What Are QDSA HDR Capability Grants?
In June of 2021, QDSA were pleased to announce the inaugural launch of a program that provides grants to recipients who are completing higher degree research (HDR). This program is the first funding initiative offered by QDSA and has already seen 3 successful recipients enjoying the benefits this kind of support provides their projects.
The program offers successful recipients funding as follows:
A stipend of $20,000 (AUD) for a period of three (3) months plus an additional $5,000 (AUD) for any prototyping or equipment costs required in the project.
During the funding period, recipients will translate their HDR research findings into a capability demonstrator for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), culminating in a final pitch to ADF representatives.
Member University Representation
QDSA has made up to seven (7) grants available annually. One grant per year can be awarded to a successful candidate representing each of the seven QDSA member universities across Queensland.
In 2021, there were three successful candidates for the QDS HDR Capability Grants, representing member universities Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University and University of Central Queensland.
In 2022 we encourage applications from eligible students who attend any of our member universities. QDSA would like to remind candidates that each member university could have one successful candidate per calendar year.
Our seven member universities are:
- University of Queensland
- University of Southern Queensland
- Queensland University of Technology
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- University of Sunshine Coast
- Central Queensland University
QDSA HDR Capability Grant Eligibility
In order to fulfil all eligibility requirements for the grants, an applicant must:
- be an Australia citizen or permanent resident
- be an enrolled HDR student at a QDSA member University
- provide a letter of support from their principal supervisor
- be at a point in candidature to translate HDR findings into Defence capability
2021 QDSA HDR Capability Grant Recipients
Late last year, QDSA was pleased to announce three successful 2021 HDR Capability Grant Recipients.
The diverse range of applicants delighted and impressed the QDSA team and showcased the treasure-trove of talent we have right here in Queensland. The projects that our successful recipients are undertaking each have potential to greatly increase sovereign capability and we are excited to observe their progress as they near completion.
The 2021 successful QDSA HDR Capability Grant Recipients were:
1. David Sutton – Queensland University of Technology
Project: Laser-Driven Micro-Fabrication in Chemical Detection Systems
2. James Williamson – University of Queensland
Project: Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lower-limb Exoskeletons
3. Lachlan Noller – University of Southern Queensland
Project: Increased Capability and Advancement of TUSQ Hypersonic Wind Tunnel
2022 QDSA HDR Capability Grants Applications are Now Open!
If you are involved in an innovative research project and enrolled at one of the seven member universities mentioned above, we invite you to consider applying for the 2022 round of QDSA HDR Capability Grants.
All eligibility criteria, assessment criteria, conditions, and application forms and information can be found on our QDSA HDR Capability Grant page here.
APPLY NOW – what do you have to lose?
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
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The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is a university-led initiative to grow and connect an agile Defence innovation ecosystem, leveraging Queensland’s strengths, to deliver trusted solutions to meet Defence requirements.
