Request for Proposals (RFP) for CCIP Bridging Research Projects
About This Opportunity:
This Funding Opportunity aims to support Bridging Research Projects that build upon the outcomes of the Crown-of-thorns starfish Control Innovation Program (CCIP), maintaining and expanding Australia’s capacity to deliver world-leading protection of coral from outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) across the Great Barrier Reef.
CCIP is a targeted, multi-disciplinary research program aimed at boosting capacity to predict, detect and respond to COTS outbreaks. The innovation program delivers research that underpins Australia’s on-water COTS Control Program, led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Further background information on CCIP’s approach and outcomes to date are provided in the CCIP Synthesis & Impact Report (2021-2024).
A total of up to $2 million in funding is available for proposals that address one of four priority research areas:
Detection & Monitoring. Research that advances development and operational deployment of tools and strategies that improve COTS, coral and co-benefit monitoring capabilities.
Innovating Control Methods. Research that advances development of an expanded control toolbox to complement culling and/or address its limitations (e.g. depth, COTS life-history stage).
COTS, Coral & Climate Change. Research that generates new knowledge and improved capability to adapt COTS management to changing environmental conditions.
Decisions for Coral Resilience. Research that advances development and application of models and decision support tools that guide COTS Control Program strategic planning and tactical operations.
This is an open call for applications. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for further details on funding and eligibility requirements.
We strongly encourage collaborative, multi-institution projects that are developed in consultation with stakeholders.
How to apply:
The closing date for Applications is 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday 1 August 2025.
Applicants should read these Guidelines and the related Application Form in their entirety before deciding whether to apply.
The completed Application form, excel budget tool and any other attachments must be emailed to applications@barrierreef.org before the closing date.
To provide effective and tailored support, all applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their application with the CCIP Program Director, Mary Bonin, during the open call for applications. Applicants can schedule these meetings between Monday 14 July and Friday 25 July. Summarised and de-identified information from these discussions will be shared via public FAQs for the benefit of all applicants.
General questions about the application process can be directed to applications@barrierreef.org.
Key Documents
Additional documents for reference
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Is $2 million the total amount available in the funding round, or the amount available per grant?
It is the total amount available in the funding round, not per grant. We expect that this funding will support multiple projects.
Are applicants from outside Australia eligible to apply?
No. It is an eligibility requirement that applicants are operating in Australia and have an Australian Business Number ABN. Please see Item 2.1 of the Application Guidelines for further details on eligibility requirements.
The Application Guidelines emphasise the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration. If I am proposing a project that has connections and complementarity with other research, not directly part of my proposal, should I address this in my application?
Yes. Where applicants see potential links between their proposed research and other research that may be proposed as part of this funding round, these links should be highlighted in the Application form under Item 2.2 Outcomes and Impact Pathway.
Can research be conducted in the Torres Strait?
Yes, research can be conducted anywhere along the Great Barrier Reef, including the Torres Strait. Applicants proposing to conduct research in the Torres Strait will need to clarify how the research directly benefits the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Are capital expenses eligible under this funding?
No, this funding does not support the purchase of general equipment/assets or infrastructure investments. Purchase of equipment and consumables is eligible under this funding, but only where it is essential to delivering the project.
Will there be an extension to the application closing date?
No, applications will close Friday 1 August 2025 at 5:00pm AEST. Application forms (including all attachments) must be submitted to the GBRF’s Grants email inbox applications@barrierreef.org. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
I’m interested in partnering with Traditional Owners but I do not have established relationships and do not know who to contact. What should I do?
Building relationships with Traditional Owners based on mutual trust and understanding is important and this process takes time, planning and resources. Where applicants do not already have established relationships, we recognise it is unlikely to be feasible to establish these relationships during the short timeframe of the application period. It is also important to recognise that Traditional Owners may have other priorities. Successful applicants will be supported in developing a Traditional Owner Communications and Engagement Plan that is appropriate for their project.