Collaborate: Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (CIEF) is a sub-scheme of Collaborate and supports medium-sized collaborative research infrastructure. CIEF is expected to open in Q2 2028. Duration Indicative funding amount Eligibility Up to 5 years Funding amount to be confirmed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines Multi-institutional teams of researchers. Indicative grant opportunity This information is indicative and is subject to consultation and information sessions which will inform design of the scheme in the final grant opportunity guidelines. CIEF provides a contribution to support the purchase, upgrade, construction, transportation, installation and/or maintenance of medium-scale research infrastructure that is beyond the scope of a single institution to fund. Institutions must make a financial contribution and demonstrate that the infrastructure will be accessible and beneficial to multiple institutions and projects. Proposed additional limits ARC Research Points have been introduced to support broader participation in research projects and collaboration across grant opportunities, and these limits apply to this scheme. See the ARC Research Points page for specific details related to this scheme. NCGP legacy scheme grants will not count towards the ARC Research Points limit. Any additional limits will be subject to consultation and development of the final grant opportunity guidelines. Proposed objectives Excellence: Support excellent, innovative research by enabling multi-institutional acquisitions of medium-scale research equipment, infrastructure and/or access to national and international research facilities. Benefit: Enable research that provides value with money and serves the national interest by providing access to essential research infrastructure that meets an unfilled need. Capacity: Facilitate access to essential research infrastructure, recognise and support development of essential technical research skills that underpin research at all levels, and enable diverse research career pathways. Collaboration: Support Australian institutions and/or partner organisations to develop collaborative arrangements that improve access to research infrastructure for the broader research community.