Date: 22 July 2026 The Australian Government today released the final report of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) Policy Review. This report was informed by extensive consultation including researchers, institutions, peak bodies, Indigenous leaders, industry representatives and other stakeholders who contributed their expertise and perspectives throughout the consultation process. The final report sets a clear direction for a revitalised NCGP. It refocuses the NCGP on its core purpose of funding the best early-stage research for the benefit of Australia. It outlines: a simpler, more coherent program stronger support for: early-career researchers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and research collaboration with industry and end-users. It also positions the program to respond to national priorities and expectations around research integrity, security and the broader contribution of research to Australian society. The ARC will continue to fund the best early-stage research, selected through rigorous peer review and robust assessment processes. New schemes under the revitalised NCGP will strengthen Australia’s research funding system into the future while continuing to support research excellence and the creation of new knowledge. What happens next The ARC is now commencing engagement with the sector on the implementation of the revitalised NCGP. The first new scheme, Explore, is expected to open in March 2027 supporting high risk, high reward research to test new ideas with the potential for significant impact. Existing schemes will continue during the transition, including a further round of Discovery Projects (DP28), providing continuity for the research sector. Additional new schemes will be introduced progressively from early 2027, with further detail available on the ARC website. This tentative schedule is designed to assist the sector with planning and will be updated as details are finalised. Discovery Projects (DP28) A final round of Discovery Projects is expected to open in February 2027 to support continuity in the sector. As part of the transition to new NCGP scheme, a key change to the DP28 round is the removal of an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. The removal of the EOI stage was informed by the findings of a post implementation review of the DP 2 step application process. The ARC encourages engagement with industry and end-user partners in the upcoming Discovery Projects round to enable strengthening research outcomes and sector engagement. Explore The new Explore scheme will support exploratory research projects with the potential to be highly transformative, whether by creating fundamental knowledge or driving economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia. The scheme will expand research capacity in Australia by supporting excellent researchers and teams to take greater risks in pursuit of knowledge. Explore is expected to open in March 2027. Engagement Scheme specific engagement, including webinars for Explore, is expected to commence from Q4 2026. The ARC will also engage with key stakeholder groups, including universities, ARC College of Experts members, peak bodies and research offices, to discuss the report and next steps. The ARC remains committed to clear, timely and transparent communication throughout implementation and will continue to engage closely with the sector as work progresses. Read more information and the final report on the ARC website.