VicBioCon Research Grant
Applications for grants are currently CLOSED
The VicBioCon Research Grant supports PhD students and early career scientists undertaking research or conservation action in Victoria. We also welcome applicants from land managers, environmental educators, and community organisations (e.g. ‘Friends of’ groups) actively engaged in projects that increase understanding of, or the persistence of, biodiversity in Victoria. The grant is intended to support our diverse audience of researchers, students, and community members dedicated to conserving biodiversity in Victoria.
In 2026, the VicBioCon Research Grant was partly sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Trust.
Applicants will be judged on the project's relevance, feasibility and meaningful impact on conservation or biodiversity knowledge in Victoria. Consideration will also be given to how well applicants articulate how grant funds will be used to deliver project outcomes.
The VicBioCon Research Grant is available to a single applicant for a value up to AU$3500.
This grant supports direct project costs only; indirect costs (overheads or institutional administrative charges) are not covered.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be actively engaged in research or work that increases knowledge or supports conservation of biodiversity within Victoria
Be affiliated with a Victorian-based research or higher education organisation
Be available to attend and present at the Victorian Biodiversity Conference in 2028.
To avoid conflicts of interest, current and past (<2 years) VicBioCon committee members are not eligible to apply.
Applicants who may have a conflict of interest with the Natural Resources Conservation Trust are also not eligible to apply.
The VicBioCon Research Grant for 2026 was awarded to Rhys Healy from Federation University for:
“Holes to Recovery: Investigating Hollow Resources and Occupancy at the Limit of their Species Range”
We look forward to hearing about Rhys’ research at future conferences!