Call for Proposals: Biophysical Research Grant Program

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation provides grants to support high-quality biological and biophysical research conducted in Australia or South West Pacific institutions. Funding of up to A$20,000 per year (ex GST) is available for a maximum of three years, covering essential research costs such as travel, equipment, and technician salaries, but not scientific staff salaries, student stipends, conference attendance, or publication fees. Applications are competitive, and projects must demonstrate discrete, independent outputs with clear scientific value.

Overview

The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation supports biological and biophysical research by scientists based at universities and similar institutions in Australia and the South West Pacific region.

Key objectives:

• Fund research projects that would not be undertaken without Foundation support

• Support discrete, independently evaluable projects

• Encourage projects that may lead to larger future grants

The Foundation prioritizes projects with clear scientific merit, robust methodology, and strong justification for budget items.

Funding Details

• Maximum annual funding: A$20,000 (ex GST)

• Maximum project duration: 3 years

• Eligible costs:

  • Salaries of technicians or research assistants

  • Travel essential to the project

  • Equipment essential to the project

• Ineligible costs:

  • Salaries of scientific research staff

  • Student stipends

  • Administrative costs

  • Conference attendance (domestic or international)

  • Publication fees for scientific journals

Who Can Apply?

• Project leaders must be professional researchers, not students

• Projects must be undertaken in:

  • Australia

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

  • Excludes Indonesia and other South-East Asian countries

• Applications must be submitted under the umbrella of a recognized university or institution in the relevant country

Additional Eligibility Notes

• Each project leader may submit only one application per round

• A project leader may hold only one grant at a time

• Project must form a discrete and independently evaluable component

• Applications are strongly encouraged to be reviewed by professional colleagues before submission

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Register in the Foundation’s online system

2. Prepare your application, including:

   • Project description and objectives

   • Justified budget for essential costs

   • Experimental design and methodology

   • Expected outcomes and evaluation criteria

3. Submit online before the deadline

4. Peer review (optional but recommended) to strengthen proposal quality

5. Await outcomes, which are expected by June 2026

Important Dates

• Application window opens: 26 January 2026

• Application deadline: 13 March 2026

• Funding period begins: July 2026

• Outcome notification: June 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Scientific merit and relevance to biological/biophysical research

• Clarity and feasibility of experimental design

• Independent and discrete nature of the project

• Justification of requested budget

• Potential for long-term impact and future research opportunities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting funds for ineligible expenses such as salaries for research staff, student stipends, or conference attendance

• Submitting projects outside Australia or the eligible South West Pacific countries

• Proposals that lack a discrete and independent scope

• Failure to justify all budget items

• Neglecting peer review before submission

Why This Program Matters

The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation grant program:

• Supports high-quality, independent research in biology and biophysics

• Helps early- and mid-career researchers advance their scientific careers

• Provides resources for projects with potential for larger future impact

• Encourages regional collaboration across South West Pacific institutions

Conclusion

The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation grants offer targeted support for discrete, high-quality research projects in biological and biophysical sciences. By funding essential costs and promoting rigorous, independent research, the program fosters scientific advancement and capacity-building across Australia and the South West Pacific.

For more information, visit APSF.