ANZIC CORE funding

ANZIC invites the scientific and educational community to submit proposals for our 2026 Continent & Ocean Research & Education (CORE) Funding.

We are looking to fund innovative projects that will advance the field of scientific drilling, and which align with our Science Priorities or will improve education and outreach linked to scientific drilling.

Why Apply?

Our CORE Funding aims to:

  • support researchers from ANZIC member institutions in conducting high-quality research using existing scientific archive materials and data
  • enhance the scale, quality, and scope of research within the ANZIC community
  • promote high-quality research training and expand engagement with scientific drilling
  • foster collaboration across the ANZIC network and internationally
  • maximise the value of ANZIC’s research funding investment.

 

What We Fund

Our CORE funding offers up to AU$20,000 or NZ$25,000 for projects studying previously collected ocean and land core samples and data, or research that will aid future drilling initiatives, like site surveys. We also fund innovative education and outreach projects.

We welcome proposals from a diverse range of fields, including data science, mathematics, molecular and genetic analysis, and more. Projects that exploit the extensive data from nearly 60 years of ocean drilling (DSDP/ODP/IODP/IODP3) and 30 years of continental drilling (ICDP) are especially encouraged.

We encourage proposals that:

  • cover the land-to-sea concept (see 2050 Science Framework)
  • aid in developing IODP or ICDP proposals in the Australian, New Zealand, and Southern Ocean regions
  • promote collaboration between Australia and New Zealand.

 

Eligibility

CORE funding is available to researchers and educators from ANZIC’s Australian and New Zealand member institutions.

How to Apply

The application deadline is Monday 31 August (midnight, AEST).

Apply via the SmartyGrants portal.

Apply on SmartyGrants

Project timelines and reporting

Projects are expected to start by the beginning of 2027, with the proposed work to be completed within two years. If awarded over $15,000, your payment will be split into two tranches. You will also be required to submit a short progress report after the first year and a final report and acquittal at the completion of the project. Completion of the project is when all the proposed work and spending is completed. We understand that publications or final educational products might take longer than the funding period. The ANZIC Office will follow-up with projects after they are completed to record outcomes.

Support

Our expert team on the ANZIC Science Committee will be available to help ensure your project’s success.

Learn more about accessing the huge collection of legacy samples and data from thousands of key drill sites across the globe.

We also have presentations on using the Smarty Grants portal, and Top Tips for writing CORE (formerly called AILAF) proposals from the University of Tasmania.

For further information, please contact
ANZIC Program Manager, Sarah Kachovich.