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AFRAN's Call for initiatives 2026

  • 8 hours ago
  • 3 min read

The Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation aims at significantly supporting the development of research and innovation collaborations between France and Australia through a set of activities that raise awareness on areas of mutual interest in France and Australia, as well as untapped opportunities, at federal but also locally at regional, state and institutional levels. The Association plays an active role in running events and communication initiatives to support a growing community of members, as well as facilitating bi-national dialogue on research and innovation issues. Many of these initiatives are member-initiated and supported by AFRAN and additional financial resources. 

 

The identified areas for funding under these categories in 2026-27 include: energy transition, space economy, ocean and climate sciences, transport and mobility innovations, health, environmental technologies and management services, AI and autonomous systems, agriculture/food-related innovation, research-based educational outreach, and Indo-Pacific governance and culture. Those with a particular emphasis on inter-disciplinary initiatives, including with the arts and social sciences, will be prioritised. A specific stream through this call is dedicated to natural hazards and bushfires cooperation.


This year’s call will also integrate a dedicated stream for AFRAN hubs and scientific communities, to support activities across the full calendar year.

This call aligns with AFRAN’s mission to:

  • Scale up thematic and regional research communities

  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, including across science, humanities, and the arts

  • Support local, national and Indo-Pacific partnerships

  • Contribute to the public understanding of science and innovation

  • Foster bilateral engagement and science diplomacy


Projects from September 2026 to July 2027


Opening: 23 July 2026

Deadline: 24 August 2026

Results: 31 August 2026

Earliest start date: 1 September 2026


This round is open to all AFRAN members and supports larger or longer-term initiatives, including:

  • Series of community-building activities

  • Hybrid or in-person workshops and thematic meetings

  • Podcasts, videos, or other creative outreach formats

  • Webinars, online roundtables or virtual labs

  • Research exhibitions, collaborative productions or field activities


Projects must conclude by 31 July 2026

Up to AUD $4,000 in funding per request and AUD $1,500 for the special stream on Natural Hazards and Bushfires.


🌐 Focus Areas

Initiatives must align with one or more of AFRAN’s priority themes:

  • Energy transition (hydrogen, micro-grids, energy in remote areas)

  • Health & digital health (AI in healthcare, personalised medicine, Pacific region)

  • Space economy

  • Transport and mobility innovations

  • Ocean and Climate sciences

  • Environmental technologies (climate, biodiversity, water, reef systems)

  • AI, autonomous systems & advanced manufacturing

  • Agriculture/food-related innovation

  • Indo-Pacific governance, sustainability & cultural cooperation

  • Science communication and research-based educational outreach

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, including arts, design, and social sciences

  • Natural Hazards and Bushfires cooperation


✅ Eligibility

This call is open to all AFRAN members, including researchers, professionals, or community leaders. Applications must:

  • Be submitted by AFRAN members

  • Strengthen collaboration between France and Australia

  • Be led by someone who has not received AFRAN initiative funding in the last 3 years*

    (*Exception: active hub/community coordinators may reapply for their annual program)


⛔ What is not eligible?

AFRAN will not fund:

  • Individual participation in external conferences or seminars

  • Travel not directly linked to an AFRAN-supported initiative

  • Activities without a clear link to AFRAN’s objectives or bilateral cooperation


💬 Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated by a joint AFRAN–Embassy of France to Australia panel based on:

  • Strategic relevance and alignment with AFRAN priorities

  • Level of interdisciplinarity and collaboration

  • Clarity of objectives and implementation plan

  • Feasibility and value for money

  • Engagement with diverse stakeholders and regions

 

📌 Funding Terms

  • A total of AUD $15,000 is available across this call. We add AUD $1,500 dedicated to Natural Hazards and Bushfires cooperation

  • Funds can be used for travel, venue hire, materials, or production

  • Coordinators are responsible for securing any additional funds if needed

  • Funded projects must acknowledge AFRAN in all communications

  • A short public report is required within one month after the activity ends (or by 31 August 2026 for year-long initiatives)


📥 Application Process

  • Download and complete the application form below

  • Submit by email to afran.org@gmail.com with subject: “AFRAN Initiative Application – [Your Name]” specifying that you apply for general stream or Natural Hazards & Bushfires one

  • Include required attachments: budget, team list


📬 Contact us for support



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