For Researchers

Applying for Funding

Applications for RIRDC scholarships and funding for 2011-12 will be open 1 August 2010. The applications call process follows the same time lines each year. 

Scholarships

Scholarship applications close Friday 12 November 2010.

• Download the Application for Postgraduate Research Scholarships.pdf and return to RIRDC before the closing date.
• Download the  Scholarships Terms and Conditions August 2010.pdf  and read carefully.

• Information on scholarships and can also be found in Doing Business With RIRDC .

• Please contact the Scholarships Administrator for
  further information on (02) 6271 4132.

Research funding

Preliminary research proposals close 22 September 2010

First step is to complete the preliminary research proposal (PRP). Full research proposals will then be invited from successful applicants of this PRP round. Information for that process is at the end of this information page. (Full research proposals close 9 February 2011)

The timeline for the application round is listed below.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation invests in the knowledge needs of our three portfolio areas:

• New rural industries;
• Specific established rural industries; and
• Cross-sectoral national rural issues

Our investments are driven by Five-Year R&D plans which address the needs of each industry and ensure our priorities are industry and government-driven. Overall, our aim is for a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector.

If you think you or your organisation can help address the needs of our programs as outlined in the current research priorities, we would welcome your application for funding.

RIRDC welcomes proposals that will meet the specific objectives, or a number of objectives, as outlined in the research priorities and in more detail in program Five-Year Plans.

We also welcome and encourage your collaboration with other research providers to build the critical research mass necessary to meet our objectives.

In planning and submitting proposals for RIRDC-funded projects prospective researchers need to familiarise themselves with the application procedure, the Corporation's over-arching goals and strategies, the goals and strategies of the relevant R&D programs and the specific priorities for R&D for the year for which the proposal is being submitted.

A booklet, Doing Business With RIRDC , outlines this process.  

Planning a successful application

The following factors will be taken into consideration in assessing research proposals:

• Corporate strategies and outcomes, including the Australian Government's Research and Development Priorities, in the RIRDC Corporate Plan 2007-2012
• Program strategies and outcomes in the sector five-year plans
• Relevant research priorities for that year
• Demonstrated industry support 

Key Dates 

Clarity

RIRDC's business with research providers is facilitated by a web-based project management system called Clarity. This system is used to manage all stages of project administration.

Preliminary research proposals should be completed online using Clarity.

To set up a secure account before submitting a proposal, please contact the RIRDC helpdesk for a username and password.
Email: helpdesk@rirdc.gov.au or Ph: 02 6271 4100

Click here for a sample of the Preliminary Research Proposal and Budget sections to be completed when applying for research funding. Please note that this section is to be completed online in Clarity.

For the Clarity User Guide - submitting a Preliminary Research Proposal download Clarity User Guide - submitting a preliminary research proposal (PRP).pdf

Detailed user guides and telephone support are also available.

Clarity Entry Point - http://research.rirdc.gov.au/ 

Checklist for proposals

Before applying for RIRDC R&D funding please:

• Ensure your proposal is aligned with current research priorities
• Check key dates for proposal submission
• Ensure proposals contain a clear pathway for adoption - see RIRDC Adoption Principles
• Follow the Clarity application instructions
• Public sector research must apply through the administration office

Checklist for projects

• For information download the General Conditions Research.pdf

• Signed research agreement-stored in Clarity
• Due dates for project reports-notification through Clarity
• Project progress reports-submitted through Clarity
• Final report template and RIRDC Style Guide
• Final approval and acceptance of report by RIRDC - notification through Clarity 

For Full Research Proposal Format and Guidelines download the 

        Full Proposal Format and Guidelines.pdf

• For the Clarity User Guide - Submitting a Full Proposal download the  Submitting a Full Proposal.pdf

Travel applications

Travel applications should be completed online using Clarity (RIRDC’s project management database).

To obtain a username and password, contact the RIRDC helpdesk:

E-mail:  helpdesk@rirdc.gov.au

Ph:         02 6271 4100

User guides to assist you in submitting your travel application are also available via the RIRDC helpdesk.

Clarity can be accessed at:  http://research.rirdc.gov.au/

More information can be found in Doing Business With RIRDC .