Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The Crawford Fund is offering grants of up to $15,000 to support mentoring and targeted training for overseas scientists and extension officers in research, governance, or management. The program prioritizes activities that build capacity in regional food security and strengthen collaborations with Queensland-based researchers and volunteers.

Overview

The Crawford Fund Queensland Committee invites applications for grants to support mentoring and targeted training activities for overseas scientists and extension officers. The program is designed to strengthen skills and knowledge in research, extension, and governance or management, with a focus on regional food security.

Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities

Key priorities for this program include:

Promoting mentoring and training activities delivered by qualified Queensland researchers and volunteers.
Supporting early career researchers and trainees.
Establishing novel collaborative contacts between Queensland and target countries.
Facilitating participation of retiree volunteers through Queensland-based host organizations.

Eligible activities may include:

Working visits by mentors and trainers to institutes in target countries.
Short-term working visits by trainees to institutes and industry in Australia.
Participation in conferences or workshops as part of a structured mentoring or training program.

Grant Details

Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per activity.
Purpose: Build capacity in research, extension, or governance/management to enhance regional food security.
Eligible Activities: Mentoring visits, short-term trainee exchanges, structured participation in conferences or workshops.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants: Queensland-based researchers, volunteers, and host organizations.
Trainees / Mentees: Early career researchers, extension officers, or scientists from target countries.
Preferred Regions: Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Island nations.
Priority Sectors: Queensland’s primary industry priorities, including beef, fisheries, tropical crops, horticulture, biosecurity, natural resource management, private sector partnerships, and marketing.

Why This Grant Matters

Strengthens the capacity of overseas scientists and extension officers.
Enhances food security initiatives in the region.
Supports sustainable collaboration between Queensland and neighboring countries.
Provides opportunities for knowledge transfer and mentoring by experienced professionals.
Promotes linkages with government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and industry bodies across the value chain.

How to Apply/How the Program Works

Proposal Preparation: Develop a clear and detailed description of the mentoring or training activity, including objectives, expected outcomes, and proposed budget.
Application Submission: Submit your proposal via the Crawford Fund’s online platform or specified process.
Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on excellence, including professional record, work history, references, and the potential impact on regional food security.
Selection Criteria: Preference is given to projects demonstrating strong linkage to Queensland’s primary industry priorities and targeted countries.
Implementation: Approved activities are conducted according to the proposed mentoring or training plan, with outcomes monitored for impact.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Incomplete proposals: Ensure all sections, objectives, and budgets are complete.
Lack of clarity: Clearly describe the activity, roles of mentors and trainees, and expected outcomes.
Weak alignment: Projects should demonstrate relevance to Queensland’s primary industry priorities.
Insufficient references: Include strong professional references for both applicants and trainees.
Neglecting impact: Highlight how the activity benefits government agencies, NGOs, farmers, or industry bodies.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the maximum grant amount? A1: Up to $15,000 per activity.
Q2: Who can apply for these grants? A2: Queensland-based researchers, volunteers, and host organizations with mentoring or training programs for overseas scientists or extension officers.
Q3: Which countries are prioritized? A3: Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Island nations.
Q4: What types of activities are eligible? A4: Mentoring visits, short-term trainee exchanges, and structured participation in conferences or workshops.
Q5: Are early career researchers eligible? A5: Yes, supporting early career researchers is a key program focus.
Q6: How are applications evaluated? A6: Based on professional excellence, quality of proposal, potential impact, and alignment with Queensland industry priorities.
Q7: Does the activity need to focus on food security? A7: Yes, all funded activities should strengthen research, extension, or governance to support regional food security.

Conclusion

The Crawford Fund Queensland Committee grants offer a unique opportunity to enhance mentoring, training, and collaborative activities in research, extension, and governance. By supporting overseas scientists and extension officers, these grants strengthen regional food security, foster sustainable partnerships, and build long-term capacity across target countries.

For more information, visit Crawford Fund.