Pacific Hub Call for initiatives 2025-26 - Call now open!
- afranorg
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Deadline for applications: 8 August 2025
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.
🌺 Pacific Hub Stream
Now in its second year, the AFRAN Call for initiatives – Pacific Hub seeks to deepen regional connections through dedicated support for projects linked to the Pacific Islands (including French overseas territories), and to promote new strategic alliances between France and Australia across the Pacific.
This stream is specifically designed to:
Build and scale up scientific communities in the Pacific
Support interdisciplinary collaboration, including arts and social sciences
Encourage educational outreach and inclusive research engagement
Respond to shared societal challenges through research and innovation
Enhance collaboration with French and Australian partners in the Pacific context
It will support initiatives such as :
Local or regional workshops (in-person or hybrid)
Collaborative fieldwork or community-based research
Podcasts, research-based videos or public engagement content
Online roundtables or webinars with Pacific stakeholders
Franco-Australian partnership-building events in the Pacific
🌐 Focus Areas
Initiatives must align with at least one of AFRAN’s priority themes for 2025–2026:
Energy transition (microgrids, stand-alone systems, sustainable infrastructure)
Health and wellbeing, including Indigenous and Pacific community health
Environmental sciences and biodiversity conservation
Agriculture and food systems in Pacific contexts
Pacific governance and culture, including decolonial and intercultural perspectives
Research-based educational outreach
Interdisciplinary collaboration, especially involving arts, humanities and social sciences
✅ Eligibility
This call is open to all AFRAN members, including researchers, professionals or community actors of any nationality or seniority level.Applications must:
Be submitted by a current AFRAN member
Focus on the Pacific region and/or involve French overseas territories
Be open (within reason) to participation from AFRAN members
Not duplicate activities already funded in the last 3 years (except for Pacific Hub activities)
⛔ What is not eligible?
AFRAN will not fund:
Individual participation in external conferences or seminars
Travel that is not directly related to the implementation of the proposed activity
Projects lacking a clear connection to AFRAN’s mission and the Pacific region
💬 Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by AFRAN and the Embassy of France to Australia, based on:
Strategic relevance to AFRAN’s priorities and regional goals
Interdisciplinarity and potential for knowledge-sharing
Clarity and feasibility of the project plan
Impact and sustainability of proposed collaborations
Engagement with diverse stakeholders, including Pacific institutions
📌 Funding Terms
Total envelope available: AUD $26,000
Funding per project: up to AUD $6,000
Funding may cover: travel, logistics, production, fieldwork, venue hire, etc.
Coordinators are responsible for securing any complementary funding needed
AFRAN support must be clearly acknowledged on all public materials
Funded projects must be completed by 31 July 2026
Extensions may be considered in light of regional challenges (e.g. New Caledonia)
📝 Reporting Requirements
A short 1-page public summary is required within one month of the initiative’s completion (or by 31 August 2026for year-long initiatives)
Promotional materials should be provided to AFRAN at least 1 month before the activity to enable proper communication
📅 Timeline
Call opens | 1 July 2025 |
Application deadline | 8 August 2025 |
Results announced | 22 August 2025 |
Earliest project start | 1 September 2025 |
Latest project completion | 31 July 2026 |
📥 How to Apply
Download the Pacific Hub application form
Attach:
CV of the coordinator
Budget breakdown (with confirmed and unconfirmed funds)
Submit your application by email to afran.org@gmail.com
Subject line: Pacific Hub Initiative Application – [Your Name]
📬 Need help?
Dr Kimberley Coulson – Strategy and Operations Manager, AFRAN | kimberley.coulson@anu.edu.au
Prof Katherine Daniell – President, AFRAN | katherine.daniell@anu.edu.au
Dr Nathalie Simenel-Amar – Science Officer, Embassy of France | nathalie.simenel-amar@diplomatie.gouv.fr
More information and application form:
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