1. Macquarie University
  2. Research
  3. Our research
  4. Funding and grants
  5. ARC schemes
  6. Discovery Projects

Contact the Grant Development Team

Research Services

Contact the research managers for faculty-specific processes Workshops and online resources about funding applications Macquarie research management system Pivot Research Professional (Pivot-RP)

Status: Closed

Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the ARC Discovery Projects.

Aim

The objectives of the ARC Discovery Projects scheme are to:

  • support excellent pure basic, strategic basic and applied research, and research training, across all disciplines excluding clinical and other medical research, that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge and represents value for money;
  • expand research capacity in Australia by supporting excellent researchers and teams;
  • foster national and international research collaboration;
  • create new knowledge with economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia; and
  • enhance the scale and focus of research in Australian Government priority areas.

The minimum level of funding provided by the ARC is $30,000 per year, with a maximum of $500,000 per year. Projects may be applied for and awarded funding for up to five consecutive years. Direct costs may be applied for, including for example personnel, equipment, maintenance, teaching relief, and travel.
For funding commencing in 2028:
  • DP28 will consist of full applications only.
  • There will not be an expression of interest (EOI) stage, no request not to assess (RNTA) opportunities, or rejoinders.
  • CIs can only apply for one DP28.
  • CIs can only apply if they were not awarded a DP26 or DP27.
For funding commencing in 2027:
  • Anticipated announcement: 14 to 28 January 2027
For funding commencing in 2028:
  • ARC Grant Guidelines released: Wednesday 28 October 2026 (see Forecast Opportunity)
  • ARC opening date in RMS: Monday 1 February 2027
  • Strategic review (optional): 1 to 9 April 2027, select your date and time in this booking calendar
  • Compliance and eligibility check (mandatory): 19 to 23 April 2027, select your date and time in this booking calendar
  • Research Services submission to ARC: Monday 10 May 2027
  • Outcomes expected: 18 April to 3 May 2028

DP28 will consist of full applications only. There will not be an expression of interest (EOI) stage, no request not to assess (RNTA) opportunities, or rejoinders.

These are indicative dates from the ARC and are subject to change.
Notification Of Intent (NOI)
Complete a Notification of Intent to inform your Faculty and the University Research Services teams of your intention to submit an application. After completing this NOI, you will be provided with regular updates about your funding scheme and sent valuable resources that will assist you in developing a highly competitive research grant application.
ARC information for funding commencing in 2028
Macquarie full application resources

Certification Form - this must be completed by participants at non-MQ organisations in Australia at the full application stage only (i.e. it does not need to be completed at the EOI stage). Overseas organisations do not need to complete the form. MQ CIs not in the same School or Department as the lead CI must also complete this form, as only the lead CI's HoS/HoD can sign off via Pure. Upload the completed form(s) to your Pure record by your full application mandatory compliance and eligibility check date.