WIRES Research Grants Program in Australia

Deadline: 24-Feb-23

Have you got a research project that will improve outcomes for native wildlife and their habitats? If yes, then apply for the WIRES Research Grants Program (WIRES RGP) is proudly supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales (RZS NSW) and has been designed to address the significant knowledge gaps surrounding Australian wildlife and their habitats.

The WIRES Research Grants Program (WIRES RGP) has been developed to provide support for wildlife researchers across Australia. WIRES focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife. Funding granted through this program is up to three (3) years. The grant will be administered through WIRES.

Objectives

• The overall objectives of the WIRES Research Grants Program are to;
  • Identify and address current research gaps that will result in evidence-based approaches to objectively reduce future risk to and improve the health and habitats of Australian native species.
  • Advance scientific research into key issues impacting Australian wildlife and their habitats, through strategic investment.
  • Raise awareness and implementation of proven wildlife rehabilitation and conservation methods.
  • Promote best practice emergency preparedness and response in the context of wildlife conservation.
• These objectives will be achieved by supporting robust scientific research, leading to evidence-based practices. Their aim is to reduce the likelihood of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation, provide scientific-based evidence for the improvement of rescue and rehabilitation methods, improve post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife and aid the recovery of wild populations and their habitats, all of which will improve long-term ecological outcomes in Australia.

Funding Information

• A total funding pool of up to $500,000 per year, for three years, is available. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that adhere to one or more of the following categories:
  • Category 1: Risk-Reduction research that will help reduce the chances of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation
  • Category 2: Rescue and Rehabilitation research that will improve rescue and rehabilitation methods
  • Category 3: Release research that would improve post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife
  • Category 4: Recovery research that aids the recovery of wild populations and their habitats 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant(s) must:
  • must not concurrently hold more than one WIRES grant
  • comply with all relevant laws and regulations in undertaking the project
  • have the knowledge and experience required to deliver the project
  • be in and conduct activities within Australia with a focus on Australian wildlife
  • not have overdue progress or acquittal reports for previously funded grants
  • have a demonstrated history of professional, proactive, and positive collaboration with other organisations and individuals, including WIRES
  • submit the correct application form accurately and on time
  • have the appropriate type and level of insurance for the activities that are the subject of this proposal
  • if required, obtain approval from an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC), Wildlife Ethics Committee (WEC), and/or human ethics before research can begin. This can be done after the Application has been approved for the WIRES grant.
• Project must:
  • address one or more of WIRES Research Grants Program priority objectives
  • identify a current need or issue and propose/provide a solution
  • result in demonstratable tangible outcomes for wildlife and/or their habitats
  • begin after the grant funding commencement date and not require retrospective, recurrent or ongoing funding
  • meet eligibility criteria for the appropriate funding category
  • be realistic in terms of deliverables, timeframe, and budget
  • You cannot apply if you:
  • have outstanding obligations/acquittal reports for projects previously funded by WIRES or any other organisation
  • cannot obtain ethical approval for your project and the research proposed cannot be ethically justifiable
  • have been previously involved in an ethical breach in a workplace

For more information, visit Research Grants Program.