RESEARCH

Disability Research Leadership Program

The Disability Research Leadership Program supports researchers with disability to build research leadership at key career stages, connecting them with peer researchers, disability leaders, and sector experts who share their commitment to driving change.

DLRP Fellowships

Applications open 10 August 2026

We're extending the Disability Research Leadership Program to postdoctoral researchers with disability.

The DRLP will open applications from early career researchers with disability who have met all requirements for the award of their PhD by the time of application. This includes researchers within seven years of completing their PhD, with allowances for career breaks, disability-related disruptions, carer responsibilities and time outside academia.

What's on offer

Two-year fellowships for Australian-based postdoctoral researchers with disability, with:

$110,000 a year toward salary
Up to $60,000 in flexible research funding and professional development funding
A place in a national community of practice

DLRP Intake 1

Applications have now closed

Congratulations to the 14 researchers selected for the first intake of the Disability Research Leadership Program.

Find out more and register for DRLP Fellowship funding updates

Find out more about the DRLP Intake 1

2026 Disability Research Funding

We fund research led by people with disability.

Applications for the 2026 Disability Research Funding Round closed at 5:00pm AEST on 20 April 2026.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application.

Due to the volume of applications received and the multiple stages involved in ensuring a fair and rigorous assessment process, funding outcomes will be communicated towards the end of July or early August 2026.

We appreciate that many applicants are keen to know the outcome of their application and we thank you for your patience while this process is completed.

All applicants will be notified directly once decisions have been finalised. At that time, we will also provide information about next steps for successful applicants and feedback arrangements for unsuccessful applicants.

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

Find 2026 Disability Research Funding documents and FAQs here

Three funding opportunities

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.

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.