AAUN is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 round of the Partnership & Research Development Fund (PRDF) on 1 May 2026.

About the PRDF

The AAUN Partnership & Research Development Fund (PRDF) offers small catalytic grants to foster institutional partnerships in the network and develop research collaborations that address distinct mutual challenges. The PRDF provides one year of catalytic seed funding with the firm expectation that funded projects will be excellent, build specialist teams, achieve outputs and impact, and be sustainable through the identification of additional external funding. There are over 75 PRDF projects currently in progress or completed from earlier rounds.

This fund aims to support innovative, collaborative projects that strengthen research partnerships and advance strategic goals.

We expect to fund up to 8 projects in 2026, with a maximum award of AUD 10,000 per project: 4 led by African member universities and 4 led by Australian member universities.

Priority Research Themes 2026

We encourage applications from natural and social scientists in the following priority areas:

1. Environment, climate, and the energy transition
2. Equality, security, and social cohesion
3. Public health and human wellbeing
4. Sustainable food and water systems
5. Artificial intelligence and the digital revolution.

Supporting Documentation and Information:

1. AAUN PRDF 2026 Guidelines
2. AAUN Letter of Support Template 2026
3. AAUN PRDF 2026 Application Form
4. AAUN PRDF Overview (2026 round)

Closing date for applications

The deadline for PRDF applications is 30 June 2026 at 23h59 in the local time zone of the project lead institution. Applications that are incomplete or received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications will be assessed and ranked by a selection committee from Australia and Africa. Winners will be notified in August 2026, and Awards will be presented at the AAUN Forum in Perth on 1-2 September 2026.

Contact information:

For Australian applications or enquiries, please contact AAUN Australia Secretariat:

Ms Ruvi Goredema via aus-secretariat@aaun.network

For African applications or enquiries, please contact AAUN Africa Secretariat:

Dr Sussy Munialo via africa-secretariat@aaun.network

For more information and to see previous winners, please visit the AAUN PRDF webpage