Applicants must submit their proposals through Jotform. A tailored application template, including any required supporting documents, is available for download

This funding call aims to support the development or deployment of field-based diagnostics for detecting AMR pathogens and related risks in the Australian food, agricultural, and environmental sectors. The proposed diagnostic solutions should be suitable for deployment at the point of testing, such as on farms or within production facilities. Projects funded through this call must be completed within 12 months.

Projects must present a clear description of:

• Project Focus:
  Industry sector targeted
  Gap or challenge to be addressed
  Why a field-based diagnostic tool is needed

• Methodology and Impact:
  Proposed method and how it addresses the diagnostic gap
  Expected outcomes within the kickstart program
  How the work will be communicated to the industry sector

• Expansion and Feasibility:
  Strategy for expanding the program after the kickstart period
  Timeline for deployment and obstacles to routine use
  Significance, impact, and the research team’s track record in this area

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be working for a SAAFE research partner or willing to partner with a SAAFE research partner as the lead investigator. Industry parties interested in funding a project can submit an application with or without identified researchers, as SAAFE can assist in identifying appropriate research providers during the development phase of the project if successful.

• Applicants must provide a detailed and clearly itemised budget breakdown for the project, specifying the allocation of funds.

• Applicants must provide in-kind contributions at a 2:1 (in-kind to cash). This means for every dollar of cash requested, applicants must contribute two dollars worth of non-cash resources.

• In-kind contributions include not only labour costs but also facilities, equipment and services provided by project personnel. Please refer to SAAFE CRC’s Valuation Principles for Contributions for detailed guidance on how to appropriately value these contributions.

• Funding may be used for salaries (up to Level B) and other eligible costs. However, please note that it cannot be used for major equipment expenses, publication costs or entertainment expenses. For a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses, please refer to the following link.

• Applicants must disclose whether this application requests funding for similar or linked research activities or projects that are currently funded, or have previously been funded, by other sources (including Commonwealth funding). If ‘Yes,’ provide details of the other funding sources and explain how this project will not overlap or duplicate activities funded by those sources.

• Applicants must provide a short CV for each key member of the project team, outlining relevant experience and qualifications. A CV template is available for the team’s consideration, should applicants choose to use it

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts in the field of AMR and diagnostics, based on the following evaluation criteria:

• Relevance and alignment with program objectives

• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project

• Cost-benefit analysis: Applicants should demonstrate the anticipated value of the proposed project relative to its costs, considering both financial and impact factors.

• Budget justification and financial sustainability, including whether the project includes cash contributions from other sources. (Please note: Applicants with cash contributions from other sources will be looked upon favourably as it demonstrates broader support for the project and strengthens its financial sustainability.)

Successful applicants will be notified by 29 April.

Feedback to Applicants:

All applicants will receive feedback on their submission within three weeks of the closing deadline. The feedback will outline the strengths and areas for improvement in their proposal. Applicants who are not selected for funding may reapply in future funding calls.

We encourage applicants to engage with relevant stakeholders and end-users as part of the proposal development process. Proposals should outline the anticipated impact on the targeted industry sectors and demonstrate how the project meets the needs of key stakeholders.

The total funding available for this call is $400,000, anticipating most projects receive up to $50,000. Requests for funding must include a detailed budget justification. Greater investment amounts (e.g. requests for funding above $50,000) should be accompanied by a description which clearly demonstrates greater value for money, anticipated impact and flow-on effects for future projects. Projects should be completed within 12 months of the start date. Successful Kickstart projects may be eligible for further support from CRC SAAFE or other funding partners.