Explore is a new scheme dedicated to exploratory high-risk, high-reward research. It will support researchers to trial bold ideas with the potential to be highly transformative. These projects will have the potential to create new fundamental knowledge including economic, social, environmental, cultural or commercial benefits. Explore is expected to open in March 2027. The scheme will run annually. Duration Indicative funding amount Eligibility Up to 3 years $50k-400k Individual researchers and research teams at any career stage who do not currently hold or have not been awarded an Explore grant in the previous 3 years Indicative grant opportunity This information is indicative and is subject to confirmation in the final grant opportunity guidelines. Funding to support short-term, highly novel and potentially transformative research projects with the potential to move beyond existing paradigms of research. This research may create new knowledge; address a significant problem; trial innovative methodologies, interdisciplinary collaborations, or partnerships; or explore a radically new approach or area of inquiry. The grant opportunity will expand research capacity in Australia by supporting excellent researchers and teams to take greater risks in pursuit of knowledge. Proposed objectives a. Research Excellence: Identify and enable high-quality, innovative research spanning pure basic, strategic basic and applied research domains across all disciplines (excluding medical research and experimental development), with a focus on fostering ambitious projects that exhibit potential for high-risk, high-reward outcomes. b. Benefit: Support research that serves the national interest in diverse ways, including fundamental knowledge creation; commercial, cultural, economic, environmental, or social benefits; and/or alignment with ARC strategic goals and Australian government priority areas. c. Capacity: Strengthen Australia’s research capacity by fostering a skilled, inclusive and adaptable research workforce, supported by flexible career pathways that enable world-class research and impact for Australia. d. Collaboration: Support and promote mutually beneficial research collaboration between Australian higher education institutions and local or international partners, such as community organisations, government, industry, or international research institutions.