Open NowResearchDP27 Round 1

Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027

Australian Research Council · Australia

The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for individual researchers or research teams to undertake excellent pure basic, strategic basic and applied research, and research training across all disciplines excluding clinical and other medical research. It aims to expand research capacity, foster collaboration, create new knowledge and deliver benefits for Australia.

Official Grant Page

Funding

$30K – $2.5M

Deadline

22 Apr 2026

Duration

1 to 5 consecutive years

Location

Australia

Who Can Apply

Application must be submitted through the Research Office of an Eligible Organisation listed in the Grant Guidelines. Must nominate at least one Chief Investigator, and the first named CI is the Project Leader. Chief Investigators must meet prior ARC reporting obligations, have at least 0.2 FTE or eligible honorary appointment, and reside in Australia more than 50% of the time. Chief Investigators cannot be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research during the project activity period.
An application may only be submitted through the Research Office of an Eligible Organisation listed in the Grant Guidelines. The application must nominate at least one Chief Investigator (CI), with the first named CI acting as Project Leader; additional CIs and Partner Investigators (PIs) may also be nominated. To be eligible as a CI or PI, the individual must, as at the closing date, have met obligations regarding previously funded projects, including satisfactory final reports to the ARC. At the grant commencement date, a CI must be an employee for at least 20 per cent FTE at an Eligible Organisation, or hold an honorary academic appointment at an Eligible Organisation and not be employed at another organisation for more than 0.2 FTE. A CI must reside in Australia for more than 50 per cent of their time during the project activity period and must not be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research during that period. A PI must not meet the eligibility criteria for a CI as at the grant commencement date or during the project activity period. Further eligibility requirements, including project limits, are set out in the Grant Guidelines.

What's Funded

Research projects undertaken by individual researchers or research teams, including pure basic, strategic basic and applied research, and research training activities across eligible disciplines.

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to generate new knowledge, expand research capacity, foster national and international collaboration, and deliver economic, commercial, environmental, social and cultural benefits for Australia.

Key Information

Applicant Types

universityother

Stage

any

Funding Purposes

researchinnovationcommercialisationother

Keywords

Discovery ProjectsAustralian Research Councilresearchresearch trainingbasic researchapplied researchhumanitiesarts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027?

The Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027 is a research grant offered by Australian Research Council in Australia, providing $30K – $2.5M in funding. The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for individual researchers or research teams to undertake excellent pure basic, strategic basic and applied research, and research training across all disciplines excluding clinical and other medical research. It aims to expand research capacity, foster collaboration, create new knowledge and deliver benefits for Australia.

How much funding does the Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027 provide?

The Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027 provides $30K – $2.5M in funding. The typical project duration is 1 to 5 consecutive years.

Who is eligible for the Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027?

Application must be submitted through the Research Office of an Eligible Organisation listed in the Grant Guidelines. Must nominate at least one Chief Investigator, and the first named CI is the Project Leader. Chief Investigators must meet prior ARC reporting obligations, have at least 0.2 FTE or eligible honorary appointment, and reside in Australia more than 50% of the time. Chief Investigators cannot be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research during the project activity period.

When does the Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027 close?

Applications close on 22 Apr 2026.

What activities are funded?

Research projects undertaken by individual researchers or research teams, including pure basic, strategic basic and applied research, and research training activities across eligible disciplines.

How do I apply for the Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027?

Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.

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