Status: Closed
Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the ARC Breakthrough scheme.
Aim
Breakthrough will support a broad range of excellent research that addresses significant problems or gaps in knowledge.
Breakthrough is expected to open in Q3 2028. The scheme will run annually.
This information is indicative and is subject to consultation and information sessions which will inform design of the scheme in the final grant opportunity guidelines.
Research projects funded by Breakthrough should demonstrably advance knowledge with academic, economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia.
The proposed objectives of the Breakthrough scheme:
- Excellence: Support excellent and innovative research that addresses a significant problem or advances knowledge, with a diverse portfolio of project scales and disciplines.
- Benefit: Support research that provides value for money and serves the national interest in diverse ways, including fundamental knowledge creation; commercial, cultural, economic, environmental, or social benefits; and/or alignment with Australian government priority areas.
- Capacity: Support programs of research that enable researchers to develop as team members, mentors, collaborators and research leaders.
- Collaboration: Support mutually beneficial research collaboration between Australian researchers and local and/or international partners, where appropriate for an individual research project.
Projects of up to 5 years in duration may request between $200,000 and $600,000 per year. Direct costs may be applied for, including for example personnel, equipment, maintenance, teaching relief, and travel.
Individuals and research teams are eligible to apply.
ARC Research Points have been introduced to support broader participation in research projects and collaboration across grant opportunities, and these limits apply to this scheme.
Of your 13 Research Points, the following will be used for applications in the Breakthrough scheme:
- Lead CI: 5
- CI: 3
- SCI - ECR (salaried CI): 8
A Salaried Chief Investigator (SCI) may apply for another SCI role but can only hold one salary at a time.
NCGP legacy scheme grants will not be counted in the ARC Research Points limit.
Further eligibility requirements will be provided in the forthcoming grant guidelines.
Breakthrough is expected to open in Q3 2028.
The scheme will run annually.
Specific dates are yet to be released by the ARC.
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.