Research Infrastructure Investment Fund Collaborative Equipment Grant

Overview

The University’s Research Infrastructure Investment Fund (RIIF) Collaborative Equipment Grant Scheme provides funding for the purchase of cutting-edge and the replacement, repairment, or upgrading of ageing research infrastructure of critical mass that cannot feasibly be acquired through National funding schemes. Aligning with principles of the Melbourne Collaborative Research Infrastructure Program (MCRIP), the RIIF Collaborative Equipment Grant aims to support infrastructure purchases of a collaborative nature, i.e., those that represent the needs of multiple research areas and have an impact beyond a single research group.

Research infrastructure is a ubiquitous enabling resource that contributes to the competitive positioning of the University. The University currently hosts 25 individual Research Platforms spanning the full spectrum of the University’s research efforts. There are considerable restrictions placed on national pools of funds that allow for capital expenditure on research infrastructure. For example, ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant applications are primarily intended to support cutting-edge technologies, are high-end, and are the focal point of significant (external) collaborative activity. However, a considerable amount of 'workhorse' research infrastructure across the University is not of sufficient critical mass to warrant a platform model of operation, but is an important element of the University’s research endeavour. A replacement mechanism for this equipment is required to maintain business continuity and ensure competitive advantage. This scheme supports the purchase or refresh of technology outside of national competitive infrastructure grant funding.

Funding

The total pool of funds for the 2023 RIIF Collaborative Equipment Grant Scheme is $1,000,000.

In addition to this annual investment, and as signalled in the 2022-2025 Research Infrastructure Ecosystem Roadmap, there will be an additional $1,000,000 investment in Ageing Critical Research Infrastructure towards replacing, repairing or upgrading critically ageing infrastructure.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• An expectation of a minimum cash co-investment of 25% of the total purchase price of equipment.
• The purchase price of the requested equipment is usually expected to meet a minimum threshold of $100,000.
• The application must pass the ‘collaborative test’ (see Funding Rules).
• The lead applicant must have a 0.5 FTE (or greater) appointment within the University.
• The application must declare “replacing, repairing, or upgrading” of research infrastructure to be considered for the Ageing Critical Research Infrastructure allocation.

Please refer to the Funding Rules for more detailed information on eligibility and the Instructions to Applicants for basic guidance on preparing an application.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the Research Infrastructure team in RIC prior to or during application development.

How to apply

1. Review the Scheme's supporting documents

2. Register an account on SmartyGrants

3. Complete the application form on SmartyGrants

4. Submit the application by the due date as indicated

Supporting documents

• Funding Rules
• Online Application Form via SmartyGrants
• Instructions to Applicants
• Co-Investment Approval Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• RIIF CEG 2023 Application Sample Form (a draft hard copy representation of the final online version)

Contacts

Manage Your Grant