Research Theme Grants
Successful applications under the Research Theme grant scheme will include a 0.1 FTE salary contribution for the Theme Leader and additional Theme program funding of up to $50,000 per year for two years.
STATUS: Closed. The next funding round will take place in 2023
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute (IKI) aims to advance interdisciplinary research and engagement in Indigenous knowledge systems. IKI is a Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institute, which aims to promote research linkages and collaboration across the University and play a lead role in translating University research to external audiences.
About the grant scheme
The IKI Research Theme grant scheme supports integrated two-year programs of interdisciplinary research that focus on new proposed Themes in Indigenous knowledge. Each Theme will be directed with a Theme Leader at 0.1 FTE, who will be selected for appointment through this application process.
IKI invites proposals for innovative, interdisciplinary research programs with a focus on specific Themes in Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge, sometimes also called traditional or local knowledge, refers to the understandings and practices developed by Indigenous peoples through thousands of years of experience. Indigenous knowledge systems are typically holistic, relational, and rooted in a strong and continuing connection with the waters, land, and sky. The Theme’s research program should address an identified need or gap in the field of Indigenous knowledge research.
There are two Theme Leader roles available this round. IKI invites proposals from prospective Theme Leaders for innovative and interdisciplinary research Theme programs that address an identified need or gap in Indigenous knowledge research. Proposed Themes should align with one or more IKI 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
Successful applications under this scheme will include a 0.1 FTE salary contribution for the Theme Leader and additional Theme program funding of up to $50,000 per year for two years. Theme Leaders will have central IKI support in delivering agreed activities aligned with IKI research and events priorities. Applications must also include a minimum of three additional CIs from the University of Melbourne who provide interdisciplinary expertise, 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 for programs up to a maximum of $100,000. 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
Key dates
Key dates for the IKI Research Theme grant scheme are set out in the table below:
Applications open | Monday 30 August 2021 |
Information/drop-in sessions |
One-on-one discussion with IKI Director on request |
Applications close | Monday 1 November 2021 (COB) |
Assessor reviews | 8-12 November 2021 |
Funding outcomes | Week commencing 22 November 2021 |
Funding commences | December 2021 |
Guidance on equitable remuneration of community research participants can be found at the Melbourne Social Equity Institute's website. See also the IKI Charter for Research with Indigenous Knowledge Holders.
How to apply
Download the Research Theme Information Pack Download the Application Form
For more information contact us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au or attend one of our IKI Theme Leader Information Sessions.