Status: Closed
Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the Lead and Mentor scheme.
Aim
Lead and Mentor supports outstanding researchers to develop the next generation of researchers and research leaders by providing high-quality training and development opportunities through excellent and innovative research projects.
Lead and Mentor is expected to open in Q3 2027. The scheme will run annually.
The information on this webpage is indicative and is subject to consultation and information sessions which will inform design of the scheme in the final grant opportunity guidelines.
Lead and Mentor supports research leaders to develop the next generation of researchers through projects led by a single established mid-career or senior researcher, recognising that both cohorts play a critical role in mentoring and supervision of early-career researcher (ECR) teams.
The proposed objectives of the Lead and Mentor scheme:
- Excellence: Support the development of the next generation of researcher and research leaders through excellent and innovative research in ECR teams that addresses a significant problem or advances knowledge, led by an experienced and skilled mentor with an established record of delivering outstanding outcomes in leadership.
- Benefit: Support projects that build the next generation of researchers through 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 outstanding mid-career and senior researchers with exceptional leadership, mentoring, collaboration and supervisory skills across the sector, to provide a supportive and inclusive research training environment that helps the next generation of researchers advance in their careers.
- Collaboration: Support mutually beneficial research collaboration with local and/or international partners, enabling established researchers to share their skills and networks with early-career researchers, where appropriate for an individual research project.
Projects of up to 5 years in duration may request 2 salaried CIs, 2 HDRs and up to $250,000 in per year in project funding. Direct costs may be applied for, including for example personnel, equipment, maintenance, teaching relief, and travel.
Lead and Mentor will include designated awards. These support ambassadorial activities representing key cohorts.
The Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Georgina Sweet Awards will continue in this scheme, recognising outstanding women researchers.
2 new dedicated awards will recognise outstanding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers.
Individuals with a strong record of research leadership and mentoring across the sector 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 Lead and Mentor scheme:
- Lead CI: 7
- 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.
Lead and Mentor is expected to open in Q3 2027.
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.