Application Process

The calling for and assessing of applications for research funding under WQRA’s Research Programs is subject to clearly defined policies and procedures. These are designed to attract relevant research with high quality outcomes.

Purpose

WQRA’s vision is to be the trusted provider of scientific evidence needed to ensure safe water for Australians. To support this, WQRA will

  • develop the research strategic plan to address water quality issues of national significance
  • collaborate with all key stakeholders to deliver the research plan
  • provide scientific evidence to underpin the rolling review of guidelines relating to safe drinking water and recycled water
  • facilitate knowledge transfer and uptake of research outcomes to mitigate risk
  • promote importance of safe water on the national agenda
  • build capacity and capability for high quality research to support the Australian Water community

Objectives

  • optimise WQRA resources in attracting high quality research proposals of national significance for consideration
  • provide clarity, consistency and transparency to WQRA stakeholders on the approach to the funding call process
  • provide a framework for training of WQRA personnel through documentation of policies and procedures.

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to proposals received under the Education Program or corporate projects. Corporate Projects refer to internal WQRA projects such as the ‘website development project’ and the ‘project management system project’ and does not refer to WQRA research projects.

Research Areas

The key research areas identified for WQRA are:

  • Drinking water quality
  • Recycled water and alternative supplies
  • Wastewater systems

The research portfolio seeks to address a range of functional areas including:

  • Identifying emerging risks and relevant knowledge gaps
  • Improve knowledge and quantify risks
  • Identify appropriate management tools to address risks
  • Science to underpin Guidelines, Regulation and Policy
  • Verify whole of system performance
  • Knowledge into practice

Project Assessment Process

Policy

WQRA’s policy approach to attracting research is outlined in the Application Process - Overview document.

Governance framework

  • Water Quality Research Limited Australia Constitution (Varied July 2008)
  • Members’ Agreement
  • Strategic Research Framework

Templates

Project Proposals are to be prepared using the Project Proposal Template (Word doc) and Project Proposal Financial Tables (Excel spreadsheet). Details of the  Project Selection Criteria (PDF) are available.