About the program
The Regional Challenge Research Initiative (RCRI) is a challenge-based applied research grant program. It funds scientists and industry partners in the Asia-Pacific region who propose research-driven solutions to regional challenges.
The program aims to:
- produce applied research on complex regional challenges
- strengthen multi-country collaboration in the region
- generate practical tools, models and data across diverse contexts
- mobilise philanthropic multilateral and industry co-investment to scale regional impact.
It funds collaborative 12-to-15-month projects that produce practical tools, models, knowledge and data that can be adapted across diverse Asia-Pacific contexts. Successful projects are those that show the highest potential to address specific challenges.
Grants are between $50,000 and $145,000, with a total funding pool of $1.5 million.
Collaboration must be in the form of regional consortia. This means an Australian lead organisation and at least 2 other organisations across the Asia-Pacific. Projects require co-investment from partners.
Program rounds
There will be 2 funding rounds seeking solutions to different regional challenges.
Alpha Cohort
The first round supports projects that address this challenge:
Circular economy, waste reduction and sustainable resource use for regional resilience in the Asia-Pacific Region.
An approximate total of $580,000 is available for this round. We expect it to fund 4-5 collaborative projects.
Program delivery partners
The International Science Council’s (ISC) Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific is delivering the program. It is a regional hub that connects Asia Pacific science systems into the ISC’s global programs and networks.
The Australian Academy of Science in Canberra is the host organisation for the Regional Focal Point.
Our department is funding the program until 2028.