Office of National Intelligence

National Intelligence Community Research Program

The National Intelligence Community (NIC) Research Program enables the Australian academic community to undertake competitive, unclassified research into NIC research priorities. The program supports peer-reviewed research that deepens understanding of emerging science, social science, engineering and technology. NIC innovation is facilitated through the creation of sovereign expertise, discovery of new insights and development of an R&D ecosystem to underpin emerging technological capability.

Systematic and coordinated engagement between the NIC and Australia’s research community builds R&D capacity by supporting Australian researchers, fostering research students and driving strategic collaboration. The Independent Intelligence Review 2024 provides context about the NIC, emerging technologies and technological change.

Building upon the success of the Rounds 1 – 6, and lessons learned, the NIC Research Program has evolved the grant model for funding commencing in 2027. The National Intelligence Explore Award replaces the National Intelligence Discovery Grant and the National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grant.

 

The National Intelligence Explore Award (NIEA)

A NIEA (up to 12 available) provides up to $750k over three years to enable research into NIC research priorities and challenges. The NIEA will be awarded to early-mid career researchers partnering with experienced researchers and emerging PhD candidates. The NIEA will also enable the possibility for extension research.  Research proposals will be invited to address an Intelligence Science and Technology Challenge or a NIC-defined Research Topic.

To be eligible, the Lead Chief Investigator must:

  • Be an early-mid career researcher with a PhD in a relevant field within ten years of the EOI application closing date (career interruptions considered).
  • Be an Australian citizen or New Zealand Special Category Visa Holder.
  • Be sponsored by an accredited Australian University.

Two-stage Application Process 

  1. Expression of Interest (EOIs) applications

open: 2 November 2026

close: 10 December 2026

  1. Full applications by invitation only

open: 21 December 2026

close: 3 March 2027

 It is strongly recommended that you read the Grant Guidelines carefully to ensure your eligibility before applying.

Rounds

There are no rounds available for Office of National Intelligence at the moment.