For Researchers

Applying for Funding

Applications for RIRDC scholarships and funding for 2010-11 opened on 10 August 2009 and close on 12 November 2009. The applications call process follows the same time lines each year. 

Scholarships

RIRDC 2009/10 Scholarships are also open. Applications close early November.

• Download the  Application for Postgraduate Research Scholarship 2009.pdf and return to RIRDC before the closing date.
• Download the Scholarships Terms and Conditions August 2009.pdf  and read carefully.
• Please contact the Scholarships Administrator for
  further information on (02) 6271 4147.

Research funding

• For information download the General Conditions 08-09 Research.pdf
• 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

The dates for the application round are 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.

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

• 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 

Scholarships and travel/conference funding

Information on scholarships and travel/conference funding can also be found in Doing Business With RIRDC .

Before applying for RIRDC travel applications and/or scholarships:

• Ensure your applications are submitted through Clarity (please see page 11 of the Doing Business with RIRDC' booklet to gain a Clarity username and password