The Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project scheme promotes partnership and collaboration between academia and industry. The department regularly partners on ARC Linkage Projects with universities. We value the opportunity to leverage funding from the Australian Government and collaborate with university researchers and other partners on topics of mutual priority.
ARC Linkage Projects require each partner organisation to provide cash and/or in-kind support over the duration of the 3- to 5-year project. The combined partner organisation contributions must at least match the total funding requested from the ARC.
Applying to partner with the department
Each year, we invite applications from researchers for ARC Linkage Project partnerships with the department. In 2026, the ARC will accept submissions to the Linkage Project program on 18 March. To allow the department sufficient time to assess applications prior to this date, ARC Linkage proposals are due by
Monday 15 December 2025.
Applications are to be submitted using the
application form and can be emailed to
researchservices@qed.qld.gov.au. Applications will be assessed in January and February 2026, with outcomes advised prior to the relevant ARC submission date.
How applications are assessed
Submissions are appraised using the following key criteria.
- Extent of in-kind (preferred) and cash support sought from the department and capacity of relevant departmental business areas to provide the requested support.
- Alignment with the department’s
research priorities.
- Potential for the research to provide a unique contribution to knowledge in the field.
- Quality of methodology including ethical considerations.
- Capability and diversity of the research team.
- Potential return on investment including consideration of impost and benefits to the department.
- Quality of end-user engagement strategies throughout the research cycle and ability to provide tangible solutions for policy and practice.