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$5 Million Fund Launches to Back Research Led By Australians With Disability
- NDRP
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon. Jenny McAllister, will today launch a major $5 million funding round by the independent National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) to expand research led by people with disability across Australia.
The funding will support researchers with disability to conduct extensive studies into disability safety, accessibility and inclusivity.
It builds on the success of NDRP's inaugural 2025 funding round, which delivered $900,000 to 15 early-stage disability-led research co-design projects nationwide.
Mary Sayers, NDRP CEO, said, “This funding recognises the expertise that comes from lived experience and invests directly in building the leadership, capability and influence of researchers with disability to inform real world change. It’s a significant step towards a more inclusive and impactful research system that delivers better outcomes for Australians with disability.”
Today’s announcement at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will also introduce the researchers selected for Australia’s first Disability Research Leadership Program. Each will receive $30,000 to support their professional development and research work. Read more about the Program recipients.
The event will also mark the launch of Citizen Research Essentials, Australia’s first micro-credential in research, co-designed with people with disability and delivered by Griffith University. The accessible course will build skills and opportunities for people with disability to get involved in academic and community research.
Senator the Hon. Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS, said, “The Australian Government is proud to back these outstanding researchers, because when people with disability lead research, we get better policies, better health outcomes and stronger communities.”
Together, these initiatives represent a significant step towards a more inclusive and accessible research community in Australia. Applications for the new $5 million research fund are open on 23 February 2026, closing at 5pm AEST on 20 April.
This new $5 million fund represents NDRP's second round of research funding since becoming independent in 2024. The inaugural 2025 funding round successfully allocated $900,000 across 15 co-design research projects.
Watch the video: Safety of people with disability and co-designing research with NDRP funding
Media contact:
Sally Belford, NDRP Communications Lead
email: sally.belford@ndrp.org.au | phone: 03 9000 3813 | SMS only number: 0485 931 168
