The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is excited to announce that Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2025 Collaborative Research Grants (CRG) will open on 7 July 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers and industry partners to secure up to $250,000 in funding for projects that align with Defence priority areas.
Why participate in the QDSA CRG Program?
The CRG program is designed to transition emerging technology from university research to the prototype stage, fostering collaboration between QDSA member universities, industry partners, and other Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) universities. This initiative not only supports the development of innovative solutions but also strengthens Australia’s Defence capabilities.
The theme and research topics for 2025
This year, the CRG Program focuses on the theme of Littoral Operations. The Research Topics (numbered), Context/Environment descriptors (lettered) and challenges (Roman numerals) are:
1. Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
a. Littoral areas
- detection of humans/platforms/infrastructure/threats
- beach survey of bathymetry & terrain
b. Data collection & handling
- securely sharing data between relevant assets
- data fusion & analysis to rapidly feed into the Common Operational Picture (COP)
2. Command & Control (C2)
a. Operational level
- centralised, displaced from conflict zone
b. Tactical level
- highly decentralised
- robust & resilient (decision making) under stress, in conflict or degraded conditions
c. Interoperability
- joint (multiservice) & combined (multinational)
- increased power, range, reliability & security of communication systems
3. Cyber Operations
a. Effects
- defence against attacks
b. Security
- encrypted communication & storage
- zero-memory systems (no sensitive data stored onboard)
- increased speed, range & reliability of cyber systems
4. Logistics
a. Transport
- ship-to-shore personnel & equipment
b. Communications
- local wireless networks (RF, laser)
Common Requirements of the Research Topics
- Integration with current in-service systems
- Multi-domain/amphibious capabilities, if required
- Signature managementEnvironmental resilience
- Power requirements (energy/range/endurance)
- Support requirements (deployment/installation/maintenance)
Important dates and events
- EOI Applications Open: 7 July 2025
- Briefing and Networking Event: 10 July 2025
- EOI Applications Close: 8 August 2025 5pm (AEST)
The Briefing and Networking Evening on 10 July 2025 is an excellent opportunity for potential applicants to connect with industry partners and fellow researchers in the early stages of the EOI period. This event will be held in Brisbane. Further details and registration to attend will be released in the coming weeks.
How to apply
Interested applicants should prepare to submit their EOIs via the QDSA website. The application process involves detailing the project’s alignment with the specified research topics, the collaborative nature of the proposal, and the potential impact on Defence capabilities.
For more information on the application process and to access the CRG guidelines, please click here.
