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Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development
Selection Report for Funding Commencing in 2003

Objectives of Discovery - Indigenous Researchers Development

Discovery - Indigenous Researchers Development aims to:

  • develop the research expertise of Indigenous Australian researchers to a level which is competitive to mainstream research funding;
  • give Indigenous Australian researchers experience in the preparation of research grant applications;
  • support excellent fundamental research by Indigenous Australian individuals and teams;
  • assist Indigenous Australian researchers to undertake their research in conditions most conducive to achieving best results;
  • expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability; and
  • encourage research training in high quality research environments.

Selection process

Applications were sent to up to two Australian-based readers for assessment and applicants were invited to submit rejoinders. A selection committee comprising members of the relevant Expert Advisory Committees considered the assessments and rejoinders, ranked the applications and formed funding recommendations.

Selection criteria

Primary criteria were:

  • the quality of the research project being proposed;
  • the quality of the researcher(s) proposing the research project; and
  • the quality of the research environment and/or mentor.
Other considerations were:
  • the probable impact of a successful outcome for the research project; and/or
  • the extent to which the successful completion of the research project will train and equip the researcher to compete for mainstream research funding.

Summary of outcomes

Overview

The total D-IRD budget for 2003 is $225,000, of which $125,000 is available for funding commencing in 2003.

Ten applications were considered, of which six are recommended for funding in 2003, totalling $125,000, with an average grant size of $20,833. One grant is recommended for funding over three years; four for two years and one for one year only. One application was received for the new Research Cadetship - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (RC-ATSI), and is recommended for funding.

The overall success rate for IRD applications is 60%.

Table 1: Indicative funding for IRD grants commencing in 2003

2003
2004
2005
TOTAL
$125,000
$69,688
$29,666
$224,354

Applications and recommended funding by institution

Applications were received from a total of 7 institutions. In total, 6 institutions will receive funding. Each of the successful applications is from a different institution.

Table 2: Requested and recommended funding by institution

Institution
 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total (2002-05)
Request
Rec
Request
Rec
Request
Rec
Request
Rec
Griffith University
$12,548
$10,000
$10,022
$10,022
$17,050
$0
$39,620
$20,022
The Flinders University of South Australia
$29,666
$15,000
$29,666
$29,666
$29,666
$29,666
$88,998
$74,332
The University of New South Wales
$18,339
$10,000
$16,760
$10,000
$0
$0
$35,099
$20,000
The University of Newcastle
$78,922
$70,000
$70,143
$10,000
$0
$0
$149,065
$80,000
The University of Western Australia
$38,904
$10,000
$24,364
$0
$0
$0
$63,268
$10,000
University of Western Sydney
$11,689
$10,000
$13,774
$10,000
$0
$0
$25,463
$20,000
TOTAL
$190,068
$125,000
$164,729
$69,688
$46,716
$29,666
$401,513
$224,354

Table 3: Success Rates by Institution

Institution
Total Applications
Funded
Griffith University
1
1
James Cook University
1
0
The Flinders University of South Australia
2
1
The University of New South Wales
1
1
The University of Newcastle
2
1
The University of Western Australia
2
1
University of Western Sydney
1
1
TOTAL
10
6

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