Research Grants Program

Research Grants Program

Have you got 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 (WIRES RGP) is proudly supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales (RZS NSW) and 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 effectively tackle these challenges. Collectively, we can deliver the best long-term outcomes nationally for all native species.

WIRES RGP Objectives

The WIRES Research Grants Program (WIRES RGP) has been developed to provide support for 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:

These objectives will be achieved by supporting robust scientific research, leading to evidence-based practices. Our aim is 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 and therefore eligible applications will be evaluated by an assessment panel. This assessment will be based on proposed project, value for money, collaborative opportunities, funding priorities, demonstrated need and the funds available.

Funding Available

A total funding pool of up to $500,000 per year, is available until 2024. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals 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.

Grant Process

Research Grants Program

Key Dates

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

Applications open: 30th January 2023

Applications close: 10th March 2023 (at 11:59pm)

Successful applicants notified: 8th May 2023

Grant announcements and unsuccessful applicants notified: 16th June 2023

How to Apply

Applications for 2023 Research Grants Program are now open until 10th March 2023.

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.

Applications for 2023 Research Grants Program are now closed.

FAQs

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

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

The WIRES Research Grants Program (WIRES RGP) is proudly supported by the

Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

Research Grants Program


Research Grants Program



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