Guidelines

Background

Both the Queensland Government and the Bavarian State Government recognises that a strong research and development capability is a critical driver for innovation, economic growth and job creation. International partnerships are important for maintaining the relevance and impact of local science activities.

The Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program (the Program) is a joint initiative formed under the Declaration of Intent between the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts - Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (StMWK).

The objectives of the program are to help build Queensland and Bavaria’s international reputation and Queensland’s capacity in research and development, support the growth of businesses to deliver new products and services into global markets, and support new industries that will provide future jobs.

The program aims to:

  • support the development of long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and industry between Queensland and Bavaria.
  • facilitate joint efforts and outcomes that exceed what an individual research organisation or project can expect.
  • build research and development capacity and boost Queensland and Bavaria’s international scientific impact and reputation.
  • boost collaboration between researchers and industry and maximise the application and commercialisation of research outcomes.

About the program

In order to develop relationships between Queensland and Bavaria as contemplated in the Declaration of Intent the parties will provide grant funding for collaborative projects being undertaken jointly by at least one Bavarian state-funded higher education institution and at least one Queensland higher education institution in particular priority areas. Applications for grant funding under the Program are invited from eligible projects in the following priority areas, each specified by, but not limited to, the list of examples below:

  • Additive manufacturing
    • Multi-Material Printing
    • Supply Chain Certification and Trust
    • Human-centred Design and Engineering
  • Aerospace
  • Quantum technologies
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Societal Impact of AI
    • Machine Learning Tools for Sustainable Energy
    • Data Management and Algorithmic Engineering
  • Cleantech and emission reduction technologies
    • Circular Economy
    • Smart Cities and Mobilities beyond Urban Spaces
    • Ending Plastic Waste
  • Energy (including green hydrogen, synthetic fuels and energy storage)
    • Hydrogen Production, Transport, Utilisation and Storage
    • Waste Utilisation for Fuels and Energy Materials
    • Hybrid Processes for Renewable Fuel Production
  • Health, life sciences, biomedical research and bioeconomy
    • New Treatments for Infections and Wound Care
    • Healthy Ageing and Chronic Diseases
    • Smart Wearables
    • Biofabrication
    • Waste Utilisation for Food and Polymeric Materials
    • Low-cost and Scalable Processes for Biomass Utilization at Distributed Sites
    • Resilient Crops for more Sustainable Agriculture
    • New Products from Underutilized Plants

There are two categories of grants available: Seed Grants and Development Grants.

An applicant can apply for both categories of grants available.

There is no Queensland limit to the number of applications an applicant can submit. An applicant may lodge multiple grant applications providing these are for different projects.

The applications must be submitted in Queensland (by Queensland lead) and Bavaria (by Bavarian lead) respectively. The applicants should ensure that they have discussed with their Bavarian partners on their eligibility before submitting their application.

The research proposal submitted by each project partner should be highly consistent in the applications. The project description/outline has to be identical in both applications (these may include participating partners, narrative/vision, objectives, outcomes, impact, timeline and budget).

Category 1: Seed Grants

It is anticipated that up to ten Queensland applicants will be awarded Seed Grants of $8,000 each (excluding GST) by the Queensland Government over a maximum of 12 months.

In addition, each of the Bavarian lead participants in the successful applications will receive a funding of up to €10,000 from StMWK.

The Seed Grants are intended to support activities in the development of new or existing partnerships between Queensland and Bavarian universities that lead to collaboration in:

  • research which supports the development of emerging and priority industries in Queensland and Bavaria.
  • research components of pilot and/or demonstration projects in collaboration with industry partner(s).
  • activities resulting in proof-of-concepts.
  • feasibility analysis or/and market potential assessment.

Activities funded under the Seed Grants may include:

  • the organisation of face-to-face and/or virtual joint symposia, workshops, mobility projects, and webinars.
  • local activities (in Bavaria and Queensland) that support the development of new collaborative research and industry linkages.
  • initiatives that may lead to future joint funding applications with the Bavarian counterpart to relevant programs in Queensland, Australia, and Europe.

Eligibility Criteria for Seed Grants

The proposed activity must create and/or enhance a research alliance between Queensland and Bavarian research organisations, meeting the eligibility criteria below:

  • focus on the identified priority areas,
  • be led by a Queensland-based research organisation (with an ABN and registered for GST),
  • have a lead participant (partner) that is a Bavarian higher education institute deemed eligible to apply for the Grants by StMWK, and
  • have a cash contribution (excluding overhead) from the Queensland-based applicant of at least $8,000 (excluding GST).

The application is ineligible if:

  • the lead Queensland-based applicant (and/or any Queensland partner/s) receives Queensland Government support for similar activities with its Bavarian counterpart, or
  • the activities carried out by partner organisation(s) are contract research activities, and do not involve genuine collaboration with the applicant organisation.

Application assessment for Seed Grants

Applications will be assessed in a competitive, merit-based process against the assessment criteria set out below, by a panel with scientific/research/industry expertise.

  1. Anticipated outcomes and benefits of the proposed activities (50% weighting),
  2. Alignment of activity with the Program priorities (30% weighting), and
  3. Quality of the potential collaboration and capability of the potential project team (20% weighting).

The assessment process will also take into account the government’s priorities and the imperative to contribute to the economic development, as well as the need to balance the research investment to support a diversity of capability across scientific disciplines, identified fund priority areas, geographic regions and research groups.

The Director-General of DESI will approve successful Queensland applications for this grant program, based on recommendations from the independent assessment panels of Queensland and Bavaria.

Category 2: Development Grants

It is anticipated that up to four Queensland applicants will be awarded Development Grants of $130,000 (excluding GST) each by the Queensland Government, over a maximum of two years.

In addition, each of the Bavarian lead applicants in the successful applications will receive funding of up to €80,000 from StMWK.

The Development Grants will support research projects and activities including:

  • Research which supports the development of emerging and priority industries in Queensland and Bavaria.
  • Research in collaboration with industry partner(s) including but not limited to the research components of pilot and/or demonstration projects.
  • Activities resulting in proof-of-concept.

Eligibility Criteria for Development grants

The proposed project must create and/or enhance a research alliance between Queensland and Bavaria research organisations. In doing so, the project application must meet the eligibility criteria below:

  • focus on the identified priority areas,
  • be led by a Queensland-based research organisation (with an ABN and registered for GST),
  • have a lead participant (partner) that is a Bavarian higher education institute deemed eligible to apply for the Grants by StMWK,
  • have a contribution from the Queensland-based applicant of at least $80,000 (excluding GST),
  • have cash and/or in-kind contribution from at least one Australian industry partner and/or Bavarian industry partner which can:
    • apply the research outcomes, and
    • demonstrate a clear path to how the research outcomes will be applied.

Funds committed by the applicant and project partners to satisfy the matching Queensland Government requirements can include:

  • salaries (including salary-related on-costs) for any staff working on the project for a minimum of 20 per cent of their total work time, and
  • other direct and actual project costs (non-salaries).

The application is ineligible if:

  • the project is not a distinct activity/set of activities with specified start and end points, and aims and outcomes that are achievable within these specified points,
  • the lead Queensland-based applicant (and/or any Queensland partner/s) receives Queensland Government support for their core activities and it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed project is an addition to those core activities, or
  • the activities carried out by partner organisation(s) are contract research activities, and do not involve genuine collaboration with the applicant organisation.

Application assessment for Development Grants

Applications will be assessed in a competitive, merit-based process against the fund’s assessment criteria, set out below, by a panel with scientific/research/industry expertise.

  1. Level of novelty and scientific merit of the project (30% weighting):
    • The science and research address a current and significant challenge for both Queensland and Bavaria.
    • Preliminary research has been undertaken (by the applicant, project partners or others) that supports the advancement of the project.
  2. Quality of the collaboration and capability of the project team (30% weighting):
    • Science and research partners with complementary areas of expertise will work together on a specific project.
    • The project will build upon the competitive advantages of Queensland and Bavaria.
    • The participants have the research, scientific and management skills and experience, with the access to infrastructure and funding required, to successfully deliver the project.
  3. Outcomes and impact of the project (40% weighting):
  • The project will develop innovative, technologies or processes that have the potential for practical application within an area of identified priority. Technology readiness will be taken into account.
  • The project will deliver real and tangible economic, social, and/or environmental benefits for Queensland and Bavaria.
  • Financial contribution of industry partners is highly desirable. Contributions from other external parties would also be considered positively.

The assessment process will also take into account the government’s priorities and the imperative to contribute to the economic development, as well as the need to balance the research investment to support a diversity of capability across scientific disciplines, identified fund priority areas, geographic regions and research groups.

The Director-General of DESI will approve successful Queensland applications for this grant program, based on recommendations from the independent assessment panels of Queensland and Bavaria.

Using the Queensland Government Funding – Seed Grants & Development Grants

Funding may be used for the following eligible project costs:

  • salary costs for project staff (including salary-related on-costs)
  • project consumables
  • travel directly related to the project activities outlined in the submitted application.

Items not eligible for funding include:

  • organisational overheads
  • capital works and/or physical infrastructure including any buildings, land transportation, telecommunications and IT networks
  • travel for professional development or conference attendance
  • costs associated with the on-going programs of work and/or core business of the applicant or partner organisation(s)
  • costs of quarantine related to travel
  • contract research for services that can be performed by the applicant organisation.

Queensland Government funding must either be expended wholly in Queensland, or if partly expended in the partnering jurisdiction, must directly support the Queensland research proponent (for example to cover costs to access specialised research equipment not available in Queensland).

Project activities and/or eligible expenditure should not be conducted or made until the grant agreement for the project has been executed (signed by both parties).

Funding may be provided in milestone payments once agreed project milestones are achieved, with a final payment withheld until completion of the project requirements and the department’s acceptance of acquittal documentation. This includes evidence that total forecasted project expenditure has been incurred and agreed project contributions have been made by all relevant parties.

Submitting your application

The closing times and dates for submitting:

  • Seed Grants – 10 May 2024, 3:00pm AEST.
  • Development Grants – 10 July 2024, 3:00pm AEST.

Applicants are required to submit the application and all supporting documentation in full by the submission deadline.

All applications must be submitted using SmartyGrants, the department’s online grants administration program.

New users will need to set up a free online SmartyGrants account. If you already have a SmartyGrants account, you can log in using your existing details.

The SmartyGrants Help Guide for Applicants explains the steps you need to take to complete and submit your form.

If you experience technical difficulties creating an account or completing an online form, contact SmartyGrants on (03) 9320 6888.

Applicants should confirm that their Bavarian partner institute is an STMWK approved institute  prior to submission.

Required documentation

Queensland applicants are required to submit the following documentation with their application for Development Grant only:

  • A letter of support or letter of commitment from research and industry partner organisations detailing the cash contributions and in-kind support to be committed to the project.
  • Two quotes for expenditure items over $10,000.  If you are unable to provide two quotes, an explanation must be provided in the application form as to why not. Failure to provide two quotes may affect the success of the application.
  • Evidence of public liability insurance coverage of at least $20 million (in total per event) that is current and remains current for the duration of the project.

All supporting documentation is mandatory where required and failure to provide such supporting documents as specified may result in your application being deemed ineligible or being unsuccessful.

Funding agreements

Successful Queensland applicants will be required to enter into a legally binding financial incentive agreement with the Queensland Government.

Ensure you have read and accept the terms and conditions of the financial incentive agreement (DOCX, 903.9KB) and declaration (DOCX, 126.5KB) , prior to submitting an application for funding, as they will not be negotiable at the time a funding offer is made.

Funding can only be provided to successful applicants once both the Applicant and DESI (on behalf of the Queensland Government) have signed the Financial Incentive Agreement, and all required documentation has been received by the department.

Applications and GST

Applicants registered for GST will not be provided with funding to account for costs directly associated with GST and are required to provide the GST exclusive amount in their budget. Recipients registered for GST can claim the GST component for any expenditure that they incur back from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

For advice on GST, please seek assistance from the Australian Tax Office.

Promotion of supported projects

Funding recipients will be expected to actively promote their research, and to provide information and attend media/promotion events if requested.

The Queensland Government funding should be acknowledged by recipients in all relevant published material, media releases and public statements.

Privacy

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) collects information, including your personal information, on the application form to evaluate applications for the Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program grants and to announce and publicise the successful applicants.

Applications for the Program are to be lodged on the SmartyGrants website, a third-party cloud-based platform operated by 'Our Community Pty Ltd'. The Our Community Privacy Policy states that they may use third party service providers that may store information outside Australia. By lodging an application, you do so under the conditions in the Our Community Privacy Policy and agree to any overseas transfer of information made in accordance with that Policy.

The information contained in the application will be provided to authorised DESI officers and approved grant assessors under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (Qld) for the purpose of assessing and administering the application. The approved grant assessors are required to sign an agreement that binds them to hold the information in confidence and in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

Generic data (no personal information) will also be provided to Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ),

Information contained in your application, including the applicant and organisation names, project description and partnering supervisor, will also be provided to the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts for the purpose of assessing the application and administering the program. By lodging an application, you agree to this information being transferred to the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, which is subject to the Bavarian Data Protection Act.  If you require further information on the protections provided for under that Act, please speak with your contact at the Bavarian Ministry.

The Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation will publicly announce details of the successful applicants. Following that announcement, the details of successful applicants will be listed on the Queensland Government website.  Therefore, if your application is successful, the following information will be published on the Queensland Government website:

  • your name, and your organisation's name
  • the total amount of funding allocated
  • the project name, location, description and partnering organisation
  • the project outcomes.
  • Photographs or any other details

This information may also be used and/or disclosed to promote the Program and the funded projects.

Your personal information will not otherwise be used or disclosed unless authorised or required by law.

Contacts

Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

Email: science.grants@DES.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61731705857

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (StMWK)

Email Bavaria-Australia Coordination Unit: bacu@uni-bayreuth.de
StMWK Website: https://www.stmwk.bayern.de/englisch.html

Queensland applicants - apply with SmartyGrants

Apply to the Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program through the online SmartyGrants portal.

Financial Incentive Agreement

Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Science Program 2024 financial incentive agreement (DOCX, 903.9KB)

Financial Incentive Agreement Declaration

Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Science Program 2024 financial incentive agreement declaration (DOCX, 126.5KB)