NSSN Grand Challenge Fund 2027 announced  

Grand Challenge Fund
Written by Diane Nazaroff

The latest round of the NSSN Grand Challenge Fund (GCF) opened today and is accepting applications through to the deadline of 22 February 2027. 

Round 7 of the GCF invites applications to support innovative, collaborative research projects that respond to the five NSSN Priority Themes of:  

Grants of up to $100,000 per project will support the development of projects that link with industry or government partners and devise a smart sensing solution that has a defined pathway to genuine impact, either through commercialisation or operationalisation.   

The priority themes address complex challenges that are critical to our environment, health, economy and society and which demand innovative solutions that will impact future generations.   
  
They have been selected for the important role smart sensing can play in responding to the issue and where technological innovation holds the promise of creating significant change.   
  
The priority themes align well with state and federal priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and have been selected based on the NSSN’s unique ability to mobilise the world-class R&D capability across its member universities, in partnership with industry and government, for practical, impactful outcomes.    

NSSN Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Haskins said the Grand Challenge Fund provides an opportunity to turn world-class research into practical solutions to some of Australia's most pressing challenges. 

“Some of the biggest challenges facing our communities and industries can't be solved by researchers, businesses or governments working in isolation,” Mr Haskins said. 

“By bringing together the expertise of our member universities with industry and government partners, we're helping to develop smart sensing technologies that respond to real-world needs. 

“We're looking for ambitious, collaborative projects with a clear pathway to impact, whether that's developing a technology with commercial potential or finding new ways to put smart sensing solutions into practice.” 

Information sessions  

Researchers interested in applying to the NSSN Grand Challenge Fund 2026 can register to attend online webinars providing information on the fund, tips on submitting a successful application and an opportunity to ask questions.   

Webinar I - Tuesday 24 November 2026 1-2pm - Register 
Webinar II – Tuesday 2 February 2027 1-2pm - Register 
 
Eligibility 

To be eligible, projects must meet the following eligibility criteria: 
 

• Leadership: be led by an NSSN member university (the CI must be a salaried researcher at an NSSN member university. ECRs/MCRs are strongly encouraged to apply) 
 

• Collaboration: involve a minimum of two NSSN member universities (incl. the lead) 
 

• Partnership: partner with at least one industry or government partner 
 

• Co-investment: attract cash co-investment from industry/government partners at least equal to the requested amount 
 

Projects that do not meet these criteria will not be assessed. 
 

Assessment criteria 

Projects will be assessed on the following criteria: 

• Significance – description of the project, what it aims to achieve and how it contributes to addressing the priority theme. 30%  

• Collaboration – how the project integrates and fosters genuine collaboration between NSSN member universities. 15% 

• Partnership – how the project integrates genuine partnership with industry and 

government partners and responds to a defined industry or government need. 15% 

• Governance & Feasibility – how the project defines a realistic research plan and the measures that will ensure delivery on milestones. 15% 

• Impact pathway – how the project advances the science towards a realistic pathway to commercialisation. 15% 

• Diversity – How the project represents diversity of gender and under-represented cohorts in the team. 10% 
 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with their local NSSN Coordinator and the relevant NSSN Theme Leader as early as possible in the application process. This will help to ensure alignment with the NSSN Priority Themes and provide applications with the greatest chance of success. The NSSN can provide assistance in connecting with relevant industry and government partners. 

 
NSSN Theme Leaders 

NSSN Coordinators 

Applications close on 22 February 2027 at 5pm.     
 
Read more about the funding conditions and find the application form on the NSSN Grand Challenge Fund page. 

Diane Nazaroff
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