Interdisciplinary seed funding
Scheme
The University provides seed funding to novel research projects that address complex problems using an interdisciplinary approach. The objectives of the scheme are:
- to fund highly innovative small-to-medium scale interdisciplinary research projects showing significant potential for future funding by granting bodies
- to catalyse the drawing together of academic staff from across disciplines to work on interdisciplinary problems consistent with the broad research objectives of one or more of the Melbourne Research Institutes or designated emerging areas of focus.'
How to apply
Application details and timeline are available from the University's Interdisciplinary seed funding page.
Applications must indicate which research institute they relate to. If your research is related to materials, we recommend that you discuss your proposal with the MMI Director prior to submission.
Applications relevant to the MMI
The MMI will consider all interdisciplinary proposals that align with one or more of the following research themes:
- Materials for medicine
- Quantum technologies
- Materials processing
- Materials conservation
- Bionic devices
- Defence materials
- Materials enabling convergence in cancer research
Other materials-related research proposals are welcome. Please contact us to discuss your proposal.
Selection process
Materials-related applications are ranked by a sub-group of the MMI’s Management Committee. Other institutes undertake a similar process and these rankings determine the allocation of central funds by the PVC (Research Collaboration) and Institute Directors. The MMI funds unsuccessful applications in order of merit. We typically fund four to six projects, each receiving approximately $40,000. In 2011, of the 26 materials-related applications, the top 10 ranked proposals received funds, totalling $410,000.
Previously funded projects
We support projects with a relevance to materials in a range of areas such as health, communications and art conservation. Supported projects include research on the design of mucosal vaccines, the use of bacteria for water purification and the measurement and monitoring of climatic conditions in museums.
Funded research teams bring together researchers from research centres, institutes and faculties including: the Bio 21 Institute; the Faculty of Science; the Melbourne School of Engineering; the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science; and the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation.
See all supported research projects.