ClosedResearchDP27 Round 1

Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2027

Australian Research Council · Australia

The Discovery Projects scheme provides grant funding to support research projects undertaken by individual researchers or research teams. It supports excellent basic and applied research and research training across all disciplines except clinical and other medical research, with benefits for Australia.

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Funding

$30K – $2.5M

Closed

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 • Application must nominate at least one Chief Investigator (CI) • First named CI will be the Project Leader • CI or PI must have met obligations for previously funded projects, including satisfactory final reports to the ARC, by the closing date • At grant commencement, a CI must be employed at least 0.2 FTE at an Eligible Organisation, or hold an honorary academic appointment there and not be employed elsewhere 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 • A CI must not be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research during the project activity period • A PI must not meet the eligibility criteria for a CI at grant commencement or during the project activity period • Additional eligibility requirements and project limits apply under the Grant Guidelines
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 as Project Leader. To be eligible as a CI or PI, the individual must have met obligations regarding previously funded projects, including satisfactory final reports to the ARC, by the closing date. At the grant commencement date, a CI must be employed at least 0.2 FTE at an Eligible Organisation, or hold an honorary academic appointment at an Eligible Organisation and not be employed elsewhere 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 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

Conducting pure basic, strategic basic and applied research projects, research training, and collaborative research activities led by eligible organisations and chief investigators.

Before you apply

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Expected Outcomes

New knowledge, expanded research capacity, national and international collaboration, and economic, commercial, environmental, social and cultural benefits for Australia.

Grant not accepting applications

Applications for this round are closed. A new round may open in the future.

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Key Information

Applicant Types

universityother

Stage

any

Funding Purposes

researchr_and_dother

Keywords

Discovery ProjectsAustralian Research Councilresearchresearch trainingbasic researchapplied researchcollaborationHASS

Official Grant Page

Australian Research Council

Frequently Asked Questions

1

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 grant funding to support research projects undertaken by individual researchers or research teams. It supports excellent basic and applied research and research training across all disciplines except clinical and other medical research, with benefits for Australia.
2

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.
3

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
  • Application must nominate at least one Chief Investigator (CI)
  • First named CI will be the Project Leader
  • CI or PI must have met obligations for previously funded projects, including satisfactory final reports to the ARC, by the closing date
  • At grant commencement, a CI must be employed at least 0.2 FTE at an Eligible Organisation, or hold an honorary academic appointment there and not be employed elsewhere 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
  • A CI must not be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research during the project activity period
  • A PI must not meet the eligibility criteria for a CI at grant commencement or during the project activity period
  • Additional eligibility requirements and project limits apply under the Grant Guidelines
4

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

Applications closed on 22 Apr 2026.
5

What activities are funded?

Conducting pure basic, strategic basic and applied research projects, research training, and collaborative research activities led by eligible organisations and chief investigators.
6

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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