Research 
 Grants Program 

WIRES Research Grants Program

WIRES launched a dedicated Research Grants Program in 2022, following the Black Summer Bushfires, to invest in research supporting the wildlife sector, nationally. The Research Grants Program was designed to address the significant knowledge gaps surrounding Australian wildlife and their habitats, and it was proudly supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

The Research Grants Program was developed to support wildlife research across Australia, focused on proposals that had tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife. Funding granted through this program was available for up to three (3) years, with grants administered through WIRES.

The overall objective of the WIRES Research Grants Program was to:

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

The program aimed to support robust scientific research, leading to evidence-based practices. It was a competitive grants program, and an assessment panel was set up to evaluate eligible applications. Assessments were based on the proposed project, value for money, collaborative opportunities, funding priorities, and demonstrated need. Ideal projects would 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 would improve long-term ecological outcomes in Australia.