Deadline: 17-Mar-23
The Australian Flora Foundation invites applications for funding of research projects from individual researchers and research teams, to support original scientific studies on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants.
The Australian Flora Foundation was established in 1981 with the aim of fostering scientific research on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants. It aims to support research that will create improved understanding and greater awareness of the value of the Australian flora, leading to pathways for their conservation and utilisation.
Grants will be awarded for research projects to commence in early 2024, with funds available from December 2023.
Priorities
- The Foundation’s research priorities are:
- Conservation of Australian plant diversity, particularly those facing threats from climate change
- The cultivation of Australian plants, to ensure their survival and reduce the threat to native ecosystems rare and endangered plants.
- While proposals on other topics will also be considered, research on taxonomy and phytochemistry is of lesser interest unless it forms part of a larger project. Research on orchids and marine plants, and flora surveys are not within the scope of the Foundation’s funding aims.
Funding Information
- The Foundation operates two grants programs:
- Malcolm Reed Grants: to support projects for up to 3 years, with budgets in the range of $20,000 to $60,000, spread over the time period of the project.
- Small Grants: to support projects for one to two years, with budgets in the range of $5,000 to $20,000, spread over the time period of the project.
- Applications may be lodged under one scheme only.
Selection Criteria
- Each application will be evaluated on:
- Closeness to the objectives of the Australian Flora Foundation:
- Conservation of Australian plant diversity, particularly where there are threats from climate change
- The cultivation of Australian plants, to ensure their survival and reduce the threat to native ecosystems
- Enabling the management of rare and endangered plants. All applications on rare and endangered plants should indicate how the research relates to the management plan for the species.
- Originality and technical feasibility.
- The scientific merit of the project, as advised by the Scientific Research Committee. Projects must be scientifically sound. Applicants must be suitably qualified or identify a qualified project supervisor.
- The likelihood of success within the proposed time frame.
- The availability of funds.
- The Foundation does not fund projects that are for conference travel, publications, research on orchids, or taxonomy. It gives a low priority to flora surveys.
- Closeness to the objectives of the Australian Flora Foundation:
For more information, visit Australian Flora Foundation.