Forest and Wood Products Australia invites RD&E (research, development or extension) proposals to advance benefits to Australia’s commercial forest growers, aligned with one or more of FWPA’s programs:
• Program 3 – Assisting value chain optimisation.
• Program 4 – Increasing resource availability and reducing risk.
• Program 5 – Impacting decision-making and industry capability.
FWPA’s forestry RD&E investment plans were developed in consultation with commercial forest growers to inform investment in RD&E activities. From the investment plans, priority topics were identified as key targets for investment.
Proposals must either advance one or more priority topics identified in the investment plans; or advance RD&E outside of the priority topics where the prospective researcher can demonstrate significant support by commercial forest growers.
Note: FWPA is not calling for proposals that address the research topics in the genetics investment plan at this time.
Successful proposals will reflect an understanding of the context and issues around the research topic as it impacts the sector. For context and background on the priority topics, refer to the relevant investment plan or plans.
Successful proposals will reflect an understanding of the current status of knowledge in relation to priority topics. A list of relevant recent and current projects funded or supported through FWPA is available.
There is no requirement to seek financial commitment from growers at this time. However, in-kind commitments and letters of support that demonstrate the proposed work is of value to growers will be considered during proposal evaluation.
Term and commencement:
Proposals are invited for projects of up to three years’ duration and commencing in 2022-23. If a longer duration is warranted, projects of up to five years may also be considered.
• Stage 1: Submission of Part A of the proposal: Applicants are required to complete and submit Part A of the proposal, by 12 pm (AEDT) on March 6 by emailing grants@fwpa.com.au
Submission of Part A’s as a first stage aims to increase the level of collaboration among growers and between growers and research providers; and will also inform the particular types of expertise needed by the scientific advisory panel to evaluate the suite of proposals expected to be submitted.
FWPA will advise grower members through the Grower Research Advisory Committee of the proposals in preparation by providing access to the Part A submissions. FWPA will offer growers the opportunity to be involved in proposal development, to ensure it is aligned with industry needs.
By providing a Part A submission, the applicant agrees to FWPA sharing the information contained in the submission.
FWPA will acknowledge receipt of the Part A submissions but will neither formally accept nor reject proposals at this stage.
FWPA will notify applicants of contact details of growers interested in participating in proposal development by March 10. Applicants should engage with those growers in further developing the proposal.
• Stage 2 full proposal: Applicants may submit a full proposal that expands on the Part A submission. Proposals must use FWPA’s project application 2023 form. All fields are required to be completed. Appendix 1 of the project application 2022 form contains additional important information, which must be read in conjunction with the call for proposals.
Full proposals must be submitted by emailing to grants@fwpa.com.au by 12 noon (AEDT) on March 17.
Review by the scientific advisory panel: All full proposals will be evaluated by executives pf the grower research advisory committee and FPWA’s scientific advisory panel.
Applicants will have the opportunity to respond to questions and comments from the scientific advisory panel between early December and late January, which may include an invitation to meet virtually with the panel if required.
Applicants will be notified whether their proposal has been successful by mid-May 2023.
If you would like to discuss this call for proposals, contact FWPA’s forest research manager Jodie Mason on (+61) 427 357867 or email Jodie.mason@fwpa.com.au.
