Updated 23 June 2021. The deadline for these HDR applications has changed. We are excited to announce that the applications will now be open year-round for the QDSA HDR Capability Grant. There will still be one successful applicant per university per calendar year, however, applications can be submitted and approved at any time during the year, subject to the merits of the proposed project.
The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is excited to announce its 2021 higher degree research (HDR) grants, the first funding of its kind to be made available from the new alliance.
Applications will open on Monday 7 June 2021 for the inaugural QDSA HDR Capability Grants which will provide financial assistance to seven Queensland higher degree research students to allow them to develop and initiate defence partnerships and for capability advancement.
QDSA Director, Professor Cara Wrigley said the QDSA HDR Capability Grants were another prime example of how the Queensland Defence Science Alliance is creating an agile ecosystem that unites academia with Defence.
“This is the first funding to be made available by QDSA and we are looking forward to seeing a range of multi-disciplinary Defence solutions formulated by seven talented Queensland research students.
“Not only will the cohort of successful applicants have financial backing but will work with a Defence sponsor appointed by QDSA and pitch their capability design and prototypes to representatives from the Australian Defence Force later in the year,” Professor Wrigley said.
Available Defence Research Funding in Queensland
Seven (7) QDSA HDR Capability Grants will be available per calendar year – one for each of QDSA’s member universities including:
- James Cook University
- Central Queensland University
- Sunshine Coast University
- Queensland University of Technology
- University of Queensland
- Griffith University
- University of Southern Queensland
Research students working towards a career in Defence, Science, Innovation and Engineering are encouraged to apply for this grant.
A total of $20,000 in funding will be paid to each successful candidate over a three-month period.
There is also an additional $5,000 for equipment costs and prototyping during the project.
Each candidate will have to translate their HDR research findings into a capability demonstrator for the ADF during the three-month timeframe.
Following this, there will be a final pitch presentation where successful candidates will unveil their capability designs to ADF representatives.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible recipients must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an enrolled higher degree research (HDR) student at a QDSA Member university.
- Must be at a point in candidature to translate HDR findings into Defence capability
- A letter of support from their principal supervisor must be obtained and provided in the application.
- The student must also be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (for security reasons).
HDR Grant Criteria
The QDSA will focus on the following criteria when determining grant recipients:
- Novelty of Defence capability
- Possible future impact for Defence
- Candidature track record and academic performance
- Alignment with Defence STaR Shots and National Security Science and Technology Priorities
For full details on the 2021 QDSA HDR Capability Grants, please click here.
How to apply for the HDR Capability Grant
To apply for the HDR Capability Grant, you will need to download and complete the application form here.
In your submission, you’ll also need to include a letter of support from your Principal Supervisor and your current CV.
If you require further information, please contact the QDSA here or calling 0421 870 706.
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
QDSA has many upcoming events and opportunities, with more being added each week. Want to find out what is on the horizon? Check out our News section on our website here or subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
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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.
