National Intelligence Explore Award 2027

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EOI Application Form

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Applicants: please note

Before completing this application form you should read the guidelines and FAQ.

Please also review the draft grant agreement that you will need to sign if you are eligible for the grant.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This section of the application form will help you, and us, understand if you are eligible for this grant.

You are required to confirm your eligibility to proceed with an application.

If you have any questions in regard to these eligibility criteria, please contact NICRP@oni.gov.au

If you do contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below.

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About this grant

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.

A National Intelligence Explore Award (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 are invited to address an Intelligence Science and Technology Challenge or a NIC-defined Research Topic.

Two-stage Application Process

Expression of Interest (EOIs) applications;

  • open: 2 November 2026
  • close: 10 December 2026

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.

EOI applications are to be submitted by the Lead Chief Investigator certified by the Research Office of an Eligible Sponsoring Organisation listed in the grant guidelines.

Individuals named in an EOI application must satisfy the eligibility criteria for the role they are to perform as at the Commencement Date and for the duration of the Project.

EOI applications under this grant opportunity must have:

  • one Lead Chief Investigator (CI) who is an Early-Mid Career Researcher (EMCR); and
  • one Eligible Organisation (that is the Sponsoring Organisation).

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.

Eligibility

Is the Lead Chief Investigator an Australian citizen or New Zeleand Special Category Visa Holder based at an Australian University? * Required
Response required.
Is the Lead Chief Investigator an early-mid career researcher with a PhD in a relevant field within ten years of the EOI application closing date? * Required
Response required.
Career Interruptions will be considered within the first 10 years after the PhD was conferred, as long as the interruption period is less than the research working period after the PhD was conferred.
Is the EOI sponsored by an eligible organisation listed in Table 2 of the guidelines? * Required
Response required.

Ineligible (Not Applicable)

This section is not applicable because of your response to questions:

  • "Is the Lead Chief Investigator an Australian citizen or New Zeleand Special Category Visa Holder based at an Australian University?" on page 1
  • "Is the Lead Chief Investigator an early-mid career researcher with a PhD in a relevant field within ten years of the EOI application closing date?" on page 1

Because of your answer to 'No' to one or more of the above questions, you are not eligible to submit an application for the National Intelligence Explore Award grant.

If you have any questions please contact:

National Intelligence Community Research Program Email: NICRP@oni.gov.au