Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Change Institute’s mission?
The Global Change Institute’s mission is to draw together research excellence and expertise from across UQ, industry, government, and the community to address grand challenges which deliver impact to society, the economy, the environment, and culture. Our professional team of Innovation Brokers are focused on connecting researchers from across our five research impact themes, to develop solutions to major global challenges and develop funded transdisciplinary networks with impact.
- Leading healthy lives
- Building better economies
- Achieving resilient environments and livelihoods
- Designing technology for tomorrow
- Transforming societies
What is a Global Change Research Network (GCRN)?
Global Change Research Networks (GCRNs) bring knowledge and ideas from different disciplines within one approach to act as a catalyst for innovations and more creative solutions to address grand societal challenges.
These networks of UQ research excellence are a way to attract large-scale transdisciplinary research funding, including funding from government, industry and philanthropic partners.
Research leaders are encouraged to apply for GCRN support by addressing the eligibility and selection criteria when rounds are offered. GCI currently intends to offer two rounds per calendar year.
GCRN recipients receive as much as $50,000 in strategic funding, plus administrative support for:
- Hosting events Stakeholder/partner workshops
- Support identifying and securing funding partners
- Media and communication support
- Support developing capability statements
- Ongoing support for measuring & reporting research impact data
- Opportunity to contribute to Future Forums.
Our focus will be on working with the nominated Global Change Research Networks that have successfully navigated and been chosen via the GCI competitive selection process. What is a Global Change Research Network (GCRN)? Global Change Research Networks (GCRNs) bring knowledge and ideas from different disciplines within one approach to act as a catalyst for innovations and more creative solutions to address grand societal challenges. These networks of UQ research excellence are a way to attract large-scale transdisciplinary research funding, including funding from government, industry and philanthropic partners.
What role do GCI’s Innovation Brokers play?
Our five Innovation Brokers will build internal and external partnerships to focus investment and partnership opportunities around Global Change Research Networks (GCRNs). The Innovation Brokers will provide dedicated support to (GCRNs) in key problem areas by engaging new potential funding partners, hosting partner workshops, and steering networks towards large-scale funding opportunities.
What is the GCRN selection process?
Eligible transdisciplinary research groups across UQ eager to solve global challenges are encouraged apply for GCI Global Change Research Network funding.
If you're considering forming a transdisciplinary network to be considered for GCI funding support, please discuss your proposal with one of our Innovation Brokers before submitting an application. GCRN applications are considered as part of a competitive selection process. Chaired by the GCI Director, the process includes an advisory panel comprised of senior academics and external experts with a track-record of delivering large programmatic funding initiatives.
After consideration, the panel then advises the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation on allocation of strategic funding to the GCRNs. GCRN funding rounds are expected to be offered twice a year.
Does the GCI fund research?
If your GCRN is selected, the initial period of funding is for 12 months and the initial budget is up to $50,000. Global Change Research Network (GCRN) funding is intended to resource the development of a funding bid (e.g. ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program, MRFF, NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence, RDCs, CRC-Ps, CRCs, large commercial opportunities, funds and philanthropic sources). The GCRN funding is not intended to be used as research project seed funding. GCI supports large-scale programmatic funding bids emerging from GCRNs rather than the development of individual ARC Linkage or Discovery project applications.
Can GCRN funding be extended?
The GCRN selection committee can extend a successful GCRN for an additional 12-month period if the GCRN demonstrates significant agreed progress towards a large-scale funding bid/opportunity.
Will GCI consider out-of-round applications for GCRN funding?
We understand that large-scale funding opportunities don’t always respect administrative deadlines. Out-of-round applications can be made — for significant opportunities with fixed deadlines — subject to GCI Director approval. If you would like to propose out-of round Global Change Research Network support, please contact one of our Innovation Brokers.
How can I stay informed of GCI initiatives?
Register here to receive GCI updates or follow GCI on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.