RESEARCH

2026 Disability Research Funding

We fund research led by people with disability.

The NDRP 2026 Disability Research Funding round will fund research to improve safety for people with disabilities and build accessible communities.

Up to $300,000 per project | 12-month projects | $5 million available

Applications open: 23 February 2026 | Applications close: 5pm AEST, 20 April 2026

View funding opportunity

Three funding opportunities available

This funding round focuses on two research themes:

1. Safety of people with disability

a. Open: Project teams can choose their own research focus within the topic, or

b. Targteted: Teams must focus their research on pathways to ending restrictive practice.

2. Accessible and inclusive communities

Projects that remove barriers so people with disability can participate fully in community life.

Our research is guided by the NDRP Research Agenda, which was developed over two years in collaboration with the disability community.

Am I eligible?

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Building partnerships

The NDRP funds research led by and with people with disability. We fund research and work in partnership with the disability community and their organisations, in ways that are guided by the NDRP Principles.

Researchers interested in the funding round are encouraged to start building partnerships early.
We’ve put together a resource pack to support teams to build respectful, fair and inclusive partnerships. The pack includes tips, checklists, and templates you can use straight away.

Download the Partnership Resource Pack

Co-designing research

Research teams must include:

People with lived experience of disability,
Researchers with disability research skills, and
People who understand and influence disability policy and practice.

Strong co-design teams bring together a range of perspectives, experiences, and skills. Co-design should be part of the research project from the beginning.

Learn more about co-design

Explore our Research Framework

Our Research Framework guides how we fund and support disability-led research. It ensures all research is co-designed with people with disability and creates change.