Status: Closed
Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the Macquarie University Strategic Research Initiative (MQSRI) Scheme 2026
Aim
The Macquarie University Strategic Research Initiative Scheme (MQSRI) provides seed funding to advance and accelerate research within the University’s Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) and provide a sustainable pipeline of proof-of-concept research that will lead to high quality publications and externally funded research income.
The MQSRI scheme is designed to seed outstanding projects from investigative teams from, or involved with, Macquarie University SRIs. The proposed research must directly relate to the scope of research within the nominated SRI and provide a strong justification as to how this research will advance and accelerate research within the relevant SRI.
The MQSRI Scheme enables researchers to develop a research project into a viable proposal for submission to an external funder. The submission of an application for external research funding within 24 months of completing the MQSRI project is a condition of the award.
Maximum $100,000 to cover research project costs for a maximum period of 24 months.
Applications must meet all eligibility requirements listed in the guidelines (refer to page 4-5).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements of the MQSRI scheme prior to completing and submitting an application.
- Deadline: Tuesday 21 April, 11:59pm (late applications will not be accepted)
- Submit via: Pure RMS. The Pure application must be 'sent to internal approval' in Pure by the deadline. following the deadline.
- Approval from Head of Department/School and Deputy Dean Research and Innovation will be obtained in Pure after the deadline (see the application process on page 8 of the guidelines). Approvals will be managed by the Grant Development Team following the deadline.
- File format: the MQSRI application form (and the contract certification form if required) must be saved as a single PDF named: “Surname_MQSRI” e.g. “Smith_MQSRI”
Please note: it has come to our attention that you are unable to combine the PDF application form with the contract certification form. Please upload as two separate documents in Pure. - Help: See Appendix B in the guidelines for screenshots and step-by-step Pure instructions in the MQSRI guidelines
Release of Funding Guidelines: Monday 9 February 2026
Opening date: Monday 9 March 2026
Closing date: Tuesday 21 April 2026 (11:59pm)
Expected start date: Monday 3 August 2026
Application form
Please note: it has come to our attention that you are unable to combine the PDF application form with the contract certification form. Please upload as two separate documents in Pure.
Contacts
Contact us for more information about research services, grants and awards.
Fiona Collison
Grant Development Manager
Research Services
T: +61(2) 9850-6848
E: grant.development@mq.edu.au