Welcome to the FRDC Research and Innovation Investment Briefing for December 2021.

In this briefing,we detail the17 priorities in our current investment call as well as other funding opportunities, we discuss changes to our application format, how to submit your milestone reports and what projects have recently commenced and concluded.

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Best wishes from the team at FRDC for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Crispian Ashby
General Manager Research and Investment

Call for applications

We are inviting research and development (R&D) applications to address 17 priorities identified by the fishing and aquaculture sector.

Applications that demonstrate strong connections and co-contributions with relevant stakeholders, and alignment with FRDC's R&D Plan are preferred. Applications must be submitted via our Fishnet Portal by the due date nominated/outlined in the priority.

Fishnet enhancements

We have introduced a new application template on Fishnet that replaces the Expression of Interest and Full Application templates requiring only one application to be submitted. The new template is shorter than a Full Application and focuses on user experience, making applying for funding faster and easier.

Milestone submissions due

Clear your desk and finish the year on a high.

All research providers are reminded to submit your milestone reports via Fishnet - particularly those reports that have been hanging around for a while. Submitting via Fishnet activates the FRDC review process and will allow us to progress your milestone payments in a timelier manner.

Remember to use Fishnet as emailed reports will not be actioned.

If you require help using Fishnet, please refer to the quick start guide.

Videos and photos

When submitting your milestone reports, remember to let us know about any video or photography content that you've developed through your project. We're on the lookout for great content to share with our stakeholders.

Other funding opportunities

The Australian Government is inviting applications via an open process for the following grant programs:

Future Drought Fund: Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes

The Future Drought Fund provides a sustainable source of funding to help Australian farmers and agricultural-dependent communities and businesses (including fisheries) become more prepared for and resilient to the impacts of drought. Applications close at 9:00 pm AEDT on 11 January 2022.

AgUp Program – 2022

The AgUp program provides grants to co-fund industry-led (including fisheries) initiatives aimed at supporting jobs and retaining the Australian workforce by building skills, establishing, and enhancing career progression pathways and mentoring opportunities. Applications close at 9:00 pm AEDT on 20 January 2022.

Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Grants

The Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Grant scheme aims to implement various on-ground ecosystem restoration activities, and demonstrate how these lead to measured climate, biodiversity, and livelihood benefits. Applications close at 9:00 pm AEDT on 15 February 2022.

For more information, refer to the Community Grants Hub website and GrantConnect.

Farmers2Founders' Muster is fishing for ideas

Applications are open for 'The Muster' - a virtual marketplace for problem holders and problem solvers. If you have been sitting on an idea that can solve one of the challenges for the fisheries and aquaculture sector but are uncertain if it is worth pursuing, then the FRDC in partnership with Farmers2Founders (F2F) invite you to tell us about it by submitting it into The Muster.

The five most promising fisheries/aquaculture concepts will be eligible to pitch for the inaugural F2F Challenge Award, which attracts cash prizes and entry into the F2F Hatch Program.

Learn more about the challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture community and submit your idea to The Muster by clicking here.

Projects contracted since Sept 2021

Recently finalised projects