UQ Early Career Researcher Development: Discovery Research Fund (DRF)

Key dates

Round opens: Monday 17 August 2026
Research Office Information Session: Thursday 27 August 2026
Applications due to Research Office: by 5pm, Friday 18 September 2026
Anticipated outcomes: mid Novemver 2026

Overview

Discovery research underpins the advancement of knowledge through the generation of new ideas, theories, methods and insights. It is a critical foundation for long‑term research excellence and for building competitive research careers.

The Discovery Research Fund is an investment in Early Career Researchers (ECRs) researchers who are developing intellectual independence through a coherent discovery research trajectory.

The scheme is intended to provide UQ ECRs with dedicated support to develop and advance discovery-focused research programs and research proposals that position them to be competitive for externally-funded grants and fellowships.

Application Development Support

To assist UQ researchers in preparing their UQ ECR DRF applications, the Research Office will host an Information Session aimed at helping ECRs to understand the intended scope of this scheme, their eligibility to apply, and equip them with the knowledge to prepare a competitive and high-quality application and proposal.

Information Session

The Information Session for the UQ ECR Discovery Research Fund was held on Thursday 27 August 2026.

Access the recording and slides here (login required)

The session provided information relevant to UQ ECR DRF applicants and partnerships.

How to apply

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the key UQ documentation.
Step 2: Complete your application using the Application Form, ensuring you have uploaded all completed templates, including Supervisor Statement and Organisational Unit Approval. Completed Application Forms and attachments will be automatically emailed to the Research Office Internal Schemes team.

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 documents

Templates

Additional Resources