RESEARCH GRANTS - Call for applications

RESEARCH GRANTS for funding in 2009

The Australian Flora Foundation was established in 1981 with the aim of fostering scientific research on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants. It was thought that by encouraging research,  a greater awareness of the value of the Australian flora would be developed resulting in explicit measures for their conservation and utilisation. Funds for research are raised through the membership of the Foundation, donations from various sources and the interest from bequests. Grants are available for projects which commence from December 2008. The Foundation expects to support between two and four projects at $5000 - $12,000 each in 2009 with possible extension into 2010.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications for grants to support original scientific projects on the biology and cultivation of Australian plants are invited from research workers in Australia. The Australian Flora Foundation will consider all relevant applications, with special interest in the following categories:

General:
 1) conservation of Australian plant diversity, particularly where there are threats from climatic change
 2) plant species with potential for cultivation
 3) cultivation of Australian plants
 4) rare and endangered plants.

All applications on rare and endangered plants should indicate how the research relates to the management plan for the species. The Foundation does not fund projects that are predominantly for equipment or travel (other than for essential fieldwork), publications, research on orchids, or taxonomy.

Projects must be scientifically sound.  Applicants must be suitably qualified or identify a qualified project supervisor.

Applications are in two stages. Preliminary applications of two A4 pages should indicate the purpose of the project, the likely costs and the research protocol. The institution or company to which the applicant is attached, a contact phone number, email address and postal address must be included. Please use the form provided. Applicants should pay particular attention to ensuring that their proposal meets the selection criteria. Preliminary applications will be accepted until 24th March 2008.

Each application will be evaluated on closeness to the objectives of the Australian Flora Foundation, the scientific merit of the project, the likely success within the stipulated timeframe, and the availability of funds. Full applications will be invited from those which best fit the criteria. Full applications will be assessed by the Scientific Research Committee and successful applicants notified in September 2008. Funds will become available to commence research from December 2008.

Applications should preferably be submitted electronically as an MS Word file attached to an email to Peter Goodwin at pbgoodwin@iinet.net.au

Alternatively, a 3.5 inch disk or hard copy may be mailed to:
 Grants Committee
 Australian Flora Foundation
 Box 41  Holme Building
 University of Sydney  NSW  2006

Enquiries:  to the above addresses.

Further information about the Foundation and past grants can be found at http://aff.org.au

Important dates:
Preliminary applications due by  24th March, 2008
Short-listed applicants advised... early May
Full applications due by......... ...... mid June
Board meets ................................. August
Successful applicants advised... .September
Funds available from......................December 2008

The Australian Flora Foundation gratefully acknowledges
all those individuals and organisations who make these grants possible
by contributing to the Australian Flora Foundation Research Fund