transfer knowledge and an approach to fast-adapt bilevel optimization solutions when required computing resources change. The anticipated outcomes should significantly improve the reliability of ML with benefits for safety learning and computing resource optimisation in ML-based data analytics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence. Lead: A/Prof Guangquan Zhang

The University of New South Wales

? – $500K

Closes 2026-05-31

Charge and Energy Transfer Processes at Inorganic-Organic Interfaces . The integration of functional molecular materials with inorganic systems remains an outstanding hurdle to achieve durable, highly efficient optoelectronic devices. This project aims to develop and understand this new class of devices, with a focus on directional energy transfer processes across hybrid interfaces. This project expects to generate new knowledge in photovoltaics (PV) and for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) by studying triplet transfer in two model systems. The first will be a step towards the development of advanced PV devices using down-conversion to push solar cells beyond the efficiency barrier. The second will demonstrate inorganic-organic solid state up-conversion for next generation OLEDs with improved stability.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3406 - Physical Chemistry. Lead: Dr Michael Nielsen

Monash University

? – $849K

Closes 2026-05-31

Model studies of Australian lump ore applied to blast furnace ironmaking. Ore lump use in ironmaking blast furnaces (BFs) requires no preprocessing and has a lower carbon footprint. However, it suffers various technical problems. This project aims to understand and optimize the conditions for such operations. This will be achieved by means of a combined theoretical and experimental program, involving the use of state-of-the-art multiscale computer modelling and simulation techniques. The research outcomes will be tested in the design and control of lump charging operations in practice through collaboration with the industrial partner. This will ultimately increase Australian ore lump usage in BFs, leading to significant financial and environmental benefits to Australia and the entire steel industry worldwide.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0904 - Chemical Engineering. Lead: A/Prof Shibo Kuang

The University of Queensland

? – $611K

Closes 2026-06-01

Understanding the neural dynamics of integrated perceptual decisions. This project aims to characterise the brain processes involved in perceptual decision-making. While scientists have a good understanding of how people make decisions about the properties of individual sensory inputs, much less is known about how the brain integrates information across multiple sensory sources that differ in their salience and fidelity. The project expects to elucidate the neural mechanisms responsible for these integrative perceptual decisions, using a combination of brain imaging and behavioural measures, computational modelling and real-time neurofeedback. This should provide significant benefits for developing more effective approaches to training individuals in professions that rely on optimal decision-making skills.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 1701 - Psychology. Lead: Prof Jason Mattingley

The University of Adelaide

? – $1.2M

Closes 2026-06-02

Facilities for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Evaluation and Testing. This proposal aims to establish state-of-the-art stationary and mobile facilities for atmospheric wind, dust and plume measurements with unique capability to quantify the effect of climate change, surface topography and urbanisation on near-surface microclimate where humans live. To better predict microclimate, mitigate air pollution impacts and exploit local conditions for improved urban planning and agricultural yield, high quality observations of the near-surface atmosphere at fine temporal and spatial resolutions are required. The proposed Facilities for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Evaluation and Testing (FABLET) will advance Australia’s capability to make these difficult measurements of atmospheric boundary layer.. Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities. Field: 3702 - Climate Change Science. Lead: Prof Maziar Arjomandi

The Australian National University

? – $610K

Closes 2026-06-04

Surveillance and sampling to maintain absence of pests and diseases. This project aims to develop empirically validated statistical and mathematical methods for industry and government to deliver more efficient biosecurity surveillance programs. The project endeavours to enhance biosecurity at the border and within Australia, while minimising the costs and burden of testing. Expected project outcomes include effective surveillance and sampling for high-priority threats, accessible software for decision-makers, and generalisable approaches to address rapidly increasing biosecurity risks. Significant benefits include maintaining absence of key pathogens and pests in Australia.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4905 - Statistics. Lead: Prof Kathryn Glass

Western Sydney University

? – $558K

Closes 2026-06-04

Addressing Misinformation with Media Literacy through Cultural Institutions. Misinformation can harm democratic processes, social cohesion and public health outcomes. Media literacy prepares citizens for misinformation by developing critical analysis abilities. This project partners with Australian public cultural institutions to increase adult media literacy. Through an action-based, mixed methods approach, the project investigates adults’ experiences with online misinformation and assesses their ability to identify and challenge it. Research findings will inform the design and evaluation of targeted evidence-based media literacy training and resources that will be shared across broadcast media, physical spaces and online. Through these initiatives Australians will be better equipped to combat misinformation.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4701 - Communication and Media Studies. Lead: Prof Tanya Notley

Queensland University of Technology

? – $740K

Closes 2026-06-05

Wearable thermoelectric textiles for portable microelectronics. Wearable thermoelectrics enable the power generation from the temperature difference between human body and ambient temperature by using thermoelectric effect. This project aims to design eco-friendly wearable thermoelectric textiles to realize high-efficiency solid-state power generation and meet individual needs with human comfort and health. The target is to achieve a power density in the as-designed thermoelectric textiles by the optimization of materials and device design. The outcome will open up a new platform for the green and sustainable charge for portable microelectronics, which will lead to an innovative technology for energy management, which will place Australia at the forefront of wearable electronics and textile industry.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0912 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Zhi-Gang Chen

The University of New South Wales

? – $573K

Closes 2026-06-06

Community Self-determination in the Era of Automated Home Delivery Systems. Urban environments in Australia and internationally are on the cusp of major disruption resulting from impending proliferation of home delivery services using autonomous vehicles in the form of trucks, shuttles, bots, and drones. As witnessed in the case of ride-share services, socio-technical changes can permeate society before effective regulation is introduced unless swift anticipatory action is taken. The aim of this project is to deliver the critical information inputs required to empower and protect communities in a future characterised by the widespread use of automated product deliveries. Outputs will include modelled scenarios and negotiated policy recommendations that reflect meaningful community consultation.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning. Lead: Prof Simone Pettigrew

Western Sydney University

? – $521K

Closes 2026-06-07

New Possibilities: Young People and Democratic Renewal. Vibrant democracies require generational renewal as norms, values and cultures evolve. This project is a systematic study of Australian students in the climate change movement. Examining who the students are, why they participate, how they organise, how they represent themselves and are represented by others in social and mainstream media, the project ethically advances ways of co-researching students’ civic and political participation in offline and online settings. Expected outcomes include improved capacity for investigating student political action, new knowledge of the motivations, norms and practices that characterise student climate politics and concepts and tools for democratic renewal through engagement with young people.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4410 - Sociology. Lead: Prof Philippa Collin

Monash University

? – $949K

Closes 2026-06-08

The Role of Lck/CD8 Association in Negatively Regulating T cell Activation. This proposal aims to advance our fundamental understanding of how T cell recognition of antigens translates into a T cell activating signal. The proposal will establish whether the major T cell coreceptor also acts as a negative regulator of T cell activation in vivo when antigen recognition is unorthodox. It will also determine whether certain subsets of T cells naturally lack coreceptors in order to facilitate unorthodox antigen recognition. Thus, the proposal will significantly advance our understanding of, and establish new paradigms around, the regulation of T cell activation. Expected long term benefits outside the scope of this proposal include improved immunotherapies and vaccines designed to elicit or suppress T cell responses.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Prof Nicole La Gruta

NSW Government — NSW Health

? – $5.0M

Closes 2026-06-09

The Medical Devices Fund provides grants to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative new devices and technologies in NSW, addressing gaps in the product life cycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities.

NSW Government — Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

? – $10.0M

Closes 2026-06-09

The $40 million Low Emissions Industry Program supports NSW's NGER-reporting mining and manufacturing facilities. The program targets decarbonisation projects that can be deployed quickly and at scale. Safeguard facilities are not eligible to apply.

The University of Newcastle

? – $1.5M

Closes 2026-06-10

Juungambala: More-than-human agreement making with/as Gumbaynggirr Country. This project aims to develop & model Indigenous-led land practices, protocols & more-than-human agreements between Gumbaynggirr Custodians, non-Gumbaynggirr people & Country to enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to disruptive environmental change through Juungambala, setting things right. This project expects to generate new knowledge in Indigenous-led, Country-led environmental practice by working with inter-species communications (koalas, whales, plants) & innovative songline mapping. Intended outcomes include enhanced stakeholder capacities, intercultural & intergenerational learnings. Benefits include enriched relationships with Country, nurturing of songlines & biodiversity corridors, & development of environmental best practice.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management. Lead: Dr Paul Hodge

Queensland University of Technology

? – $1.1M

Closes 2026-06-12

Scalable and Robust Bayesian Inference for Implicit Statistical Models. This project aims to develop the next generation of efficient methods for fitting complex simulation-based statistical models to data. Practitioners and scientists are interested in such implicit models to enable discoveries, produce accurate predictions and inform decisions under uncertainty. However, the associated computational cost has restricted researchers to implicit models that must have a small number of parameters and be well specified, impeding scientific progress. This project will develop new computational methods and algorithms for implicit models that scale to high dimensions and are robust to misspecification. Benefits will arise from the more routine use of implicit models in epidemiology, biology, ecology and other fields.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 0104 - Statistics. Lead: Prof Christopher Drovandi

The University of Sydney

? – $540K

Closes 2026-06-12

Urban Rewilding: Ecologically and Community-informed Futures. Biodiversity is highly threatened in Australian cities. This project aims to prevent further wildlife loss by creating a blueprint for the ecological restoration of urban spaces. Working with seven Councils and three State government agencies in northern Sydney, this project will experimentally assess a new approach to conservation by restoring regionally-present but locally-missing wildlife. Expected outcomes include the restoration of ecosystem services provided by wildlife and increased opportunities for community engagement with nature. Project benefits include initiating rewilding in urban areas, improved public education on the benefits of restoring wildlife and greater potential to conserve our biodiversity and cultural heritage.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management. Lead: A/Prof Thomas Newsome

The University of Sydney

? – $577K

Closes 2026-06-12

Embrittlement-tolerant alloys for safe hydrogen transmission and storage. Hydrogen embrittlement in steels is a major impediment to a safe hydrogen economy. This project will determine how hydrogen affects the deformation behaviour of steel, providing the fundamental information that is required to develop alloys that can be safely used in infrastructure for a future Australian hydrogen industry. We will utilise new technologies that allow us, for the first time, to determine the position of hydrogen atoms around micro-scale features and to compare it to local mechanical behaviour, determined by micro-mechanical tests. The systematic investigation of the effect of hydrogen on different micro-components within steel will allow the development of microstructure-guided alloy design principles.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0912 - Materials Engineering. Lead: Prof Julie Cairney

Monash University

? – $583K

Closes 2026-06-12

Precision Pollination: Data-driven enhancements to boost crop yield. The project aims to transform industrial crop pollination from an intuitive domain to one where decisions are based on sound data and best-practice principles. It proposes to achieve this modernisation of global pollination practice by developing novel technologies to operate a three-stage loop: honeybee pollination monitoring, simulation-based forecasting, and management. This is intended to ensure that the capability of honeybees to provide essential ecosystem services is informed by transferable, standardised data acquisition and management techniques that maintain bee health and maximise pollination. The anticipated outcomes are higher fruit yields and quality, and a beneficial step-change in industry productivity and profitability.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production. Lead: A/Prof Alan Dorin

Swinburne University of Technology

? – $544K

Closes 2026-06-14

Cost-effective and Reliable Edge Caching for Software Vendors. This project aims to deliver a suite of models and techniques for cost-effective and reliable data caching in the multi-access edge computing (MEC) environment facilitated by 5G mobile network. MEC offers great promises for rapidly advancing mobile and IoT applications in various domains in Australia, e.g., smart cities, remote medical services, advanced manufacturing, etc. Combining graph analytics, optimisation techniques and game theory, this project tackles the new challenges in the placement, update and adaptation of edge data faced by software vendors embracing 5G. The outcomes can ease software vendors' cost and security concerns during the transition from 4G to 5G, and significantly promote the wave of 5G innovation in Australia.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science. Lead: Prof Qiang He

Flinders University

? – $600K

Closes 2026-06-16

How do protein quality control mechanisms maintain neuronal ageing? This project aims to interrogate how mechanisms of protein quality control act in the brain - an organ that is particularly vulnerable to a high load of misfolded protein - to maintain normal physiology during ageing. This project expects to make advances in cellular biochemistry and neuroscience, using an innovative proximity labelling approach to identify quality control regulators in neurons that specifically engage with misfolded proteins during ageing, within the nervous system of a living animal. Expected outcomes of this project will generate new knowledge of brain physiology and ageing relevant to all animals. This should provide significant benefits, such as a greater understanding of long-term brain functions including memory.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Dr Yee Lian Chew

Monash University

? – $501K

Closes 2026-06-18

Bacterial membrane remodelling and the interaction with peptides. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental mechanism of lipid remodelling in Gram-negative outer membrane, which is critical both in preventing noxious compounds and evading host immune defence. For the first time, the complex interplays between bacterial cellular metabolism and membrane remodelling will be defined through systems pharmacology, and the precise membrane-peptide interaction will be examined by computational and biophysical approaches. Novel knowledge will be generated to improve our understanding on how bacteria remodel their outer membrane in response to environmental stress. This will benefit the future design of much-needed antimicrobial strategies including products and technologies to target bacterial membrane. . Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3214 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Lead: Dr Meiling Han

The University of Sydney

? – $982K

Closes 2026-06-19

Archaeologies of community and colonialism in Oceania. This project aims to understand the colonial past, its repercussions for the present and future in Oceania and the relationships between global forces and local experiences. It will use an interdisciplinary approach to historical archaeology and community archaeology. The unique colonial landscapes in Mangareva, French Polynesia will provide a landmark case study with global implications. In addition to internationally significant scholarly outputs and collaboration development, the project will make a substantive contribution to public outreach and education. Benefits would include advancement of Oceanic contributions to global historical archaeology, and increased awareness of the meanings of colonial heritage among Pacific peoples.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 2101 - Archaeology. Lead: Dr James Flexner

Griffith University

? – $737K

Closes 2026-06-19

Indigenous solutions to global challenges in the Pacific Islands. The global COVID 19 pandemic represents a unique opportunity to understand the nature and potential of Indigenous sustainable development in Pacific Island communities, where Indigenous practices have been central in responses to closed borders and industry downturns. This project proposes to analyse the efficacy and cultural value of new, pandemic-era Indigenous sustainable development initiatives in sustaining island communities. It aims to culminate in a novel geographic theory of Indigenous sustainable development, and to identify new opportunities to support the expansion of Indigenous sustainable development. This should better enable the Pacific Islands region to respond to climate change, pandemics and other global challenges.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 1604 - Human Geography. Lead: Dr Carol Farbotko

The University of Melbourne

? – $744K

Closes 2026-06-19

Journals in Theory: Practices of Academic Judgment. This project aims to examine the way key journals transformed the discipline of literary studies from 1946 to now. It expects to generate new knowledge of how editorial practices of academic judgement institutionalised and legitimated new modes of reading, thinking and writing. Based on archival research on journals including Critical Inquiry, Tel Quel and The Australian Journal of Cultural Studies, the project's outcomes will show how, in bringing together new intellectual passions, governance structures and imagined readerships, journals bestowed on criticism its current working definition. Expected benefits include a better account of the relationship between conceptual innovation and institutional mechanisms for research integrity.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 2005 - Literary Studies. Lead: Prof Justin Clemens

University of Technology Sydney

? – $633K

Closes 2026-06-19

Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical techniques complementing a computer-based numerical model, which can be validated by laboratory and field data. It will deliver tangible outcomes for accurately predicting the long-term settlements in soft foundations over prolonged train loading while extending the life span of modern railroad infrastructure.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 4005 - Civil Engineering. Lead: Prof Buddhima Indraratna