The Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Indigenous scheme supports research programs led by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers and builds the research capacity of higher degree research students and early career researchers.

The Discovery Indigenous scheme includes support for Discovery Australian and Torres Strait Island Awards which are fellowships available to eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers.

The Discovery Indigenous scheme is an integral part of the ARC’s Discovery Program. The intended outcome of the Discovery Program is to contribute to the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity. Increasing Australia’s research and innovation capacity generates new knowledge and results in the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia.

Discovery Indigenous projects:

• support excellent basic and applied research and research training by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers - as individuals and as teams
• support national and international research collaboration
• enhance the scale and focus of research in Australia
• support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers

The intended outcomes of the Discovery Indigenous scheme are:

• an expanded knowledge base and research capacity in Australia
• economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia

The Discovery Indigenous scheme provides project funding of between $30,000 and $500,000 per year for up to 5 years. A project may include a Discovery Australian and Torres Strait Island Award which provides salary support, at one of 5 salary levels.

Eligibility 

The funder only accepts applications from eligible organisations listed in Appendix B on page 25 of the guidelines.

• Phone: (02) 6287 6600
• Email: arc-ncgp@arc.gov.au