GO8166: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award for funding commencing in 2027
The DECRA grant opportunity provides focused research support for early career researchers in both teaching and research, and research-only positions.
The DECRA scheme objectives are to:
- support outstanding early-career researchers with demonstrated capacity for high-quality research and emerging capability for leadership and supervision
- foster collaboration, with national or international researchers
- support excellent and innovative research that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge and represents value for money
- create new or advanced knowledge resulting from the outcomes of the research with economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia
- and advance promising early career researchers and promote enhanced opportunities for diverse career pathways in high-quality and supportive environments
The intended outcome of the Discovery Program is to contribute to the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity.
Increasing Australia’s research and innovation capacity generates new knowledge and results in the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia.
Applications must be submitted by an Eligible Organisation (the Administering Organisation) listed in Appendix B.
Each application must include only one DECRA candidate and one Administering Organisation.
To be eligible the candidate must meet the PhD award-date eligibility published on the ARC website (PhD award date on or after the grant opportunity eligibility dates) or have an award of PhD date together with allowable career interruption(s) that make them commensurate with the eligibility dates; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent certification is required for certain non-standard qualifications or career-interruption circumstances.
A previous recipient of a DECRA is not eligible to apply.
An individual nominated for DECRA on two previous occasions (over the period in which the candidate is eligible) is not eligible to apply.
Named participants must satisfy the general Discovery Program requirements (including: not undertaking an HDR during the project, meeting obligations on previously funded projects, and other eligibility rules).
Fellows must:
- obtain legal right to work and reside in Australia prior to project commencement if not Australian citizens
- reside for more than 50% of the project activity period in Australia
- work a minimum of 80% FTE on research activities related to the Fellowship
- not spend more than 20% FTE on unrelated activities such as teaching
- meet relinquishment requirements where applicable
Administering Organisations must follow Instructions to Applicants, submit applications through the ARC Research Management System (RMS) by dates published on GrantConnect, and provide required certifications and statements (including National Interest Test).
Applications must not include medical research as defined in the ARC Medical Research Policy.
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Contact information available on the grant website.
Last updated: 12 February 2026