1. Macquarie University
  2. Research
  3. Our research
  4. Funding and grants
  5. ARC schemes
  6. Discovery Early Career Researcher Award
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Status: Closed

Find out information about  the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA).

Aim

The objectives of the DECRA scheme are to:

  • support outstanding early-career researchers with demonstrated capacity for high-quality research and emerging capability for leadership and supervision
  • foster collaboration, with national or international researchers
  • support excellent and innovative research that addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge and represents value for money
  • create new or advanced knowledge resulting from the outcomes of the research with economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia
  • advance promising early career researchers and promote enhanced opportunities for diverse career pathways in high-quality and supportive environments.

A DECRA recipient may be awarded ARC funding of up to $179,734 per year of funding. The per annum salary contribution from the ARC is fixed at $129,734 (2026$), including 30% on-costs, and up to a maximum of $50,000 project costs. Salary and/or project costs will not be awarded separately.

Funding for a 2027 DECRA project will commence effective 1 January 2027, unless other arrangements are approved by the ARC.
Eligibility criteria for the 2027 DECRA scheme
  • By the grant opportunity closing date (11 March 2026), candidates must have been awarded a PhD.
  • The PhD award date (i.e. the date on the testamur) must be on or after 1 March 2021. If a candidate's PhD was awarded earlier than this, they must complete an Eligibility exemption request form to check their eligibility.
  • Candidates can only apply twice in the period in which they are eligible.
  • An individual must not be nominated for more than one DECRA in a grant opportunity.
  • A previous recipient of a DECRA is not eligible to apply for another DECRA.
  • At least 80% of your time must be dedicated to the DECRA research.
  • You must spend at least 50% of your time during the completion of the DECRA in Australia.
  • Candidates must adhere to the ARC project limits.
  • Your project must be eligible according to the ARC Medical Research Policy.
Dates for funding commencing in 2027
  • Macquarie University EOI open: Friday 21 March 2025
  • ARC Grant Guidelines released: Wednesday 17 September 2025
  • Macquarie University EOI deadline: 12pm (AEST) Monday 5 January 2026
  • ARC opening date in RMS: Wednesday 28 January 2026
  • Strategic review (optional): 6 to 12 February 2026, select your date and time in this booking calendar
  • MQ request not to assess deadline: Wednesday 18 February 2026
  • Compliance and eligibility check (mandatory): 20 to 26 February 2026, select your date and time in this booking calendar
  • ARC request not to assess close: Wednesday 25 February 2026
  • Research Services submission to ARC: Wednesday 11 March 2026
  • Rejoinder period: 25 May to 5 June 2026
  • Outcomes expected: 9 to 23 December 2026

ARC dates are indicative and are subject to change
DECRA Expression of Interest (EOI) for Funding Commencing in 2027
  • DECRA EOI form for funding commencing in 2027
  • Due by 12 pm (AEST) Monday 5 January 2026 (late EOIs may still be considered - please contact the Grant Development Team by email if you have any questions)
  • Submit your EOI via email to grant.development@mq.edu.au
  • EOIs will be assessed within faculties and those deemed competitive will advance to the full application stage.
  • Note: Although the EOI deadline has now passed, if you wish to be considered as a DECRA candidate through Macquarie University in the 2027 round, please discuss your project with your Macquarie academic contact, Faculty contact or the Grant Development Team who may be able to advise you on the late EOI submission process.
Webinars for Funding Commencing in 2027
  • Introduction to the ARC DECRA Funding Scheme
    Date: 19 November 2025
    Time: 12:00-13:30
    Location: Zoom, Recording
    Speaker: jackson haberlin (Research Services) and Dr Emma Burns (DECRA Fellow, Faculty of Arts)
  • Developing your Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence for the DECRA scheme
    Date:     29 January 2026
    Time: 12:00-13:30
    Location: Zoom
    Speaker: jackson haberlin (Research Services)
    Recording: Please access the DE26 recording from last round. There was unfortunately a technical issue with the recording of this year's session and it's not available for distribution. As there have been no meaningful changes made to the DE27 scheme compared to last round, the recording from last year's DE26 scheme can be used to help prepare your application in the current round. All the advice and guidance is applicable to the DE27 scheme (the only exception is that the key dates are different as they are this year, not last year!)
  • Developing your DECRA Project Description and Letter of Support
    Date:     3 February 2026
    Time: 12:00-13:30
    Location: Zoom, Recording
    Speaker: jackson haberlin (Research Services) and Prof Katie Barclay (College of Experts member, Faculty of Arts)
  • Building your DECRA Budget
    Date:     5 February 2026
    Time: 12:00-13:30
    Location: Zoom, Recording
    Speaker:     jackson haberlin (Research Services)
  • Crafting an effective DE27 Rejoinder
    Date: 27 May 2026
    Time: 12:00-13:30
    Location: Zoom, Recording
    Speaker: jackson haberlin (Research Services) and Prof Richard McDermid (ARC College of Experts Member, Faculty of Science and Engineering)
DECRA information for funding commencing in 2027
ARC information
Macquarie resources

If you are an external applicant applying for a DECRA through Macquarie University, please email grant.development@mq.edu.au for access to any of these resources.