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 run 2 rounds inviting applications from researchers for ARC Linkage Project partnerships with the department. In 2025, the ARC will accept submissions to the Linkage Project program on 26 March and 25 June. To allow the department sufficient time to assess applications prior to these dates, our ARC Linkage project rounds are as follows:
- Round 1
- 1 December 2024: Departmental applications close
- February/March 2024: Departmental outcome notification
- 26 March 2025: National ARC applications close*
- Round 2
- 1 April 2025: Departmental applications close
- May/June 2025: Departmental outcome notification
- 25 June 2025: National ARC applications close*
*Source:
ARC calendar
We invite universities to initiate discussions with the department about partnering on ARC Linkage Projects.
Applications are to be submitted using the application form and can be emailed to
ResearchServices@qed.qld.gov.au. Applications will be assessed after each round has closed, 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 fund any cash contributions.
- 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.