Discovery Projects
Please note for Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2026:
- Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2026 will be run in a two-stage application process, commencing with an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
Visit the following pages for information on recently announced grant outcomes under the Discovery Project scheme:
- EOI Selection Report: Discovery Projects EOI 2025
- Selection Report: Discovery Projects 2025
- Funding announcement kit: Discovery Projects 2025 Announcement
Discovery Projects may be undertaken by individual researchers or research teams to:
- expand knowledge base and research capacity in Australia, and
- economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia.
Discovery Projects are for funding between $30,000 and $500,000 each year for up to 5 consecutive years. Project funding may be used for:
- personnel, for example, research associates or assistants and technicians and stipends for higher degree by research students
- teaching relief
- access to research and infrastructure facilities and technical workshop services
- essential field research
- expert third party services
- equipment and consumables
- publication and dissemination of outputs and outreach
- specialised computer equipment and software
- travel costs essential to the project
- web hosting and development
- workshops, focus groups and conferences, and
- essential support costs for researchers who are carers or who personally require care or assistance.
Key Documents and Information for the Discovery Projects 2026
- Discovery Projects 2026 Grant Guidelines is available via: Discovery Projects 2026 Forecast Opportunity View - DProgDP2024
- Documentation available via: Discovery Projects 2026 Current Grant Opportunity View – GO7291
- Important dates for Discovery Projects 2026 grant application process
- Expressions of Interest Shortlisting Explainer (DPEI25 archive)
- Expressions of Interest Shortlisting FAQs (DPEI25 archive)