Guide for Applicants

How to Apply for Funding: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are a number of Resarch Program through which the FRDC funds research and development. The key programs are outlined below. In all cases applications to FRDC for funding must be submitted by filling in the online application form at http://www.fishnet.gov.au.

1. FRDC's Annual Competitive Cycle

The avenue for most of the FRDC's research and development funding is via an annual competitive cycle. To apply for funding follow these steps:

• Step 1: Contact the relevant Fisheries Research Advisory Body (FRAB)
• Step 2: Contact an FRDC Subprogram Leader (if applicable)
• Step 3: Submit a pre-proposal to your FRAB
• Step 4: Submit a full Application to FRDC
• Step 5: Evaluation
  

The FRDC Board will evaluate applications for research and development funding outside the annual competitive cycle (due date 1 November) only when it is urgent and addresses a high priority issue. If required contact the FRDC for information on this process.

2. Tactical Research Fund

The aim of the TRF is to allow the FRDC to provide investment funds to its stakeholders in a timely manner to take advantage of opportunities, avert threats, or manage unforeseen events, as they arise. A TRF project may be of an urgent ‘break-the-glass’ type; or, it could also be a project that is used to overcome significant hurdles in, or to significantly fast track, important stakeholder processes, including production. In these cases it is likely that the adoption and benefits will be significantly brought forward if the project had not been funded at all.

Investment Criteria

The FRDC’s investment criteria specifically for the Tactical Response Fund are:

• The project should be a high priority and driven by the relevant stakeholders. The project proposal must formally demonstrate that the stakeholder supports the proposed project as a high priority, aimed at achieving a specific outcome or responding to an unforseen event.
  
• The project’s outputs should be immediately adoptable by the stakeholder in order to achieve the specific outcome;
  
• FRDC investment (including any industry cash contributions) must not exceed $75,000 (this is not inclusive of in-kind contributions);
  
• The project must be completed within 18 months.

Developing an Application

1. Applications must be developed in consultation with the relevant stakeholder (which includes Fisheries Research Advisory Bodies – FRABs). FRABs themselves may commission the development of an application, based on the needs outlined by stakeholders, or to address priorities in their strategic plans.
2. An application for TRF investment must be submitted using FishNet (the FRDC’s electronic application submission system).

3. People Development

Applicants should read the information available on the People Development Program pages or contact the FRDC's people development projects manager to discuss project ideas prior to development of application. Contacts: (02) 6285 0400 or email jo-anne.ruscoe@frdc.com.au

The FRDC encourages project applications that address one or more of the following priorities:

• Enhance industry leadership within, and across, all sectors READ MORE
• Build industry capacity to drive change to achieve goals READ MORE
• Provide opportunities for knowledge transfer and R&D adoption READ MORE
• Build workforce capability READ MORE

The steps to aubmit an application are:

1. Register or login to FISHNET
2. Open a new application and enter all the project details.
3. When required to "Nominate review recipients" ensure that both the People Development Program and the relevant FRAB box(es) are selected.
4. Submit application.

4. Social Research

Before applying applicants should read the information on the Social Sciences Research Co-ordination Program pages to ensure the resesarch aligns with the programs Key Issues and Research Areas. If in doubt contact the Program Manger or relevant State/Territory Fisheries Research Advisory Body (FRAB), to discuss research options and proposals. All FRDC funding applications must be submitted by filling in the online application form at http://www.fishnet.gov.au.

The steps to aubmit an application are:

1. Register or login to FISHNET
2. Open a new application and enter all the project details.
3. When required to "Nominate review recipients" ensure that both the SSRCP and the relevant FRAB box(es) are selected.
4. SEND a hard copy of the application to the Program Manager; Kate Brooks, PO Box 3287 Prahran East, VIC 3181. Applications MUST BE RECEIVED in hard copy as well to be lodged - these will be acknowledged in writing.