RESEARCH GRANTS – Call for applications
RESEARCH GRANTS for funding in 2017
The Australian Flora Foundation was established in 1981 with the aim of fostering scientific research on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants. It was thought that by encouraging research, a greater awareness of the value of the Australian flora would be developed resulting in explicit measures for their conservation and utilisation. Funds for research are raised through the membership of the Foundation, donations from various sources and the income from bequests. Grants are available for projects, which commence from December 2016. The Foundation expects to support between two and four projects at $5,000 – $15,000/year each in 2017 with possible extension into 2018. Typically, projects are funded up to $10,000 per annum for two years or up to $15,000 for one year.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications for grants to support original scientific projects on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants are invited from research workers in Australia. The Australian Flora Foundation will consider all relevant applications, with special interest in the following categories:
conservation of Australian plant diversity, particularly where there are threats from climate change
the cultivation of Australian plants, to ensure their survival and reduce the threat to native ecosystems
rare and endangered plants.
All applications on rare and endangered plants should indicate how the research relates to the known management plan for the species. The Foundation does not fund projects that are for conference travel, publications, research on orchids, or taxonomy. It gives a low priority to flora surveys per se and studies on marine plants.
Projects must be scientifically sound and aim to provide outcomes within the period of the grant. Applicants must be suitably qualified or identify a qualified project supervisor. Just one principal investigator.
Applications are in two stages. Preliminary applications of two A4 pages should indicate the purpose of the project, the likely costs and the research protocol. The institution or company to which the applicant is attached, a contact phone number and email and postal address must be included. Please use the form provided. Applicants should pay particular attention to ensuring that their proposal meets the selection criteria. Preliminary applications will be accepted until 15thMarch 2016.
Each application will be evaluated on closeness to the objectives of the Australian Flora Foundation, the scientific merit of the project, the likely success within the stipulated timeframe, and the availability of funds. Full applications will be invited from those which best fit the criteria. Full applications will be assessed by the Scientific Research Committee and successful applicants notified in September 2016. Funds will become available to commence research from December 2016.
Applications should preferably be submitted electronically as a PDF file plus a MS Word file, both attached to an email to Peter Goodwin at pbgoodwin@iinet.net.au
Enquiries: to the above addresses.
Further information about the Foundation and past grants can be found here
Important dates:
Preliminary applications due by 15 March, 2016
Short-listed applicants advised… early May
Full applications due by……… …… 15 June
Board meets …………………………… August
Successful applicants advised… .September
Funds available from………………….December 2016
The Australian Flora Foundation gratefully acknowledges
all those individuals and organisations who make these grants possible
by contributing to the Australian Flora Foundation Research Fund