Applying for Annual Cycle

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is calling for Expressions Of Interest (EOI) against the priority areas for RD&E investment nominated below by the FRABs/Subprograms/Coordination programs and their alignment with the FRDC’s RD&E Plan. Applications for the EOI are to be completed using the FRDC’s online application software Fishnet (see linkon side bar).

 

Each EOI must clearly outline how it will meet the relevant priority, clearly address the need for the proposed research, provide a succinct description of the proposed methodology to achieve the stated objectives, the intended outputs and outcomes and a realistic budget that reflects the activity to be undertaken. The application type to use on Fishnet is PRP and is displayed in the figures below.

 

The first step in developing an EOI is Contact the relevant Fisheries Research Advisory Body (FRAB)

 

The FRDC contributes to a network of Fisheries Research Advisory Bodies (FRABs) located in each state and the Northern Territory. A contact list is available of FRAB's across Australia. The FRABs have an extremely important role in maximising the efficiency of the FRDC's planning and funding process.

 

Each EOI must be sent to the relevant FRAB/Subprogram/Coordination program that the priority relates to. For example if your proposal may potentially benefit the WA Rocklobster industry then the WAFRAB should be contacted.

 

In the case of those priorities that cross jurisdictions, the application must be sent to each of the FRABs/Subprograms/Coordination programs that the application is relevant to. For example, if the priority relates to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Recfishing Research and Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram the application must be sent to each of these FRABs/Subprograms/Coordination programs.

All EOI must be received via email by the relevant FRAB/Subprogram/Coordination contact, outlined in the Call for Expressions letter, by the 30th June and finalised on Fishnet. EOI submitted after this date will not be accepted.

The FRABs/Subprograms/Coordination programs will assess these EOI and provide advice to applicants on whether their application has been supported and recommended for submission to the FRDC by the 1st of September.

 

Applications go through a comprehensive approval process. This includes consultation with the relevant FRAB that recommended the application be submitted. For information on the selection criteria for FRDC funding applications, see the section titled Evaluation Criteria.

 

If your project is approved you will enter into a Project Agreement with FRDC. Once complete you are ready to begin your project. For more information on requirements of FRDC funded researchers see the section titled Information For Current Researchers.

 

Contact the relevant FRAB/Subprogram/Coordination program or the FRDC if you are unclear on the process for applications. 

 

Simple overview of the process for submitting an EOI

1. Login to FISHNET
2. Once logged into Fishnet select “New” under Create an application
3. Select “FRDC” under ‘What is the source of funds you are applying for?’
4. Select “No” under ‘Is your project tactical in nature?’
5. Select “Pre-Research Proposal” under ‘Choose either to start with a pre-research proposal or go straight to a full proposal.’

 

If your Expression of Interst (EOI) is successful.

Following consideration by the FRDC Board, taking into account FRAB and in some cases external reviewers comments an applicant will be notified of the outcome and if successful be asked to provide a full application outlining the detail for the project. FRDC will require successful candidates to use the FISHNET system to convert the EOI into a full application prior to submitting.