Funding opportunities

AUT TTRN invites strategic research concept proposals for an internal development fund that helps cross-faculty teams co-design large-scale research programmes, strengthen Māori and Pacific engagement, and prepare competitive bids for major external funding schemes. It is a strategic concept and proposal development fund, not a project delivery fund.

Strategic Research Development Fund 2026

Supporting ambitious, interdisciplinary research concepts that can grow into major external funding applications.

Maximum per proposal
$30,000

Who can apply
AUT academic-led interdisciplinary teams

Applications close
15 May 2026, 5pm

Expected outcome
Draft major external funding application

Funding period
1 Jul 2026 – 31 Dec 2026

Submit to
ttrn@aut.ac.nz

Purpose

Enable cross-faculty teams to co-design large-scale research programmes
Support competitive applications to major external funding schemes
Strengthen Māori and Pacific research engagement
Position AUT TTRN to secure multi-year external funding

Funding can support

Research assistant support for scoping or pilot data
Preliminary feasibility studies
Co-design workshops and proposal development retreats
External expert consultation
Technical prototyping or modelling (non-capital)
Data acquisition and grant-writing facilitation support

Eligibility

Led by an AUT academic eligible to apply for external research funding
Includes researchers from at least two schools/faculties or clearly distinct disciplines
Demonstrates genuine interdisciplinary collaboration
Includes at least one ECR and/or Māori and/or Pacific researcher (strongly encouraged)
Aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ethical, responsible innovation

_{Not eligible for this fund:}_{teaching buyouts, conference travel, student tuition or scholarships, publication costs, capital equipment, and unrelated operating costs.}

Smart & sustainable futures
Climate resilience, renewable energy, urban innovation and environmental wellbeing.

Human-centred technology innovation
AI, digital health, biotechnology and technologies that enhance human capabilities and care.

Creative & connected technologies
Digital media, analytics, communication, connectivity and inclusive design for society.

Expected outcomes

Completed research work that contributes to a major external funding application
Or a draft of an external funding proposal ready for submission
Concise final report due by 31 January 2027

Evaluation criteria

Strategic research excellence: 35%
Interdisciplinarity & team capability: 30%
External funding strategy & readiness: 25%
Vision mātauranga / Te Tiriti alignment: 10%

Timeline

Applications close 15 May 2026, 5pm
Assessment period May 2026
Awards announced June 2026
Funding period 1 Jul 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Final report due 31 Jan 2027.

How to apply

Complete the application form and submit it with abbreviated CVs for investigators to ttrn@aut.ac.nz.

Suggested webpage downloads

_{Governance note: Funds are administered through AUT TTRN in accordance with Tier 4 Research Network provisions, with oversight from the AUT TTRN Governance Group. Ethical approval is required where applicable.}