UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards

Key dates for UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards 2026

Round opens: Friday, 24 April 2026
Nominations due to UQ Research Office: Friday, 22 May 2026, 5:00 PM
HoS/Institute Recommendations due to Faculty and Institute Managers (FIRMs): Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 5:00 PM
Announcement: Research and Innovation Week, UQ Research and Innovation Awards for Excellence – held in September 2026.

Overview

The University of Queensland Foundation Research Excellence Awards (UQ FREA) celebrates the exceptional research achievements and leadership potential of individual early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs). By recognising and supporting EMCRs this prestigious award aims to foster their development as research leaders, enabling them to make a sustained impact in their disciplines.

UQ FREA aims to accelerate the career development of the recipients, empowering researchers to enhance their research trajectory and leadership capabilities over a 12-month period.

The selection of awardees will be based on two primary criteria:

Track record: the nominee’s track record of excellence and impact in their field, relative to opportunity.
Proposal: The merit of the proposal to utilise UQ FREA funding to enhance their career development and establish themselves as emerging research leaders.

Awards of up to $50,000 are available. Funding will commence on 01 January 2027, and it is expected that funds will be fully expended within 12 months.

How to apply

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the key UQ documentation.
Step 2: Complete the UQ FREA Nomination form.
Step 3: Request completion and submission of the UQ FREA Recommendation Form by your HoS/Institute.
Step 4: HoS/Institute submit completed UQ FREA Recommendation Forms to relevant FIRM.

Readership and researcher support

Before applying, we recommend you:

Familiarise yourself with the framework for Applying for Competitive Research Grants at UQ.
Contact your faculty or institute research manager for advice on peer readership programs.
Subscribe to the UQ R&I Mailer to stay up to date with round developments.
Access the UQ R&I Grants Library, a helpful resource of past successful proposals.
Read the UQ R&I Grant writing advice and strategy website for tips on preparing your application

Key Resources

Additional resources

SAMPLE 2026 UQ FREA Nomination Form
Visit the UQ Library's website for assistance with bibliometrics including collating evidence of end-user impact.

Reporting

UQ FREA Final Report Proforma (post-award resource) (DOC, 2.3 MB)