RFAs: Biological or Biophysical Research Grant Program

The Australian Pacific Science Foundation (APSF) funds high-quality biological and biophysical research in Australia and the South West Pacific region, supporting projects that enhance environmental conservation, food and forestry productivity, and human welfare. Grants of up to A$20,000 per year for a maximum of three years are available for discrete, well-justified projects conducted under eligible institutions. The program prioritizes scientific merit, cost-effectiveness, capacity building, and student involvement in the Pacific region.

Program Overview

The Australian Pacific Science Foundation (APSF) supports high-quality biological and biophysical research conducted in Australian institutions and other eligible South West Pacific countries.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote scientific excellence while contributing to environmental conservation, resource management, and human welfare. Projects funded are expected to have tangible outcomes, build capacity in the Pacific region, and provide opportunities for student participation.

Focus Areas and Priorities

The APSF funds research in the following key areas:

• Biological and biophysical sciences (non-medical research)

• Improved management of land, water, plants, and animals

• Enhancement of food, fisheries, plant, and forest productivity and quality

• Conservation of the natural environment and preservation of biodiversity

• Avoidance of soil and water pollution

• Enhancement of human welfare

• Capacity building in developing Pacific countries, with emphasis on student involvement

Projects should be innovative, technically rigorous, and relevant to regional challenges.

Funding Amount and Duration

• Maximum grant: A$20,000 per year (ex GST)

• Maximum duration: 3 years

• Disbursement: Annual instalments contingent on satisfactory reporting

• Additional six-month progress report required after project commencement

Funding supports specific project activities and may occasionally include capacity building, such as training.

Eligible Locations

Projects must be conducted in:

• Australia

• South West Pacific countries: Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands

Note: Indonesia and other South-East Asian countries are not eligible.

Project Eligibility and Requirements

• Must be conducted under a university or other appropriate institution in an eligible country

• Projects must be discrete and independently evaluable, even if part of a larger investigation

• Preference is given to projects likely to form a foundation for subsequent larger grants

• Only one application per project leader per funding round

• Project leaders may not hold more than one active APSF grant

• Applications from students as project leaders are not accepted

• Project leaders are expected to commit an appropriate level of time to the work

Eligible Budget Items

• Salaries of technicians and research assistants

• Travel and equipment essential to project implementation

Ineligible Budget Items

• Salaries of scientific research staff

• Student stipends

• Administrative costs

• Conference attendance

• Journal publication fees

All budget components must be fully justified and essential to project success.

Application Process and Reporting

• Applications are submitted online to APSF following institutional endorsement

• Continuation of funding depends on submission of annual progress reports and financial statements

• Additional progress report due six months after project commencement

• Next application deadline: 13 March 2026

• Expected project start date: July 2026

• Applicants will be notified of outcomes by June 2026

Selection Criteria

The APSF Research Committee evaluates applications based on:

• Scientific Merit: Originality, sound methodology, and technical rigor

• Relevance: Alignment with APSF focus areas and regional needs

• Cost-effectiveness: Budget justification and efficient use of resources

• Principal Investigator Qualifications: Track record, experience, and expertise

• Early-Career Researchers: Strong performance is encouraged

• Capacity Building: Emphasis on student participation and skill development in developing Pacific countries

Why This Program Matters

The APSF program:

• Supports scientific advancement in biological and biophysical research

• Strengthens environmental conservation and sustainable resource management

• Enhances food, forestry, and fisheries productivity

• Builds research capacity in Pacific countries

• Promotes engagement and development of early-career researchers and students

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects that are not discrete or independently evaluable

• Requesting funding for non-eligible budget items

• Exceeding application limits or holding multiple active APSF grants

• Failing to justify travel, equipment, or other requested expenses

• Neglecting reporting requirements for annual and six-month progress reports

Conclusion

The APSF Research Grant Program provides targeted support for impactful, scientifically rigorous projects in Australia and the South West Pacific region. By funding discrete research initiatives with clear outcomes, the program advances biological and biophysical sciences, promotes conservation and resource management, and strengthens the development of students and early-career researchers in the Pacific region. Grants offer a unique opportunity to conduct meaningful, well-supported research that contributes to regional development, sustainability, and scientific excellence.