Strategic Policy Grants Program Now Open

Defence is supporting new ideas and research on strategic issues facing Australia through the Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP), with applications for the 2024 round opening today.

A total of $3.5 million in funding will be available for successful applicants across a three-year period.

Now in its sixth year, the SPGP supports broader participation in, and deeper public debate on, Australia’s defence and strategic policy, strengthens Australia’s domestic and international defence partnerships and enhances Defence’s strategic policy advice.

Dr Sheridan Kearnan, First Assistant Secretary of Strategic Policy at Defence, has welcomed applications from new, emerging, and established strategic and defence studies experts.

“In an ever-changing strategic environment, new ideas and fresh thinking are critical to ensuring Defence’s own strategic direction is fit for purpose,” Dr Kearnan said.

“The Strategic Policy Grants Program adds real value to Australia’s defence policy debate through encouraging innovative and far-reaching research to address our current strategic circumstances and challenges.

“Through the Program, we want to increase the amount and quality of discourse, debate and research on Defence’s strategic policy issues, and deliver professional development opportunities to the strategic policy workforce.”

Applications for the SPGP should include a clear research proposal that is directly relevant to the challenges and priorities identified in the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.

Applications close on 3 November 2023. Successful applicants will be advised in April 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit our website or GrantConnect.