Five Step Guide on How to Apply:
A five step guide to applicants has been developed for the FRDC funding process. Please also refer to the tactical research funding process outlined on FRDC's website to ascertain if your proposal meets that criteria. Otherwise, the process for the main funding round has been summarised into 5 steps:
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Step 1: Lodge a preliminary research application with SAFRAB before the end of May each year and check the key dates for the forthcoming deadlines. Details on how to complete the preliminary application are available by registering through FRDC's online site: www.fishnet.gov.au.
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Step 2: Following feedback or suggestions from SAFRAB to proceed lodge a draft full application by mid-August via the same online application system on FRDC's website under "research and development" - "guide for applicants".
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Step 3: If proceeding, lodge a full application to SAFRAB by early October for any fine tuning, suggestions or final feedback.
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Step 4: Lodge the final application direct with FRDC by 1 November and send a copy of your final application to SAFRAB.
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Step 5: Expect the outcome from FRDC by April-May as to the success or otherwise of the application.
Applicants need to be aware that FRDC funded projects must address priorities identified in State and National R&D strategies. The DRAFT State Fisheries & Aquaculture R&D strategy is available on this website and FRDC's National R&D strategy is available on FRDC's website.
SAFRAB advises intending applicants to develop the objectives of the proposed work and agree on practical outcomes in close consultation with industry representatives and other beneficiaries. FRAB's Executive Officer may be able to assist with contact details and other general advice.
R&D priorities have been identified under each of the fishery sectors and the aquaculture sector, and the issues should be discussed with the relevant Fishery/Aquaculture Sector Management Committee.
Applicants are advised to contact the relevant State/Territory FRABs if intending to report any Flow of Benefit from their proposed project to that State/Territory.
It is intended that priority issues be translated into relevant R&D projects during the consultative phase. Careful attention is given to this requirement during the assessment phases. SAFRAB's R&D Priority Setting Board Meeting is held between March and May each year and is the critical start point for identifying potential projects for funding. This is done by receiving briefings from key industry representatives identifying the needs of each sector.
As stated in the opening chapters of the 5-year R&D strategy, the report aims to guide the direction of R&D which meets the needs of stakeholders and, in doing so, indicates the types of R&D funding applications which are likely to gain support. Attention is drawn to the Introduction to the report that notes effective utilisation and management of the fisheries and aquaculture resources requires:
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informed advice based on sound scientific studies;
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a sensitivity to evolving social, economic and environmental conditions, and,
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a balance between (a) the duties of environmental stewardship to future generations, (b) responsibilities to the community at large, and (c) the needs of the fishing and aquaculture industry.
