AFWI – National open call for research

AFWI’s National Open Call for Research is back, with Expressions of Interest (EOI) opening on Friday, 7 March, for projects that deliver transformative, industry-focused research to support Australia’s forestry and forest products industries.

This call encourages innovative ideas that lead to commercial outcomes, which tackle industry challenges or entrepreneurial opportunities. 

What’s new?

For this round, AFWI is introducing a two-stage process comprising an initial EOI stage and a second stage for invited full proposals. This new process is informed by industry and researcher feedback and will streamline the application process and ensure that proposed projects are high quality and align with industry priorities.

About AFWI Funding

AFWI supports cross-disciplinary research spanning the full forest and forest products value chain, focusing on creating and adopting new knowledge, products, and services in collaboration with industry. While some research may be fundamental, all projects must have a clear end-user focus and industry backing.

AFWI encourages projects that involve Indigenous organisations and stakeholders, incorporating First Nations perspectives and deliver benefits to their communities and enterprises.

Projects must demonstrate strong industry collaboration, with matching funding from industry or other sources. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind support is also considered. Co-contributions must at least match AFWI funding and can exceed 50% of the total project cost.

Research focus areas include (but are not limited to):

• Sustainable forests for our future – forest management that delivers multiple outcomes for profitability, a healthy society and the environment;
• Making the most of our available wood fibre– enhanced value-adding opportunities to drive the new circular bioeconomy and bolster domestic manufacturing. 
• Climate change solutions – drive the Nation’s net zero transition through integrated forest and forest product solutions;
   

Comprehensive EOI guidelines will be available when EOIs open on 7 March, via AFWI.au.