Funding for University of Melbourne researchers from all disciplines, up to a maximum of $20,000, to support innovative, interdisciplinary research projects with a focus on Indigenous Knowledge.
STATUS: Applications open 1 June and close 27 July 2026.
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
We invite proposals for innovative, interdisciplinary research projects with a focus on Indigenous knowledge to access our Seed Funding.
Grants are available up to a maximum of $20,000 per project.
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.
The research project should address an identified need or gap in the field of Indigenous knowledge research.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Researchers from all disciplines across the University of Melbourne are eligible to apply. Researchers can apply with multiple projects but will only be awarded one project as a lead researcher. Chief Investigators named on the application must be existing University of Melbourne academic staff employed at no less than 0.2 FTE.
Proposals will be assessed against five selection criteria:
1. Indigenous knowledge research advancement
Does the project aim to advance research into Indigenous knowledge? To what extent does the project address an identified gap or need in this field?
2. Commitment to partnership
To what extent does the project team demonstrate existing capacity to engage with Indigenous partners or in corporate relationship development as part of the project? To what extent does the project demonstrate benefit for Indigenous Partner Investigators and/or Partner Organisations, Partner commitment to the project, research engagements with Indigenous knowledge holders, and opportunities for Indigenous knowledge holders to co-develop the project and its research outputs?
3. Interdisciplinarity and approach
To what extent will the project and participants engage in interdisciplinary research and advance interdisciplinary
research approaches?
4. Community impact and Indigenous researcher development
How will the project benefit end-users, including Indigenous people? What is its expected reach and impact? To what extent does the project provide opportunities to develop Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, particularly those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander?
5. Feasibility and budget
To what extent are the project’s scope, budget, and aims feasible? Are all requested budget items well justified
All applications must meet the selection criteria, must be primarily oriented towards research, and must demonstrate how they can achieve their intended outcomes. All projects must be a new or novel idea. This grant will not fund continuations of existing or funded projects.
The following are not supported by this grant:
- Scholarly investigations that are not anticipated to lead to conceptual advances or discoveries or to novel practical outcomes and applications, such as uncritical bibliographical compilations, purely descriptive catalogues, and editions that do not involve original research.
- Activities that lead solely to the creation or performance of a work of art without a clear plan for scholarly dissemination and publication.
- Activities that lead solely to the creation of teaching materials without a clear plan for scholarly dissemination and publication.
- Activities that lead solely to the development of research aids and tools, including computer programs, without a clear plan for scholarly dissemination and publication.
Applications are evaluated by a review panel comprising the IKI Director, IKI Director of Research Capability, and three invited academics. This is a highly competitive grant and applications will be rigorously assessed against the selection criteria.
Successful past grants
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute has awarded Seed Funding Grants each year since 2021. Find out more.
Key dates
Key dates for this seed funding opportunity are set out in the table below.
Applications open | 1 June 2026 |
Applications close | 27 July (COB) 2026 |
Assessor reviews | August 2026 |
Funding outcomes | September 2026 |
Funding commences | October 2026 |
How to apply
To apply, please complete the Seed Funding Grant application form, online, accessible via the button below. We will only accept responses online between our nominated application open and close dates.
For more information, please contact us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au
Complete the online application form