The Sydney Environment Institute’s 2026 collaborative grant scheme is now open
The Sydney Environment Institute (SEI) offers University of Sydney academic staff the opportunity to apply for internal grants to develop new collaborative, multidisciplinary research projects. Projects must be aligned with SEI ’s research foci and have an objective to undertake excellent research that tackles the greatest challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises and contributes to the common good.
Seed funding grants will be offered for new cross-faculty partnerships to encourage multidisciplinary research engagement and collaboration with a view to securing to external funding. As SEI is increasingly focusing on biodiversity and conservation, the intersection of health and climate, and climate disaster and adaptation, applications in these area will be prioritised.
The Collaborative Fellowship facilitated a valuable partnership with a fellow researcher. The opportunity and space to explore related interests via different perspectives enabled me to reconsider and enrich aspects of my own research and creative practices. The supportive staff and engaging activities provided a nurturing environment to develop and test ideas. The impact of the fellowship will undoubtedly be felt in many projects over the coming year.
Purpose
The Collaborative Grants Scheme is designed to engage researchers across the University to develop new, collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that contribute to SEI’s vision of a just environmental transformation. We encourage applications from projects that enable substantial research opportunities for early-mid career researchers (EMCRs) and have plans to secure external funding.
Background and conditions
SEI will provide grants up to a total of $25,000 as funding for a multidisciplinary project to develop new ideas and methods or link existing individual projects with collaborators across campus. While applications can apply for up to $25,000, applications with rigorous and realistic budgets will be prioritised, noting that all funds must be expended in full within the 2026 calendar year. Applicants are encouraged to seriously consider the funding required for a project, and not simply apply for the maximum amount.
SEI Collaborative Projects will work together with the SEI team to:
- Develop and initiate projects that aim to evolve into large, externally funded collaborations, for example ARC Linkage Projects, state or federal grants, commissioned research, or work amenable to philanthropic support.
- Design plans for projects and impact to continue after the end of the fellowship. During the fellowship, SEI will support Fellows in the development of longer-term plans to sustain and build their projects towards producing societal impact based on national/international priorities.
- Contribute to the Institute’s mission and impact by engaging locally, domestically, and/or internationally.
The allocation for funding is limited and applications will be assessed based on a considered and realistic project plan and budget, alignment of the project focus and outcomes to SEI research themes and mission, and project’s potential impact.
How to apply
Applications are now open for projects to commence in 2026. Applications must be submitted via this Microsoft teams form: Apply now for the Collaborative Grant Scheme.
Download the selection criteria (pdf, 149KB). Please read carefully before commencing your application.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in September 2025 and funding distributed in January 2026.
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