The National Intelligence Community (NIC) Research Program enables the Australian academic community to undertake competitive, unclassified research into NIC research priorities.
The program supports peer-reviewed research that deepens understanding of emerging science, social science, engineering and technology. NIC innovation is facilitated through the creation of sovereign expertise, discovery of new insights and development of an R&D ecosystem to underpin emerging technological capability.
Systematic and coordinated engagement between the NIC and Australia’s research community builds R&D capacity by supporting Australian researchers, fostering research students and driving strategic collaboration.
The Independent Intelligence Review 2024(Opens in a new tab/window) provides context about the NIC, emerging technologies and technological change.
Building upon the success of the Rounds 1 – 6, and lessons learned, the NIC Research Program has evolved the grant model for funding commencing in 2027. The National Intelligence Explore Award replaces the National Intelligence Discovery Grant and the National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grant.
The National Intelligence Explore Award (NIEA)
A NIEA (up to 12 available) provides up to $750k over three years to enable research into NIC research priorities and challenges. The NIEA will be awarded to early-mid career researchers partnering with experienced researchers and emerging PhD candidates. The NIEA will also enable the possibility for extension research. Research proposals will be invited to address an Intelligence Science and Technology Challenge or a NIC-defined Research Topic.
The key dates for this program are as below:
- Forecast on GrantConnect: 19 October 2026
- Expressions of Interest open: 2 November 2026
- Expressions of Interest close: 10 December 2026
- Full Applications open by invitation: 21 December 2026
- Request Not to Assess Close: 5 February 2027
- Full Applications Close: 3 March 2027
- Anticipated announcement: Mid-2027
All documentation for this scheme will be found on the GrantConnect(Opens in a new tab/window) website.
It is strongly recommended that you read the Grant Guidelines carefully to ensure your eligibility before applying.
While NIEAs are provided to Australian universities, collaborative engagement with Australian start-up companies or other R&D entities is welcomed and encouraged.
Enquiries can be directed to NICRP@oni.gov.au
National Intelligence Application Support
Our National Intelligence Application Support (NIAS) initiative drives greater quality, equality, diversity, and inclusion in the NIC-funded research workforce. Further details are available through the application processes.
Protect your Research
The world class success of Australia’s universities and research institutes makes them a particular target of espionage and foreign interference. The NIC Research Program grants comply with all relevant laws and regulations including having regard to the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector published on the Department of Education website(Opens in a new tab/window) ASIO’s Protect your research, collaborate with care booklet explains the espionage and foreign interference threat to the higher education and research sector. It suggests mitigation steps that individuals and institutions can employ to protect themselves in Australia and overseas. Download the Protect your research, collaborate with care booklet(Opens in a new tab/window) for more information.