Call For Proposals
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) collaborates with researchers and industry partners to develop solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability and long-term profitability across Australia’s wool sector. We invest Australian woolgrowers’ levy funds, matched by the Australian Government, into projects that deliver profitable, resilient and sustainable outcomes for our industry.
2026 ON-FARM CALL FOR PROPOSALS
AWI invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for on-farm research, development and extension (RD&E) projects commencing in 2026. We seek proposals that align with AWI’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and favour those with cross-disciplinary teams and strong collaborations across research organisations, RDCs, and industry.
View AWI’s Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028 here.
EOI’s should address AWI priority areas for investment, which are available here
What you’ll gain from partnering with AWI
- Access to funding and support to turn innovative ideas into real-world impact for Australia’s wool industry.
- Work alongside Australia’s leading research organisations, producers and technical experts on projects that deliver measurable industry outcomes.
- Contribute to the future of wool, helping deliver lasting value for woolgrowers, the environment, and global consumers.
Who should apply
Universities, RDCs, research institutes, consultants, industry partners, and consortia with the capability to deliver value to Australian woolgrowers.
Assessment criteria
- Scientific excellence and research quality: Proposals must demonstrate sound scientific design, clear objectives, and robust methods that ensure credible and evidence-based outcomes.
- Technical feasibility and likelihood of success: Proposals must present a realistic plan supported by skilled and experienced teams, appropriate resources, and effective risk management.
- Value and potential impact: Cost effectiveness, leverage of co-investment and scalable outputs. Proposals must show measurable benefits for woolgrowers, strong alignment with industry priorities, and potential for long-term impact.
- Extension, translation, and adoption: Proposals must include clear pathways for translating research into practical outcomes, ensuring adoption and on-farm application.
- Systems view: A systems-based approach will be highly valued, delivering integrated and complementary outcomes in the areas of genetics and breeding, animal health and wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
Key dates
- 24 November 2025 – EOI opens.
- 30 January 2026 - EOI closes.
Two-stage application process
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI
Submit a short EOI by 30 January 2026 outlining the project overview and objectives; alignment with AWI's 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan; expected on-farm outcomes; key methods and milestones; partnerships and co-investment; adoption pathway; indicative budget; timelines; and any key risks or innovations.
A downloadable template is available here to assist applicants in preparing submissions. Final EOIs must be submitted via the online portal – submissions by email or in Word format will not be accepted.
Stage 2 – Full proposal (by invitation)
Following review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) application. An AWI program manager may contact applicants during the evaluation process to clarify details.
Applicants shortlisted from the EOI stage will be invited to complete a full and detailed proposal. The full proposal template will be available shortly.
Shortlisted applicants are encouraged to engage partners early to ensure a comprehensive and well- prepared submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I submit more than one EOI?
Yes. Submit separate EOIs if concepts differ. - Do I need industry partners?
Collaboration is strongly encouraged and viewed favourably, particularly where it improves adoption and scale. - Is there a minimum or maximum funding amount?
Funding levels vary depending on the project’s scope, duration and alignment with AWI’s strategic priorities. Applicants are encouraged to outline realistic budgets that reflect project needs. - What about intellectual property?
IP terms will be negotiated when a full proposal is accepted. They will be aligned to delivering benefit to levy payers, while enabling adoption/commercialisation where appropriate. - When are full proposals due (for invited applicants)?
Applicants shortlisted from the EOI stage will be contacted by a program manager to submit a full proposal on an individual basis. Shortlisted applicants are encouraged to engage partners early to ensure a comprehensive and well-prepared submission.
Enquiries
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their EOIs with the relevant AWI team member prior to submission.
Carolina Diaz – Program Manager, Animal Wellbeing & Industry Resilience Ph +61 429 351 545
Geoff Lindon – Program Manager, Sheep Genetics & Animal Welfare Advocacy Ph +61 427 572 228
Edward Fernie – Project Manager, Environmental Sustainability Ph +61 456 398 261
Stephen Feighan – General Manager, Grower Services & Market Intelligence Ph +61 418 218 913
For enquiries about the EOI process, please email projects@wool.com or contact April McLeod at +61 2 8295 4125
