SSN Incubator Grant: 2026 Applications now open

The Deakin Science and Society Network is delighted to welcome applications for the 2026 Interdisciplinary Incubator Grants Scheme. Applicants can apply for up to AU$12,500 per project.

We are calling for proposals led by Deakin University Early and Mid-Career Academic Researchers (EMCRs)

The proposals should be well developed and viewed as springboards for future external grants.

Timelines 

  • Applications open: 23 October 2025 
  • Grant information session and collaborative networking event: Thursday 6 November at Deakin Downtown, 10 – 11:30 AM. Whilst this event is over, you may email ssn-info@deakin.edu.au to receive the video recording link and access to the collaborative spreadsheet. 
  • Applications close: Friday 30 January 2026 at 11:59 PM
  • Final decisions and notification of successful applications: 13 February 2026  
  • Induction for successful grantholders and their teams: Wednesday 25 February 10 am – 13:30. Please note that Lead CI attendance at induction is a condition of the grant.  

SSN Incubator Grant Funding Frequently Asked Questions

The interdisciplinary team

Who is eligible to act as Lead CI (Chief Investigator)

SSN incubator projects are made up of a team of two or more CIs (Chief Investigators) There should be one Lead CI. As per the Criteria, the Lead CI must be an EMCR (early or mid-career academic researcher) with a position at Deakin that covers the duration the grant. An EMCR is someone within 15 years of their PhD completion. The Lead CI must have a confirmed position at Deakin until the end of 2026.

See Criteria at Interdisciplinary Grant programme funding opportunities.

What if my contract at Deakin is not guaranteed for the full duration of the project?

At the time of application, the Lead CI must be a Deakin employee. It is desirable to have continual employment for the duration of the project, and this is confirmed before projects are awarded.

Do all members of the team have to be EMCARs?

No. Members of the team can include senior colleagues as well. Please see slides and application instructions at Interdisciplinary Grant programme funding opportunities

How large or small can a team be?

This is dictated by the needs of the project. Bear in mind that a smaller team should have a clear interdisciplinary make-up, and that in cases of small partnerships, the continuity of the project is paramount. The size and composition of the team should be dictated by the project. The form allows for up to 10 team members.

Can I be listed on more than one grant application?

Yes, you can be listed as a participant on multiple SSN grant applications, but you can only be a Lead CI on one application in any given year.

I have a great idea but can't find an interdisciplinary partner

Please contact us and we will direct you to a streamleader or previous grant holder who will try to assist you.

Interdisciplinarity

Disciplines like Architecture, Psychology and Business Analytics can arguably be both STEM or HASS focussed, how does this affect my application?

With all applications we look at the substance of the interdisciplinary project. The question is: regardless of discipline title, what skill sets are the Lead CI and the interdisciplinary partner(s) bringing to this project? If your project envisages the discipline of psychology as a STEM discipline, what is the HASS partner contributing? Alternatively, if you are envisaging psychology as a HASS discipline, what STEM skills are your other CIs contributing?

As per the Project evaluation criteria (3):

The project’s aims, methods and/or design must demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to the problem. This may include:

  • Researchers from different disciplines working together in a team
  • Researchers collaborating to bring different perspectives to solve a problem
  • Researchers utilising methods normally associated with one or more disciplines to solve problems in another discipline
  • One or more researchers translating innovative ‘blue-sky’ or applied research outcomes from one discipline into an entirely different applied research discipline.