Indigenous Excellence will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to establish, advance and sustain research careers and research leadership across all disciplines. Indigenous Excellence scheme is expected to open in Q4 2027. The scheme will run annually. Duration Indicative funding amount Eligibility Up to 5 years $50,000 to $500,000 per year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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. The grant opportunity provides dedicated opportunities for Indigenous researchers, with full salaries available for early-career and mid-career researchers as part of a project budget if required. The scheme aims to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce across all fields of research. While Indigenous researchers can also apply or contribute to other National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) schemes, only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers will be eligible for funding in the Indigenous Excellence Grant Opportunity. 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 and innovative research that addresses a significant problem or advances knowledge. Benefit: Support research that provides value for money and serves the national interest in diverse ways, including fundamental knowledge creation; commercial, cultural, economic, environmental, or social benefits; and/or alignment with Australian government priority areas. Capacity: Strengthen and sustain the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce across career stages by supporting research leadership, capability, mentoring, career development and generational continuity across all disciplines. Collaboration: Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to establish and lead mutually beneficial local, national and/or international collaborations where these strengthen the research and are appropriate to the project.