About Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program
Applications for the Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program 2026 are now closed.
Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program
The Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is a joint initiative between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts – Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft…
When we work together, we have multiple opportunities to capitalise on complementary capabilities.
We have increased bandwidth, we've got simply more researchers and their geographical advantages.
The interesting thing about this programme really is it also helps within the partners themselves to actually foster collaboration.
So the programme is bigger than just bringing two partners together, it actually brings a much larger network within the two partners.
So we are just getting started out on this project, but one of the memorable things so far is the development of the projects, an all female led team from both the Bavarian and Queensland side.
We get to partner with the international leading group in cardiovascular bio mechanics.
But also in these research projects we aspire to undergo clinical translation or industrial translation and being able to engage international partners allows us to reach a broader audience than just Australia.
This programme offers a great opportunity for students to be involved in the actual research project itself.
So the opportunity to go travel abroad and learn new skills and new protocols and establish yourself in new work environments.
It's a great, great opportunity.
So to all the colleagues who are not yet part of the Bavaria Queensland Research Alliance, participating across continents, across different laboratories is a enriching exercise.
Getting to see different perspectives, looking at problems in the lab or at the bench or wherever you may work with a different set of eyes.
Get integrated in such a fantastic network that brings together really the brightest minds from both partners and allows you to develop a project that's much bigger than what you could develop alone.
Or even it's just your more local sort of colleagues left and right sort of get involved
Creating international research collaborations between Queensland and Bavaria
The Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is a joint initiative under the Declaration of Intent between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts – Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (StMWK).
The objectives of the program are to help build Queensland and Bavaria’s international reputation, bolster Queensland’s capacity in research and development, support the growth of businesses to deliver new products and services into global markets, and support new industries that will provide future jobs.
There are two categories of grants available: Seed Grants and Development Grants.
Program overview
The Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program Round 3 provides grants for eligible applicants to create and strengthen relationships between Queensland and Bavarian researchers and facilitate the sharing and development of complementary expertise.
Applicants must undertake the proposed project with a Bavarian researcher from a higher research organisation deemed eligible to apply for the grants by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts (StMWK). Applicants based in Queensland and Bavaria must co-ordinate their applications and roles under a defined project and submit their applications separately to the relevant jurisdiction under their respective funding guidelines.
Projects are required in at least one of the below priority research areas:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cleantech and Emission Reduction Technologies
- Defence
- Energy (including Green Hydrogen, Synthetic Fuels and Energy Storage)
- Health, Life Sciences, Biomedical Research and Bioeconomy
- Quantum Technologies
What’s important
- The 2026 Round of the Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is now closed for applications.
- Applications for the Seed Grants closed on 8 April 2026, 1pm AEST.
- Applications for the Development Grants closed on 20 May 2026, 1pm AEST.
- Applications must be made online via the SmartyGrants portal
- Up to 7 Queensland applicants will be awarded Seed Grants of up to $8,000 each (excluding GST) by the Queensland Government over a maximum of 12 months. In addition, each of the corresponding successful Bavarian applicants will receive a funding of up to €10,000 from StMWK.
- Up to five Queensland applicants will be awarded Development Grants of $110,000 (excluding GST) each by the Queensland Government, over a maximum of two years. In addition, each of the corresponding successful Bavarian applicants will receive a funding of up to €70,000 from StMWK.
- Eligibility criteria applies.
Guidelines and conditions
Queensland applicants – apply with SmartyGrants
Applications for the 2026 Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program through the online SmartyGrants portal are now closed.
Financial Incentive Agreements
2026 Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program: