Melbourne Disability Institute
2019 Seed Funding

The MDI Seed Funding Scheme is intended to support disability research that is interdisciplinary and can demonstrate significant impact on the well-being of people with disability, their families and carers. We are particularly interested in projects that bring together new teams, are likely to have practical outcomes, involve strong partnerships and have a clear pathway to sustainable funding.

The MDI seed funding scheme is now open for application. Funding requests of up to $20,000 will be considered. In exceptional cases, funding requests for higher amounts will also be considered. The round closes 5pm Friday, 25 October 2019.

Key dates:

• 16 September: round opens
• 7-11 October: drop-in sessions
• 25 October: applications due
• Late November: applicants informed of outcome 

Click here for more information and to access the application form

Drop-in sessions
The Melbourne Disability Institute will be running drop-in sessions for interested academics to come and discuss their idea or ask any questions. 

The sessions will allow prospective applicants to receive guidance on the seed funding requirements, guidelines and eligibility, and seek answers to any questions specific to a project before submitting an application. The MDI team can also help make relevant introductions which would help the project. Due to limited places per session, bookings are essential. 

Book now!

Please Note: Applicants are advised to read the program guidelines online and gather information on project proposals prior to attending a drop-in session. If you would like to check whether your project meets the seed funding criteria beforehand, please contact MDI Executive Officer Tessa de Vries. 

Drop-in session enquiries: md-i@unimelb.edu.au.

General Guidelines

Applications will undergo a peer review process and will be judged on nine categories as outlined on the MDI website. Internal funding to a maximum of $20,000 per project will be awarded. However, teams are encouraged to seek additional funding or support from external parties.  

In addition to funding, MDI can also provide support, guidance and engagement or introductions to key organisations in the disability sector or government departments. 

Applications are expected to be developed by a team of at least two academics from different disciplines and each application must nominate a Coordinating Investigator who holds a salaried position at the University of Melbourne. 

Questions? 

Please email md-i@unimelb.edu.au for any inquiries or contact Tessa de Vries on 03 8344 2813.

We look forward to supporting more excellent disability research on campus!  

The Melbourne Disability Institute was established in 2018 to build a collaborative, interdisciplinary and translational research program to improve the lives of people with disability. The MDI program of research aims to capitalise on national reforms and active partnerships with the disability sector to deliver evidence for change and is centered around providing much-needed evidence for the disability sector and broader community to address the complex problems facing people with disability, their families and carers.