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AFRAN's Call for initiatives - First Round - Closed

Updated: Jul 1

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 2025-26 include: energy transition, space economy, 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.


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


🟠 ROUND 1 – Early support for events in July–August 2025

Deadline: 30 June 2025

This fast-track round targets hub/community-led events to be held before September 2025. Examples: cafés scientifiques, networking meetings, film nights, research showcases. This round is ideal for hubs or communities needing early support

  • A total envelope of AUD $3,300 is available through this first round

  • This round is designed for hub and communities

  • Decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis in early July

  • A second part of hub and communities yearly budget will be available through the second round (depending of the amount you’ve asked for this round), which will be evaluated separately

 

🌐 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

  • 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


✅ Eligibility

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

  • Be submitted by AFRAN hub or community leaders

  • Strengthen collaboration between France and Australia


⛔ 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–French Embassy 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 $20,000 is available across both rounds – 1/6 of which is available for the first round of the call

  • 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-hub/community concern]”

  • Include required attachments: budget, team list


🌺 Pacific Stream

A separate call for Pacific initiatives will be launched simultaneously with the second round of this call. Applicants should choose the most relevant stream for their project focus.


📬 Contact us for support



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