Funding for University of Melbourne academics to deliver two-year programs of innovative, interdisciplinary research focused on our research themes. Successful applications are awarded a 0.1 FTE salary contribution and additional program funding of up to $50,000 per year, for two years.
STATUS: Closed.
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne works to recognise the expertise of Indigenous knowledge holders, and the knowledge systems in which they are a part. We advance research, build connections and develop engagement opportunities with Indigenous knowledge holders across Australia and throughout the world. Read more about us.
About the grant
The Research Theme Grant supports integrated two-year programs of innovative, interdisciplinary research that focus on our research themes in Indigenous knowledge, up to a maximum of $100,000.
Each theme is directed with a Theme Leader who will be selected for appointment through this application process.
Sometimes called traditional or local knowledge, Indigenous knowledge refers to the understandings and practices developed by Indigenous peoples through thousands of years of experience. Indigenous knowledge systems are characteristically holistic, relational, and rooted in a strong and continuing connection with the land, sky and waters.
Successful applications under this grant will receive a 0.1 FTE salary contribution for the Theme Leader and additional program funding of up to $50,000 per year, for two years. Theme Leaders will have central Institute support in delivering agreed activities aligned with Institute research and events priorities.
We invite proposals from prospective Theme Leaders for research that addresses an identified need or gap in Indigenous knowledge research.
Proposed research should align with one or more of our research priority areas:
- Country — Indigenous knowledge of sustaining environments and living ecologies
- Law — Indigenous knowledge in maintaining law, governance, and social cohesion
- Culture — Indigenous knowledge as applied through culture and creative expressions
- Futures — translating Indigenous knowledge for new applications
Applications must also include a minimum of three additional Chief Investigators from the University of Melbourne, and one Partner Organisation.
Eligibility and selection criteria
All University of Melbourne academic staff employed at no less than 0.2 FTE are eligible to apply for this funding.
Proposals will be assessed against these five selection criteria:
- Indigenous Knowledge Research Advancement
- Commitment to Partnership
- Interdisciplinarity and Approach
- Impact and Researcher Development
- Feasibility and Budget
Successful past programs
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute has funded Research Theme programs for 2022-2023 and 2024-2025. Find out more.
Key dates
Key dates will be updated when the grant reopens.
Applications open | Early August, to be confirmed |
Information/drop-in sessions | One-on-one discussion with the Institute Director on request |
Applications close | Early September, to be confirmed |
Assessor reviews | September, to be confirmed |
Funding outcomes | October, to be confirmed |
Funding commences | December, to be confirmed |
How to apply
Download the Research Theme Information Pack
For more information, please contact us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au.