Research Branch Bulletin

The Commonwealth Department of Environment & Heritage (DEH) are now calling for expressions of interest (EOIs):

• to establish research hubs for a Northern Australian research hub; and
• one or two terrestrial and/or marine ecosystem hubs; and
• research proposals for the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.

Further information and EoI forms are available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/about/programs/nerp/publications/index.html

Completed EoI forms should be submitted to the Branch by the internal due date of 14th May.

The Linkage Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 are now available on the ARC website at http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/lp/lp_fundingrules.htm The main changes to the Linkage Projects scheme from the previous year are summarised in Section 5 of the Funding Rules.

The Linkage Projects Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2011 and FAQs can be found at http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/lp/lp_instructions.htm.

Proposal forms for 2011 funding under the Linkage Projects scheme are open in the ARC online application system via: http://rms.arc.gov.au. The submission of Proposals to the Research Branch are due now.

The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development for funding commencing in 2011 application form is now open. Proposals must be submitted through the ARC online application system (https://rms.arc.gov.au). The Research Branch internal closing date for submission of proposals is 17:00 (CST), 5 May 2010.

The following documents are available to assist you:

• Instructions to Applicants: www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dird/dird_instructions.htm.
• Sample Application Form: www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/sample_forms.htm.

The Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 are now available on the ARC website at www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dird/dird_fundingrules.htm.

Changes to the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme from the previous year are summarised in Section 5 of the Funding Rules. Further information about the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme is at www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dird/dird_default.htm or via www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc.

NHMRC's Research Grants Management System (RGMS) is now open for the following grant schemes:

• Development Grants (now opening 5 May 2010) - Please note that snapshots reports for this scheme will not be available until Tuesday, 11 May 2010.
• Program Grants

For funding policies and application guidelines visit www.nhmrc.gov.au.
Further information on this system is now available on our website:  http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/RGMS.html.

Applications for the 2010 Ramaciotti Awards are now open.

• The Ramaciotti Establishment and Equipment Grants: The Ramaciotti Establishment and Equipment Grants honour groups or individuals in universities, public hospitals or institutes undertaking biomedical research. Establishment grants provide financial support for emerging researchers, while equipment grants go towards the purchase of a major piece of equipment. Perpetual is pleased to announce that in 2010 the Ramaciotti Establishment and Equipment grants have increased from $50,000 to $75,000.
• Ramaciotti Medal for Biomedical Research: The Ramaciotti Medal is an annual award of $50,000. The Medal honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to clinical or biomedical research, or the way in which healthcare is delivered.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.perpetual.com.au/campaigns/ramaciotti_ramaciotti_home.aspx?mtcCampaign=-1&mtcEmail=31589358

The Asthma Foundation of South Australia (AFSA) would like to offer an early career research grant to support research into asthma in 2010. The grant, up to $25,000 will be awarded to an individual and institution with access to appropriate research facilities under the supervision of a responsible investigator. 

The purpose of the Award is to assist an early career researcher to undertake research related to asthma from an epidemiological, clinical, basic scientific or social perspective. The grant may cover salary for research, technical, or other assistance as well as the cost of minor equipment, materials and other necessary items. The Foundation is keen to encourage new researchers in commencing their research careers. The grant will be considered and assessed upon merit.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.asthmasa.org.au/index.php/selectedContent/1531296343

The PCFA is dedicated to funding research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Their commitment to provide seed funding to the best prostate cancer research in the country has, once again, the strong support of Movember.

The overall goals of the PCFA Research Program are:

• To encourage young investigators to undertake research into prostate cancer, and to support those investigators as they mature toward independent scientists.
• To stimulate senior scientists, not working in the field of prostate cancer, to bring innovative proposals to the PCFA; funding will be provided to obtain the preliminary data needed for NHMRC or other grant submissions.
• To encourage rigorous proposals for research that will provide direct, tangible benefits to patients with prostate cancer in a relatively-short timeframe.
• To fund equipment purchases which will facilitate innovative research in prostate cancer.

Applications are invited from prostate cancer researchers nationwide in the following categories:

• Young Investigator grants of up to $125,000 per annum for up to four years.
• Concept Grants of up to $150,000 per annum for up to two years.
• Project Grants of up to $125,000 per annum for up to three years.
• Equipment Grants of up to $100,000.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/PCFA-Research-Program.html

The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, and related blood disorders. Through its National Research Program, the Foundation seeks to foster innovative research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of these cancers, and the care of patients and families. The program includes grants for research projects, in addition to scholarships and fellowships to foster the careers of talented young scientists and doctors.

The Leukaemia Foundation invites expressions of interest for grants-in-aid for research projects to support basic, applied and translational research in all fields of research which will improve outcomes for people with blood cancers and related disorders. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative approaches to haematological problems, especially in the areas of basic or fundamental research.

Applications for grants-in-aid in the range $50,000 - $100,000 per annum will be considered for research staff salaries and/or maintenance costs to support research projects. Leukaemia Foundation grants-in-aid are not intended to fund shortfalls for other grants received. Applications for shortfall funding will not be considered.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.leukaemia.org.au/web/research/researchgrants_applications.php#clinicalTrialGrant

The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, and related blood disorders. Through its National Research Program, the Foundation seeks to foster innovative research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of these cancers, and the care of patients and families. The program includes grants for research projects, in addition to scholarships and fellowships to foster the careers of talented young scientists and doctors.

The Leukaemia Foundation invites expressions of interest for the funding of clinical trials research into haematological malignancies commencing in 2011. Projects must be initiated by Australian investigators. Projects should address issues with strong potential to significantly impact clinical practice in the management of patients with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, or other blood or bone marrow cancers and disorders, and may include therapeutic or psycho-social intervention trials.

Funding of projects will be considered for up to 3 years and for a maximum of $200,000 per year although some variation to the timeline may be accepted. Payment schedules for the grant will be tied to agreed milestones negotiated at time of grant offer. The trial must commence within 12 months of receipt of the funding offer.

Note: The Leukaemia Foundation Clinical Trial Grant is not intended to fund shortfalls for other grants received. Applications for shortfall funding will not be considered. It is anticipated that one Clinical Trial Grant may be awarded nationally in 2011.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.leukaemia.org.au/web/research/researchgrants_applications.php#clinicalTrialGrant

Margaret George Awards commemorate the life and work of Margaret George. They are designed to help talented, emerging scholars complete an innovative and quality research project that:

• is significant for Australian audiences
• makes substantial use of our collection

Successful applicants could be emergent historians, academics, independent researchers or journalists with a talent for research. It is desirable that applicants have a record of achievement in their chosen field and the potential to excel further.

Note: The award is not granted to support current postgraduate or doctoral projects.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.innovation.sa.gov.au/education/award_programs/south_australian_science_excellence_awards

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) invests in research and development to accelerate to market innovation in photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar thermal (CST) technologies which have the potential to significantly reduce the levelised cost of solar energy (LCOE) when compared to existing energy sources and the current global solar energy cost benchmarks.

The ASI is now calling for submission of proposals to its funding Round 2 and has identified focus areas for Round 2:

• photovoltaics: $10 million available
• concentrating solar thermal: $5 million available

The same minimum matched funding requirements as applied in Round 1 will also apply in Round 2 and are described in the guidelines.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au/news.htm

The Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia University Research Grants are offered to honours or postgraduate students at Australian universities. Each year, ten $1,000 grants are awarded.

Applicants must be a member of the Society, and those wishing to join can do so at www.wpsa.org.au. Grants are available for research projects of direct relevance to the conservation of Australian wildlife - plant or animal. Grants may be used for the purchase of equipment and consumables, travel expenses related to field research, or attendance at conferences at which you are presenting your work.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.wpsa.org.au/grt_uni.html

As part of the Australian Government's investment, the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) has established the Climate Change Adaptation Research Grants Program, with funding of up to $30 million for research across nine priority themes. The priorities for research in each theme are identified in a National Climate Change Adaptation Research Plan, developed by National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) in consultation with lead researchers and stakeholders. The nine priority themes are:

• Freshwater biodiversity
• Marine biodiversity and resources
• Terrestrial biodiversity
• Primary industries
• Human health
• Emergency management
• Settlements and infrastructure
• Social, economic and institutional dimensions
• Indigenous communities.

The size of funding for individual research projects will vary depending on the scope of the project. Projects requiring investment of less than $50,000 are less likely to be funded. Funding can be used for:

• Personnel salaries and on-costs, including: Research associates, professional officers, technicians, field and laboratory attendants.
• Development or purchase of research resources, including: Social surveys, Software tools, Databases, and Minor items of equipment specifically required to support the research.
• Travel and communication costs associated with the research, including costs of: Workshops and similar meetings, Face-to-face interviews, and Research planning meetings.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.frdc.com.au/environment/climate-funding

H&SS

The International Collaborative Research Grant (ICRG) supports international research collaborations between two or more qualified scholars, where the principal investigators bring different and complementary perspectives, knowledge, and/or skills to the project. Priority will be given to those applications that make a strong case for a balanced collaboration between the applicant and co-applicant/s in all aspects of the research: fieldwork, analysis, and eventual publication. By encouraging international collaborations, the grant contributes to the development of an international anthropology that values and incorporates different national perspectives and resources. By providing training funds, the grant helps to build capacity in countries were anthropology may be underresourced.

Each researcher must hold a doctorate or equivalent qualification in anthropology or a related discipline. The grants are for a maximum of US$30,000 for the research project.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.wennergren.org/programs/international-collaborative-research-grants

Multidisciplinary

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA), with the support of the International Science Linkage Program (ISL) run by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research (DIISR), is developing new Joint-Action Bilateral Research Collaborations that will support collaborative research projects by social scientists from Australia and selected partner nations.

This competitive program welcomes and encourages applications from Early Career Researchers, and multidisciplinary collaborations. Grants of AU$7,500 will be available to successful proposals from collaborating applicants comprising one Australian researcher and one researcher from one of partner nations: Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The Call for Applications for Round Two of the Program is now open with an internal closing date of 24 Jun 2010. Please forward a copy of the application along with the Grant Application coversheet to Dr Don McMaster at the Research Branch. 

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.assa.edu.au/programs/international/jabrp/

Multidisciplinary

This scheme is a joint initiative of the Go8 Universities and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports exchanges for Go8 researchers to spend time at partner institutions in Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time at Go8 universities. The scheme aims to foster research collaboration of the highest quality between Australian researchers from Go8 universities and German researchers and to result in research outcomes and the exchange of skills and knowledge of mutual benefit to Australia and Germany.

Australian applicants must use the Australian application pack and send the application to their designated contact officer in the research office at his/her university. The German collaborating partner must submit a corresponding application, with the same project title, to the DAAD in Bonn by the closing date of 30 June 2010.

Applications (one signed hard copy, one electronic copy and a University of Adelaide application coversheet signed by the researcher and Head of School) should be forwarded to Dr Don McMaster in Research Branch by the internal closing date of 30 June 2010. For any queries, please contact Don (don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au) or Kerrie Thornton at Go8 Office ph. 0262395488 or kerrie.thornton@go8.edu.au.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.go8.edu.au/university-staff/international-collaboration/
81-go8-germany-joint-research-co-operation-scheme

The Neville and Jeanne York PhD Scholarship is offered to a PhD applicant – anywhere in Australia- investigating Motor Neuron Disease. The applicant must be beginning their first year of the Scholarship.

This opportunity is offered under our Research Companion Program which is a three-way financial commitment between a co-funding Rotary Club or District, Australian Rotary Health and the administering university of research institute. They are currently funding over 50 students Australia-wide with research funding totaling over $1,000,000 in medical and mental health research.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/Information-About/Research/Current-Opportunities.aspx

This opportunity is offered under our Funding Partner Program which is a three-way financial commitment between a co-funding Rotary Club or District, Australian Rotary Health and the administering university of research institute. We are currently funding over 50 students Australia-wide with research funding totaling over $1,000,000 in medical and mental health research.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/Information-About/Research/Current-Opportunities.aspx

The Foundation’s fellowships and scholarships program aims to encourage talented young students, medical graduates and researchers to pursue a career in basic, applied or translational research to find cures and better ways to care for patients and families living with haematological malignancies.

The Leukaemia Foundation calls for applications from final year undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and medical graduates with relevant advanced medical training to apply for Honours year scholarships, PhD scholarships, and Post Doctoral Fellowships, respectively. These awards are to commence in early 2010 in a field relevant to leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma or related disorders. The fellowships and scholarships will be offered to people eligible to enrol to undertake full time research or study in an Australian University, affiliated Medical Research Institute, Public Hospital, or Public Benevolent Institution.

The value of the Postdoctoral fellowships will be up to $100,000 pa maximum. Candidates must have been awarded their PhD no more than three years prior to the closing date for applications or else their PhD must be awarded by December of the year of application.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.leukaemia.org.au/web/research/researchgrants_applications.php#postdoctoralFellowship

The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma, and related blood disorders. Through its National Research Program, the Foundation seeks to foster innovative research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of these cancers, and the care of patients and families. The program includes grants for research projects, in addition to scholarships and fellowships to foster the careers of talented young scientists and doctors.

• PhD Scholarships: Candidates will be eligible for enrolment in the PhD program in the institution in which the proposed study will be done.  Scholarships are open to students commencing their PhD or who have completed no more than one year of full-time study toward their PhD.  Successful applicants who have already commenced their PhD program will only be awarded a Leukaemia Foundation Scholarship for the balance of their study eg. a student who has completed one year of prior study will be awarded a Leukaemia Foundation scholarship for two years only.

  PhD scholarships will initially be awarded for a maximum of three years.  Recipients may be eligible for one six month extension subject to application and consideration by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. The value of the Scholarships are $40,000 pa.
  

• PhD Scholarships (Clinical): Candidates will be expected to have completed, or almost completed, their advanced medical training in haematology.  The scholarship is intended to assist in the conduct of research in the field of malignant haematology. Those who have completed, or are entering the final year, of their advanced medical training and wish to undertake a PhD in clinical or laboratory science research in haematology are encouraged to apply for a clinical scholarship.

  Candidates will be eligible for enrolment in the PhD program in the institution in which the proposed study will be done. Scholarships are open to students commencing their PhD or who have completed no more than one year of full-time study toward their PhD. Successful applicants who have already commenced their PhD program will only be awarded a Leukaemia Foundation Scholarship for the balance of their study eg. a student who has completed one year of prior study will be awarded a Leukaemia Foundation scholarship for two years only.

  PhD scholarships will initially be awarded for a maximum of three years. Recipients may be eligible for one six month extension subject to application and consideration by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. The value of the Scholarships are $55,000 pa.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.leukaemia.org.au/web/research/researchgrants_applications.php#phdScholarships

Applications are now open for the 2010 series of the AINSE (Australian Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering) Research Fellowships. 
AINSE Research Fellowships are tenable at any AINSE member university. Applicants are required to discuss, in the first instance, their research program with their chosen institution and provide an outline of the program agreed with the sponsoring university/institution.  This year we have broadened the areas in which applications are encouraged, to include:

• neutron scattering;
• biological problems using radionuclide techniques;
• high-resolution climate records using nuclear techniques; and
• multi-scale materials modelling or structural materials for extreme environments

AINSE Research Fellowship are offered at academic level B for outstanding and enthusiastic scientists with 3 -  8 years postdoctoral experience to undertake research that is relevant to ANSTO’s programs or makes major use of ANSTO’s facilities.  Information on current research and facilities, and contact details for ANSTO staff can be found at: http://www.ansto.gov.au/.

AINSE Research Fellows receive substantial allowances for research expenses, paid through their university, as well as the travel and subsistence costs associated with visits to ANSTO, conferences and Australian universities.

The fellowships are open nationally and internationally but the recipients must be qualified for entry to the ANSTO site. To maximise the number of scholarships the host University will contribute an amount representing 50% of the employment costs for the fellow (salary, superannuation etc).

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.ainse.edu.au/ainse/for_academic_researchers/ainse_awards2.html

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Macquarie Group Foundation continue their support of excellence and innovation in research in the field of type 1 diabetes through the Macquarie Group Foundation Diabetes Research Innovation Partnership. The partnership aims to advance the level and impact of type 1 diabetes research in Australia. The Allied Health and Nursing Travel Grants are funded by the Macquarie Group Foundation as part of this partnership. JDRF invites applications from allied health professionals for grants of up to $2,000 for domestic travel and $4,000 for international travel for the purpose of presenting their research relevant to type 1 diabetes.

Applicants must be allied health or nursing professionals undertaking work or research impacting on the lives of people with type 1 diabetes and their carers and families or allied health or nursing students, enrolled in a post graduate program, whose work/research will impact on the lives of people with type 1 diabetes and their careers and families.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.jdrf.org.au/type-1-diabetes-research/travel-grants

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Macquarie Group Foundation continue their support of excellence and innovation in research in the field of type 1 diabetes through the Macquarie Group Foundation Diabetes Research Innovation Partnership. The partnership aims to advance the level and impact of type 1 diabetes research in Australia. The Early-Stage Scientist Research Travel Grants are funded by the Macquarie Group Foundation as part of this partnership.

Applicants must be medical or science graduates who are undertaking type 1 diabetes research and in the early stage of their career (eg PhD students or not more than 5 years post-doctoral).

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.jdrf.org.au/type-1-diabetes-research/travel-grants

The Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award aims to recognise an outstanding contribution to the environment at a national or international level.  Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of another individual and organisations are accepted. Nominated individuals and organisations must have achieved outcomes that have:

• made a sustained contribution to the environment
• influenced understanding or appreciation of the environment and our place in it now and for a sustainable future in Australia or overseas, and/or
• provided leadership or inspiration in environmental management or protection

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=42&id=63&Itemid=79

The Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award acknowledges the vital contribution made by young Australians to the environment. It covers the environmental spectrum where individuals can affect change at a local, national or international level. Entry is for individuals aged 18–30 years. These awards search for the youth of our nation that focus on the “why not” and show the rest of the country by example what can be achieved. They are not waiting, they are taking action today.

Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of another individual and organisations are accepted. Nominated individuals and organisations must have achieved outcomes that have:

• made a major contribution to the environment
• improved our understanding and appreciation of the environment and our place in it now and for a sustainable future, and/or
• provided leadership or inspired others in environmental management or protection

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=42&id=65&Itemid=79

The Prosper.Net-Scopus Young Scientist Award in Sustainable Development is given annually to a young scientist or researcher, based in the Asia Pacific region, who has made significant contributions in the field of sustainable development. Awards will be given in each of three areas: Business, Engineering and Technology, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

For 2010, awards will be given in each of four areas: Energy, Water, Agriculture & Food Security, and Economics, Business, & Management.

The award is open to those engaged in graduate education and research activities that emphasise a sustainable development approach to any of the above three areas. Candidates are expected to be employed at institutions of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding USA and Canada), and should be less than 40 years old as of 1 July 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.ias.unu.edu/sub_page.aspx?catID=108&ddlID=1129

Health Sciences

The FY2010 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) challenges the scientific community to design innovative research that will foster new directions for, address neglected issues in, and bring new investigators to the field of breast cancer research. The BCRP focuses its funding on innovative projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on breast cancer, particularly those involving multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional collaborations. The BCRP encourages risk-taking research; however, all projects must demonstrate solid judgment and rationale.

The BCRP Concept Award supports the exploration of a highly innovative new concept or untested theory that addresses an important problem relevant to breast cancer. The Concept Award is not intended to support a logical progression of an already established research project but, instead, supports high-risk studies that have the potential to reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. Presentation of preliminary data is not allowed. However, a rationale for the proposed work must be provided.

Interesting features of the BCRP Concept Award include: open to all investigators, including postdoctoral fellows (or equivalent); reviewers will be blinded to the identity of the PI, collaborators, and their organisations; the Application Project Narrative is limited to one (1) page; maximum funding of $75,000 in direct costs, plus indirect costs, for a period of performance of one (1) year.

Full Program Announcements, Application Instructions and deadlines are available on the CDMRP website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/bcrp.htm. The Synopsis Table with deadlines is also on the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/pdf/10bcrpreftable.pdf.

The Eurekas are Australia’s premier awards for science and scientists. Winners gain national recognition for their work and take home cash prizes. There are various awards under the following categories:

• Prizes for research and innovation
• Prize for leadership
• Prizes for science communication and journalism
• Prizes for school science

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/

Health Sciences

Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE) supports hundreds of early-stage research projects – including many ideas that have never before been tested -- and scientists from a wide range of disciplines and regions. The Explorations initiative funds innovative ideas that could lead to new vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and other technologies targeting diseases that claim millions of lives every year.

Phase I grants of $100,000 USD are awarded initially; successful projects have an opportunity to receive a follow-on Phase II grant of up to $1,000,000 USD. Grand Challenges Explorations is open to both foreign and domestic non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies and academic institutions. Grants will not be provided to individuals.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.grandchallenges.org/explorations/Pages/Introduction.aspx