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.

The QDSA Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) is a competitive program that supports collaboration between QDSA member universities (Griffith University, James Cook University, University of Queensland and Charles Darwin University), 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.

Missed the Briefing and Networking evening on Thursday July 10? Download the presentation slides here.

Submit Your EOI

Research Priorities

This year, the CRG Program focuses on the theme of Littoral Operations. This Expression of Interest round calls for project proposals aligned with the QDSA Research Priorities and Topics, which were drawn from the 2024 Defence IS&T Priorities, National Defence Strategy, Integrated Investment Program, and wide consultation with Defence stakeholders.

The 2025 Research Topics (numbered), Context/Environment descriptors (lettered) and challenges (Roman numerals) are listed below:

1. Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)

a. Littoral areas

i. detection of humans/platforms/infrastructure/threats

ii. beach survey of bathymetry & terrain

b. Data collection & handling

i. Securely sharing data between relevant assets

ii. Data fusion & analysis to rapidly feed into the Common Operational Picture (COP)

iii. Human-machine interface design

2. Command & Control (C2)

a. Operational level

i. centralised, displaced from conflict zone

b. Tactical level

i. highly decentralised

ii. robust & resilient (decision making) under stress, in conflict or degraded conditions

iii. Automated decision support systems

c. Interoperability

i. joint (multiservice) & combined (multinational)

ii. increased power, range, reliability & security of communication systems

3. Cyber Operations

a. Effects

i. defence against attacks

ii. Secure edge-computing

b. Security

i. encrypted communication & storage

ii. zero-memory systems (no sensitive data stored onboard)

iii. increased speed, range & reliability of cyber systems

4. Logistics

a. Transport

i. ship-to-shore personnel & equipment

ii. Example: 40m distance, 70tonne load, lightweight, small footprint, easily deployable

iii. Impact of littoral transit on personnel

iv. Food processing, packaging, delivery & waste management on vessels

b. Communications

i. local wireless networks (RF, laser)

ii. wired adjuncts/alternatives (optical fibre)

Common Requirements of the Research Topics

  • Integration with current in-service systems
  • Multi-domain/amphibious capabilities, if required
  • Signature management
  • Environmental resilience & restrictions
  • Power requirements (energy/range/endurance)
  • Support requirements (deployment/installation/maintenance)

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 – 7 July 2025
  • 2024 QDSA CRG Briefing and Networking Event – 10 July 2025
    Missed the Briefing and Networking evening? Download the presentation slides here.
  • EOI applications close – 8 August 2025 5pm (AEST)
  • EOIs shortlisted and ranked – week commencing  26 August 2025
  • Notification of success and request for detailed applications open – 8 September 2025
  • Detailed applications close – 20 October 2025 5pm (AEST)
  • Selection panel meets for final determination – week commencing 17 November 2025
  • 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, the University of Queensland or Charles Darwin University)
  • The project must be a collaboration with one or more of the following:
    • Australian industry partner holding an Australian Business Number (ABN), preferably headquartered in Queensland or with business units based in Queensland; or
    • Another ADSUN university, which may be based in Queensland or another State or Territory
  • 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 and impact for Defence – Alignment with the priorities and topics as listed in above.
  • 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.
  • Funding Requested – An approximate figure is required at this stage.
  • Co-investment, if any, from a Defence Industry partner or QDSA member university

Stage 2 – Request for Detailed Proposal

A detailed proposal for the project is to be submitted via an online form. The proposal should include as a minimum:
  • Lead Institution and Lead Researcher
  • Project Title
  • Funding Requested
  • 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 and impact for Defence – Alignment with the priorities and topics as listed in above.
  • Collaboration – Details of any planned collaboration on the project should be listed. The unique roles and responsibilities that each team member brings to the project should be clearly articulated. Where possible written endorsement from partners should be provided affirming their commitment to the Project.
  • Impact for Defence – Explain how the project enhances ADF operational capability, secures strategic advantage, growth of sovereign industry capability, or economic development for Queensland. Summarise the Defence capability design, benefits and what the pathway to implementation would be.
  • Project Feasibility – Including project timeline with milestones/outputs, budget breakdown and justification, and approvals required.
  • Intellectual Property (IP) Arrangements – Description of the planned IP arrangements that all project parties have agreed to in relation to ownership, licencing and potential future commercialisation opportunities of all Background and Project IP.
  • Co-investment – including in-kind and other contributions.
Download the full guidelines (PDF)

Conditions

By submitting an application for this grant, you are confirming you accept the following conditions and requirements:
  • you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the attached funding agreement
  • the project timeline is to be confirmed with QDSA and Project Lead/Chief Investigator prior to commencement
  • a one-page update is to be provided to QDSA per three-month block (or as agreed)
  • a final presentation/ demonstration showcasing the project outcomes is to be provided to QDSA upon project completion
  • a final project report is to be provided to QDSA with 21 days of the project conclusion

Assessment

All applications will be competitively assessed by the Selection Panel, nominated by the QDSA Governance Board, based on the following selection criteria:

  1. Alignment with the priority areas listed above
  2. Collaboration
  3. Impact for Defence
  4. Project feasibility
  5. 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 8 August 2025 5pm (AEST).

Submission of Stage 2 Detailed Proposals will open 8 September 2024 and close 20 October 2025 5pm (AEST).

Thanks for your interest in the QDSA Collaborative Research Grant.