The Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) supports cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry which address Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) priorities and contribute to ADF capability.
The CRG is one mechanism in which the DSC supports the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) to enable the research and industry sector to focus their work on the development of advanced and asymmetric capabilities in key technological areas.
The Collaborative Research Grant is co-funded through the Western Australian State Government and DSTG.
Application information
Applications for Round 8 of the Defence Science Centre Collaborative Research Grant are currently open and will close at 5pm AWST on 23 October 2026.
To be eligible, applications must:
- Include at least one DSC member university and one eligible industry partner
- Address the published research theme and a clearly defined Defence challenge
- Start at TRL 2 or higher and demonstrate a pathway to increased maturity
- Include only Australian citizen participants
- Be submitted by the closing date using the specified application process
- Individual researchers may participate in only one application
Round 8 Research Theme – Logistics Under Conflict
Defence operations at range depend on long and vulnerable supply chains. This grant round seeks research that can improve Defence's ability to sustain capability when supply, movement, infrastructure, health support or local demand are disrupted by distance, environmental conditions or adversary action
Applications must address one or more of the following topic areas:
- Decision advantage under disruption
- Physical infrastructure resilience
- Disrupted health support
- Critical supply sovereignty, preservation and substitution
- Demand reduction at point of need
Read the full theme description in the Guidelines for Applicants
Assessment process
Eligible applications will be assessed against four criteria:
- Alignment
- Collaboration
- Feasibility
- Impact and Translation
Successful applicants will then participate in a co-design process with DSC, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Defence stakeholders to refine project scope, research questions and deliverables before contracting.
CRG Round 8 – FAQs
Show moreWill you accept late submissions?
No, any late submissions will not be considered.
Will you accept incomplete submissions?
No, the application form contains details on required information.
Can I attach additional information beyond the application form?
We will accept up to 1 page of additional or supplementary material.
Can an individual researcher participate in more than one application?
No. Individual researchers may participate in only one application.
Eligibility
Show moreWho can participate in a Collaborative Research Grant project?
Applications must include at least one DSC member university and at least one eligible industry partner. All project participants must be Australian citizens.
Do project team members require a security clearance?
No security clearance is required at the application stage. However, successful projects may be subject to additional security requirements, personnel screening, export control considerations or other research protection measures depending on the nature of the work.
Does my project need to fit within a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?
Yes. Projects must commence at TRL 2 or higher and demonstrate a credible pathway to increased maturity during the project.
Collaboration
Show moreDo I need to collaborate with more than one university?
No. Applications must include at least one DSC member university. Additional university partners may be included where appropriate to the project.
Do I need an industry partner?
Yes, the nature of the grant is to encourage collaboration with industry.
Do you require detailed information on industry partners?
Yes. Applications should identify all project partners, their roles and responsibilities, and any cash or in-kind contributions they will provide.
I’m interested in participating but I’m not part of a team.
Contact dsc@dpc.wa.gov.au with your details and we can recommend a collaborator.
Funding
Show moreHow much funding can I request?
Funding requests are generally expected to be between $50,000 and $200,000.
Do I need to request the maximum funding amount?
No. Applicants should request the amount required to deliver the proposed project and achieve the stated outcomes.
How many projects will be funded?
DSC will fund as many projects as possible.
Is co-investment required?
No. Co-investment is not mandatory. However, applicants should identify any cash or in-kind contributions being provided by project partners as part of the proposal.
Should budget amounts include GST?
If you have to pay GST on these items, please indicate this.
Intellectual Property
Show moreWho owns intellectual property generated through the project?
Ownership of project intellectual property will remain with the participating organisations, subject to agreements between project partners. Applicants are responsible for establishing suitable intellectual property arrangements before execution of the grant agreement.
Does Defence Science Centre claim ownership of project IP?
No. However, where the Australian Department of Defence materially contributes to a project, applicants may be required to grant a licence to the Commonwealth for Commonwealth purposes.
Assessment and Selection
Show moreHow will applications be assessed?
Eligible applications will be assessed against four criteria:
- Alignment
- Collaboration
- Feasibility
- Impact and Translation
Applications will be assessed on the information provided in the application and supporting documentation.
Will successful applicants have to work with Defence after selection?
Yes. Successful applicants will participate in a co-design process with DSC, DSTG and relevant Defence stakeholders to refine project scope, research questions and deliverables before contracting. This co-design process does not alter the ownership arrangements for project intellectual property and does not create any intellectual property rights for DSC, DSTG or the Commonwealth.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For questions regarding eligibility, scope, application requirements or collaboration opportunities, contact DSC@dpc.wa.gov.au or call (08) 6552 5207.
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