GO8179: Linkage Projects for funding applied for in 2026
The Linkage Projects scheme supports projects which initiate or develop long term strategic research alliances to apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge and as a basis for securing commercial and other benefits of research.
There will be one assessment round for Linkage Projects for funding applied for in 2026.
Please refer to the Important Dates document for detailed information about the assessment round dates.
The Linkage Projects scheme objectives are to:
- support internationally competitive research projects and teams on challenges or opportunities of relevance to research end-users
- foster the establishment and strengthening of research alliances between higher education organisations and research end-users
- enhance the scale and focus of research, including in Australian Government priority areas
The intended outcomes of the Linkage Projects scheme are:
- new or strengthened collaborations and research alliances between universities and research end-users
- new knowledge that is of benefit to Australian research end-users, including in Australian Government priority areas
- and economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia
Applications will only be accepted from Eligible Organisations identified in Appendix B (the Administering Organisation).
Applications must include at least one Partner Organisation; nominate at least one Chief Investigator (CI); include a commitment from Partner Organisation(s) to provide total eligible cash and/or in-kind contributions that at least match the total funding requested from the ARC; and include a commitment from Partner Organisation(s) to provide total eligible cash contributions of at least 25% of the total funding requested (unless all Partner Organisations are Exempt Partner Organisations).
Each Partner Organisation must participate for the project activity period, make a project-specific contribution (cash and/or in-kind/other material resources), and provide a Letter of Partner Organisation Certification using the proforma on GrantConnect.
CIs must meet at least one of:
- be an employee for at least 0.2 FTE at an Eligible Organisation, or hold an honorary academic appointment at an Eligible Organisation
- CIs must reside in Australia for more than 50% of the project activity period
- CIs must not undertake an HDR during the project activity period
Named participants must have met obligations regarding previously funded projects (including submission of satisfactory final reports).
Partner Organisations whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or State/Territory government sources for the purposes of research are subject to contribution limits described in the guidelines.
Applications must not include medical research as detailed in the ARC Medical Research Policy (2025 version).
Applications must be completed in RMS and include a National Interest Test statement.
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Contact information available on the grant website.
Last updated: 12 February 2026