Research Grants Program

APPLICATIONS CLOSED - Do you have a research project that will improve outcomes for native wildlife and their habitats?

Introduction

WIRES committed to a Research Grants Program, over three years, commencing in 2022. The WIRES Research Grants Program is proudly supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. It has been designed to address the significant knowledge gaps surrounding Australian wildlife and their habitats.

The challenges currently faced by our wildlife and the wild places they call home are immense. At WIRES, we believe that collaboration is the key to delivering tangible project outcomes to tackle these challenges effectively. Collectively, we can provide the best long-term outcomes nationally for all native species.

WIRES Research Grants Program Objectives

The WIRES Research Grants Program has been developed to support wildlife researchers across Australia. WIRES' focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife. Funding granted through this program is up to three (3) years. The grant will be administered through WIRES.

The overall objectives of the WIRES Research Grants Program are to:

1. Identify and address current research gaps that will result in evidence-based approaches to objectively reduce future risk to and improve the health and habitats of Australian native species.
2. Advance scientific research into key issues impacting Australian wildlife and habitats through strategic investment.
3. Raise awareness and implementation of proven wildlife rehabilitation and conservation methods.
4. Promote best practice emergency preparedness and response in the context of wildlife conservation.

These objectives will be achieved by supporting robust scientific research, leading to evidence-based practices. We aim to reduce the likelihood of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation, provide scientific-based evidence for the improvement of rescue and rehabilitation methods, improve post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife and aid the recovery of wild populations and their habitats, all of which will improve long-term ecological outcomes in Australia.

This is a competitive grants program. Demand is likely to outweigh available funds; therefore, an assessment panel will evaluate eligible applications. This assessment will be based on the proposed project, value for money, collaborative opportunities, funding priorities, demonstrated need, and available funds.

Funding Available

A total funding pool of up to $500,000 annually is available until 2024. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals of up to $50,000 for projects that adhere to one or more of the following categories:

Category 1: Risk-Reduction

Research that will help reduce the likelihood of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation.

Category 2: Rescue and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation research that will improve rescue and rehabilitation methods.

Category 3: Release

Research that improves post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife.

Category 4: Recovery

Research that aids the recovery of wild populations and their habitats.

For eligibility criteria and other important information, check out the WIRES Research Grants Guidelines.

Key Dates

Year 1 applications closed in March 2022. View 2022 Research Grants Recipients.

1. Applications open: 29 January 2024
2. Applications close: 1 March 2024 (at 11:59pm)
3. Successful applicants notified: June 2024

Grant announcements and unsuccessful applicants notified: July 2024

How to Apply

The 2024 Research Grants Program applications are open from 29 January to 1 March 2024. 

Please note that due to limited funding and a competitive assessment process, not every application that meets the eligibility criteria may receive a WIRES Grant.

• Click on the APPLY NOW link below to access the WIRES Grant Portal
• Create an account and log in. Please note that you must tick "YES" to receive notifications if you wish to be sent confirmation of application submission.
• Read the information on the home page.
• Click on "Start application."
• Select your State/Territory
• Select "WIRES Research Grants Program 2024" 
• If you wish to leave a partially completed application, press 'Save + close' and log out.
• You can log back in and edit your application form until you are ready to submit.
• To submit your application, select the 'Submit application' button.
• Note that no changes can be made once this is selected.
• You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully received. If you do not receive an email, please ensure you check your junk mail and add us to your safe sender list.

APPLY NOW

Submissions open from 29 January - 1 March, 2024.

FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found at the end of the WIRES Research Grants Guidelines.

If you still have questions or require any further information after reading our FAQs, you can email the WIRES Projects & Grants Team at [email protected]