SRN Research Pilot Project funding scheme is an annual, competitive program that supports cross-disciplinary university collaboration in New South Wales and the ACT. The key objective of the SRN Research Pilot Projects is to conduct a rapid feasibility study on new ideas for Space and develop these ideas into concepts or technologies that can attract further investment from the government or industry. Research Pilot Projects should demonstrate high potential to satisfy an existing or emerging Space capability need or an existing or emerging industry need.
It is the intention of the Network to understand industry capabilities and needs in alignment with Australia’s space priorities. The identification of a set of Research Pilot Projects will focus on capability priorities identified in the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028. These pilot projects will either be in direct response to an existing industry problem or will be framed to target an unmet Space capability. As outlined in the NSW Space Industry Development Strategy, the NSW government has committed $5M to establish a space manufacturing capability in Western Sydney. In line with the commitment of the Federal and NSW Governments to provide funding towards Advanced Manufacturing capability in Space, at least one of the pilot projects will be focused on addressing issues around advanced manufacturing related to the space sector. Other national space priority areas will underpin the remaining Pilot Projects. It is expected that these pilot projects will form the basis of future funding submissions to the ASA, the Australian Research Council (ARC), CRC-P and/or other R&D leveraged funding.
Topics
Research Pilot Projects should address an identified need. Priority will be given to projects that align with the Australian Civil Space Strategy Capability Priorities and that are seen to position NSW/ACT researchers and industry to be competitive for further funding.
Application process
Application for the SRN Research Pilot Project grant is a one stage process. Proposals should be submitted to admin@srn.org.au by the published due date.
Assessment
All complete applications will be assessed by the SRN Technical Review Panel on a competitive basis relative to the criteria
- Identified Need in Space
- Potential for impact and implementation pathway
- Novelty and potential to become world-leading
- Technical/ Scientific Merits, Scientific and Technical Risk, Best Collaborative Team
Timeline
| 07-Dec-21 | Call for Proposals Issued |
| 18-Feb-22 | Applications due – deadline extended |
| 25-Mar-22 | Technical Review Panel Assessment |
| 1-May-22 | Result announcement |
| May- Jun 22 | Contracting |
| 01-Jul-22 | Project Start |