A Call for Proposals for the Forestry Research Program is open from Monday 6 January 2025. The FWPA Forestry Research Program supports collaborative activities that advance research, development and extension (RD&E) to benefit Australia’s commercial forest growers.
Important dates
- Applications open: Monday 6 January 2025
- Concept notes due: Monday 3 February 2025
- Full proposals due: Monday 7 April 2025
Opportunity
FWPA invites proposals for new collaborative RD&E projects that advance the science of commercial forestry and the adoption of that science by industry. RD&E priorities are summarised in the Priority Topics list, and more fully articulated in the following FWPA Investment Plans:
- Climate Change
- Damage Agents
- Forest Operations & Supply Chain
- Impact of Fire
- Native Forest Silviculture
- Plantation Silviculture & Nutrition
- Tree Breeding & Genetic Improvement
Note: The Soil Microbiome and Resource Modelling and Remote Sensing Investment Plans are excluded from this call for proposals due to significant current investment.
If an applicant demonstrates significant support from growers for a proposal that progresses research in a topic outside of the nominated investment plans, it will be considered for evaluation.
Information briefing for applicants
Proposal Development & Evaluation Process
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January 6, 2025
Call for proposals open
…Read More… -
February 3, 2025
Project concept submissions due
…Read More… - February 10, 2025
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April 7, 2025
Full proposal submissions due
…Read More… - Feb – May 2025
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June 2025
Investment decisions and contracting
…Read More…
Project requirements
Project proposals will be evaluated based on criteria that consider the following:
- Alignment with FWPA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
- Either:
- Advances one or more of Priority Topics as more fully articulated in the relevant investment plans, or
- Advances RD&E outside of the investment plans where the proponent demonstrates significant support by Australia’s commercial forest growers.
- Clearly demonstrated need for the project and support by industry.
- Scientific merit.
- Clear pathway to impact for Australia’s commercial forest growers.
- Demonstrated strong return on investment.
Funded projects must commence in the 2025/26 financial year.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to engage early with potential industry partners to ensure there is adequate time for meaningful industry input. A minimum of three industry partners is required.
How to apply for investment in your project
FWPA will conduct a two-stage application process for its Forestry Research Program. Applications open Monday 6 January 2025.
- Project Concept Notes are due Monday 3 February 2025. Please use this template to complete and submit Project Concept Notes.
- Full Proposals are due Monday 7 April 2025. Please use this template to complete and submit Full Project Proposal.
- Please refer to the project proposal guidelines available here.
Please note that submitted Concept Notes and Full Proposals may be shared with Australian Forest and Wood Innovations in order to align investment and support for the most prospective RD&E activities.
Project Concept Note Template: Forestry Research Program
Full Proposal Template: Forestry Research Program
Project Proposals Guidelines
Research Agreement Template
Refer to the FWPA research agreement, which can be accessed via this link.
Contact & Support
For more information or assistance with developing a project concept, please contact us via this form.
