NIEA Expression of Interest for funding commencing in 2027

The Office of National Intelligence (ONI) is conducting an Expression of Interest (EOI) grant opportunity for the National Intelligence Explore Award (NIEA). The National Intelligence Community (NIC) Research Program enables the Australian academic community to undertake competitive, unclassified research into NIC research priorities. The program supports peer-reviewed research that deepens understanding of emerging science, social science, engineering and technology. NIC innovation is facilitated through the creation of sovereign expertise, discovery of new insights and development of an R&D ecosystem to underpin emerging technological capability. A NIEA (up to 12 available) provides up to $750k over three years to enable research into NIC research priorities and challenges. The NIEA will be awarded to early-mid career researchers partnering with experienced researchers and emerging PhD candidates. The NIEA will also enable the possibility for extension research. Research proposals are invited to address an Intelligence Science and Technology Challenge or a NIC-defined Research Topic. Two-stage Application Process 1. Expression of Interest (EOIs) applications open: 2 November 2026 close: 10 December 2026 2. Full applications by invitation only open: 21 December 2026 close: 3 March 2027 It is strongly recommended that you read the Grant Guidelines carefully to ensure your eligibility before applying. Close date & time: 10-Dec-2026 11:30 pm (ACT Local Time) Location: ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS Selection process: Targeted or Restricted Competitive Grant activity timeframe: Funding may be requested for up to 3 years. GO ID: GO8681 Eligibility EOI applications are to be submitted by the Lead Chief Investigator certified by the Research Office of an Eligible Sponsoring Organisation listed in the grant guidelines. Individuals named in an EOI application must satisfy the eligibility criteria for the role they are to perform as at the Commencement Date and for the duration of the Project. EOI applications under this grant opportunity must have: one Lead Chief Investigator (CI) who is an Early-Mid Career Researcher (EMCR); and one Eligible Organisation (that is the Sponsoring Organisation). To be eligible, the Lead Chief Investigator must: Be an early-mid career researcher with a PhD in a relevant field within ten years of the EOI application closing date (career interruptions considered). Be an Australian citizen or New Zealand Special Category Visa Holder. Be sponsored by an accredited Australian University. How to apply The EOI application must contain all the information necessary for its assessment without the need for further written or oral explanation, or reference to additional documentation, unless requested by the ONI. The application must be submitted through the specific ONI SmartyGrants portal. The SmartyGrants application portal is where NIEA documentation is published and where an Expression of Interest and Full Application is to be completed and submitted. All applications must meet the format and content requirements, including certification, as set out in the application form and Grant Guidelines.