Australian Institute of Sport Research Grant Program

The National Sport Research Agenda, as led by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), includes a high-performance focus, described in the National High Performance Sport Research Agenda (NHPSRA, see Appendix 1), which was developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in partnership with the National Institutes Network (NIN). The responsibility of the NHPSRA is to prioritise resources and promote research in areas of critical importance to Australia’s high performance sport system.

In line with the Successful Athlete priority of the NHPSRA, the purpose of the 2024 AIS Research and Development Grant Program is to support the undertaking of quality Research and Development project(s) that will lead to better decision-making in the context of return to play and sport performance; supporting safe and efficient, state of the art management of injuries and/or illnesses.

Grant Amount

The total budget for the 2024 Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Research and Development Grants program is $400,000 (exclusive of GST). The AIS will determine the final grant amount as part of the assessment process.

The plan is that the project(s) will commence in 2024 and be completed in two calendar years from the commencement date, however the time frame may vary subject to written agreement with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Eligibility Requirements

The AIS will only accept applications from Eligible Organisations and:

• The Eligible Organisation submitting the application will be the ‘Administering Organisation’ (which must be the Organisation linked with the Principal Investigator).
• Eligible Organisation linked with Associate Investigator(s) listed on the application must be an ‘Other Eligible Organisation’.
• Eligible Organisation supporting the application without the direct involvement of an Investigator from their organization (e.g. endorsing the project, or providing cash and/or in kind support only) will be ‘Partner Organisations’.

To be eligible, the Organisations must:

• Not be an organisation named by the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (www.nationalredress.gov.au) on its list of “Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme”.
• Have an Australian Business Number; and
• Have demonstrated capabilities to undertake quality Research and Development projects to deliver outcomes aligned to the NHPSRA.

The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships for Australian Students.

Grant selection process

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) adopts the ARC’s Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE) Statement, supporting equitable access to research funding. The Australian Institute of Sport is seeking to increase equity in grant programs through improved advertising mechanisms and changes to the application and selection processes

The Australian Institute of Sport will appoint a Selection Committee to:

• Assess and shortlist EOI applications; and
• Assess full applications (interview process); and
• Make a recommendation related to the successful applicants.

The selection committee comprises of:

• AIS Chief Science Officer
• A member of the AIS Intensive Rehabilitation Program
• An expert in research design, epidemiology and/or statistics
• A current or former elite athlete
• A representative of the AIS National Network Leads
• An independent representative from the Australian Sport Sector.

How to apply for the Australian Institute of Sport Research Grant Program

Applications must be submitted online during the application period and applicants must:

• Complete and submit their applications form online on the Australian Sports Commission website
• Provide all the information requested on the application form.

Applicants are required to ensure their applications are complete and accurate as giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code 1995.

If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should make an official notification immediately at funding@ausport.gov.au. Note that no application can be changed after the closing date and time, unless upon special invitation to by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Visit the official website for more information and application.