2026/08/18 17:00:00
The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is pleased to support research collaborations aimed at accelerating new projects through to capability in key Defence priority areas.
QDSA Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) is a competitive program that supports collaboration between QDSA member universities (Griffith University, James Cook University, University of Queensland, Charles Darwin University, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Southern Queensland), industry partners and other Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) universities.
The purpose of the grant is to foster academic and Defence industry partnerships within Queensland and the Northern Territory. QDSA CRG projects should demonstrate an impact to satisfy an existing or emerging Defence need and have a clear plan to mature, with additional support, into Defence capability.
QDSA will award successful recipients with funding of up to $250,000 per grant. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, subject to prioritisation against the selection criteria and available funding.
Register for the Briefing and Networking Evening on Thursday 23 July 2026. RSVP Here.
Research Priorities
This year, the CRG Program focuses on the theme of Ground/Surface-based Air Defence.
The 2026 Research Topics (numbered), Context/Environment descriptors (lettered) and challenges (dot points) are:
1. Counter High-Speed Threat
a. Detection, tracking, targeting
- ground-based tracking
- stratospheric targeting
- guidance systems
- integrated, multi-layered defence
b. Non-kinetic effectors
- Electronic warfare (EW)
2. Counter UAS
a. Sensing, seeking
- radio frequency (RF)
- electro optical (EO)
- radar, seismic, acoustic
b. Kinetic, and non-kinetic effectors
- ground-launched platforms
- directed energy
- high-power RF
c. Other systems
- command & control (C2)
- multi-vehicle tracking
- sensor fusion
3. Decision Support
a. Information Fusion
- threat evaluation
- reducing cognitive load
b. Human-machine teaming
- hybrid autonomous decision systems
- rapid decision making
c. Integration
- Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) integration
- modular open-systems architectures
Common Requirements of the Research Topics
- Integration with current in-service systems
- Modularized components
- Cluttered electromagnetic and urban environments
- Resilience to cyber and EW interference
- Power requirements (energy/range/endurance)
Projects that do not align to the Defence needs listed above may be considered as long as they are aimed at supporting other Defence priorities.
Key Dates
- EOI applications open – 14 July 2026
- 2026 QDSA CRG Briefing and Networking Event – 23 July 2026 – Download slides
- EOI applications close – 18 August 2026 5pm (AEST)
- EOIs shortlisted and ranked – week commencing 1 September 2026
- Notification of success and request for detailed applications open – 7 September 2026
- Detailed applications close – 13 October 2026 5pm (AEST)
- Selection panel meets for final determination – week commencing 27 October 2026
- Selection panel outcomes presented to QDSA Board for endorsement – 17 November 2026
- Notification of successful proposals – from 5 December 2025
Requirements
To be eligible for a QDSA Collaborative Research Grant:
- The project must be led by a QDSA member university (Griffith University, James Cook University, University of Queensland, Charles Darwin University, University of Sunshine Coast or University of Southern Queensland)
- The project must be a collaboration with one or more of the following:
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- An Australian industry partner holding an Australian Business Number (ABN), registered as a company or trust based in Queensland, or
- Industry partners outside of Queensland (with an ABN) will be considered however the team must have collaboration with a Queensland based University member or Queensland based industry partner to maximise funding potential.
- The CRG project should have reached Technology Readiness level 3 (proof-of-concept) to be considered and, with additional support, define a clear pathway through to TRL 6 to 7 (prototype stage).
- The intent is to support the technology up to a readiness level appropriate for further development into a capability by a larger party (Federal funding scheme/Defence prime). Therefore, the project must have a clear plan for transition to capability beyond the 12-month project.
- As a condition of the funding arrangements, the participants in a project must be Australian citizens or permanent Australian residents.
- It is desirable that eligible applications will also have co-investment from a Defence industry partner or QDSA member university.
Note: Successful projects that have made significant progress toward Defence acquisition may be considered for subsequent funding opportunities at the conclusion of the contract (not associated with this selection process).
Application Stages
Grants will be administered across two stages as follows:
Stage 1 – Call for Expressions of Interest
An online form is to be submitted outlining:
- Lead Institution and Lead Researcher
- Project Title
- Project Description – A brief description of the project of no more than 150 words. It should outline the research focus and how it will relate to developing Defence needs.
- Project Area Alignment– Alignment with the priorities and topics as listed in Annex B. This should also describe the proposed Impact for Defence.
- Collaboration – Details of any other university staff on the research team, including QDSA member universities, other ADSUN universities, industry partners and any engagement of support from Defence. See Annex B for more detail. Consideration for applicants; Applications from multiple collaborators are more attractive than those from single entities and this should be considered when establishing a team.
- Funding Requested – An approximate figure is required at this stage.
- Co-investment – From a Defence Industry partner or QDSA member university may be cash or in-kind. Consideration for applicants; While not mandatory, the greater the co-investment, the more attractive the proposal will be.
Stage 2 – Request for Detailed Proposal
Successful applications to the EOI will be invited to submit a detailed proposal. The proposal should include as a minimum:
- Lead Institution and Lead Researcher
- Project Title
- Project Description – A detailed description of the project of no more than 1000 words. The description should nominally include: Project Overview, Background (including lead-up/foundational work by the same team), Aims or Objectives the project will deliver Expected Results and likely benefits, Prospective Follow-on Work
- Project Area Alignment– Alignment with the priorities and topics as listed in Annex B. This should also describe the proposed Impact for Defence.
- Collaboration – Details of any other university staff on the research team, including QDSA member universities, other universities, industry partners and any engagement of support from Defence. Include roles and responsibilities of each team member, and where possible, written endorsement from partners should be provided affirming their commitment to the Project.
- Feasibility – Feasibility should include project timeline with milestones/outputs, budget justification, and approvals required.
- Effectiveness and Impact – Explain how the project enhances ADF operational capability and secures strategic advantage and builds sovereign industry capability, or economic development for Queensland. Summarise the Defence capability design and benefits and outline what the pathway to implementation would be.
- Funding Requested and Co-investment – Each project must bring a matched level of co-investment for the requested amount from QDSA. The co-investment can be a combination of cash contributions (preferred), in-kind contributions or other contributions.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Arrangements – Description of the planned IP arrangements that all project parties have agreed to in relation to ownership, licensing and potential future commercialisation opportunities of all Background and Project IP. Confirmation of which Collaborative Research Agreement template option that would fit their intended partner arrangements.
Assessment
All applications will be competitively assessed by the Selection Panel, nominated by the QDSA Governance Board, based on the following selection criteria:
- Project Area Alignment
- Collaboration
- Feasibility
- Effectiveness and Impact
- Funding Requested and Co-investment
Clarification
Further clarifications relating to QDSA Collaborative Research Grant Stage 1 call for Expressions of Interest or Stage 2 Detailed Proposals should be directed to info@qdsa.au
Submission
Submission of Stage 1 Expressions of Interest close at 18 August 2026 5pm (AEST).
Submission of Stage 2 Detailed Proposals will open 7 September 2026 and close 13 October 2026 5pm (AEST).