Discovery Projects

Please note for Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2026:

Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2026 will be run in a two-stage application process, commencing with an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

Visit the following pages for information on recently announced grant outcomes under the Discovery Project scheme:

Discovery Projects may be undertaken by individual researchers or research teams to:

expand knowledge base and research capacity in Australia, and
economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia.

Discovery Projects are for funding between $30,000 and $500,000 each year for up to 5 consecutive years. Project funding may be used for:

personnel, for example, research associates or assistants and technicians and stipends for higher degree by research students
teaching relief
access to research and infrastructure facilities and technical workshop services
essential field research
expert third party services
equipment and consumables
publication and dissemination of outputs and outreach
specialised computer equipment and software
travel costs essential to the project
web hosting and development
workshops, focus groups and conferences, and
essential support costs for researchers who are carers or who personally require care or assistance.