DISABILITY RESEARCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

About the NDRP

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Q: What is the NDRP?

A: The National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) is an independent organisation that supports disability research by and with people with disability. Our vision is that policy and practice in Australia are transformed by disability-led research.

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Q: Where does the NDRP get its funding from?

A: The NDRP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

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Q: Does the NDRP work with government?

A: Yes. The NDRP works closely with government but is independent in its research funding decisions.

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Q: What is the NDRP’s Research Agenda?

A: The research the NDRP funds is guided by the NDRP Research Agenda. The agenda was developed following deep engagement with the disability community. It covers many topics that are organised into 12 major areas of research. It also outlines themes that underpin all the research we fund.

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Read the NDRP Research Agenda (includes 1-page overview and Easy Read versions).

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Q: How was the NDRP’s Research Agenda developed?

A: The agenda was developed through national consultations with people with disability and a wide range of stakeholders. This process took place over two years (2021-2023).

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Q: What are the NDRP Principles?

A: The NDRP Principles guide the NDRP’s work and decisions. These principles draw on the human rights framework of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The principles include:

• Advance high quality research that informs disability policy and practice in Australia

• Value the knowledge of people with disability in research

• Strengthen disability research capacity

• Share research findings widely in useful and accessible ways.

 

About the NDRP Disability Research Leadership Program

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Q: What is the NDRP Disability Research Leadership Program?

A: The NDRP has established the Disability Research Leadership Program to recognise and support early-career researchers with a disability. The Leadership Program provides flexible financial support alongside access to a community of practice, creating opportunities for peer learning, and leadership development.

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Q: Who is the program designed for?

A: Early-career researchers and PhD candidates whose work aligns with the NDRP Research Agenda.

What are the goals of this program?

The objectives of the program are to:

• Reduce barriers that can prevent researchers with disability from completing their studies, conducting research or progressing in their careers.

• Support the development of career pathways for researchers with disability into academic, policy, advocacy and practice fields.

• Strengthen Australia’s capacity to deliver disability-led and inclusive research that informs policy and practice.

 

Q: How long does the program last?

A: It is a one year program.

 

Q: How much funding is available?

A: Successful applicants will receive $15,000 Financial Support Funding (e.g. cost of living allowance) and up to an additional $15,000 Professional Development Funding to be spent on professional development or other activities to support their research studies.

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Q: How can I use the flexible Professional Development Funding?

A: The $15,000 Professional Development Funding is to provide flexible research and career development funding and can be used for activities that will strengthen the impact of research and/or support professional development.  Examples include travel to conferences, training, mentoring or professional development, activities that strengthen involvement of people with disability in research or knowledge mobilisation costs.

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Q: When do I have to decide how I will use the Professional Development Funding?

A: You do not need to decide how to use the funding now. The application form asks you to identify the types of areas you might be interested in using this funding. After you are selected for the program you will be able to submit written requests for the funding at any time during your one-year participation in the program. Requests will include information like:

• what you’ll use the funding for and how that aligns with the program objectives

• an itemised budget

• how the activity or item will contribute to your research or career development

• endorsements or approvals from your institution if required

 

Q: How can I use the Financial Support Funding?

A: This is an allowance to help with cost-of-living expenses while you participate in the program.

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Q: How does this funding impact on my scholarship?

A: If you already hold a scholarship, you should check with your university about the impact of the program.  The NDRP is not able to provide individual advice on your circumstances.

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Q: I am enrolled part-time, am I eligible to apply?

A: Yes, we encourage part-time students to apply for the Disability Research Leadership Program.

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Q: If I am a part-time student, will I still receive the full $15,000 in financial support and up to $15,000 in professional development funding?

A: Yes, participating in the program is the same for full-time and part-time students.

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Q: What happens if I change supervisor, university or project during the year while I am part of the program, will that impact on my participation in the program?

A: No. As long as you are still enrolled in a PhD or Master’s by Research program you can continue in the Disability Research Leadership Program.

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Q: How does this funding impact on my tax requirements?

A: The NDRP Financial Support Funding is not tax free like university scholarships. If you want to clarify impacts on your existing scholarship, please seek advice from your university scholarships office. If you are unsure about your tax requirements, you should seek independent advice. The NDRP is unable to provide individual advice on tax matters.

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Key Dates and application process

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Q: What are the key dates?

A: 

• Applications open 27 October 2025

• Applications close 3 December 2025 at 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

• Successful applicants are informed: February 2026

• Program starts: March 2026

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Q: Where do I submit my application?

A: Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal.

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Eligibility and Requirements

 

Q: Who can apply?

A: Australian PhD candidates or Master’s by Research students with disability whose work aligns with the NDRP Research Agenda. Students must have at least one year of their program of study remaining as at February 2026.

 

Q: Do I need to be currently enrolled in a PhD or Master’s by Research program to be eligible?

A: Yes, you must be enrolled in a PhD or Master’s by Research program at an Australian university to be eligible.

 

Q: I am doing a Master’s by Coursework, am I eligible to apply?

A: No. This program is for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. HDR programs are postgraduate university degrees that involve a unique, supervised research project. Some Master’s programs do a combination of a unique, supervised research project and coursework. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us.

 

Q: I am planning to enrol in a PhD or Master’s by Research, but I have not yet been accepted or enrolled, am I eligible to apply?

A: No. This first intake of the Disability Research Leadership Program is for students who already have candidature or been enrolled in their higher degree research program. In the future, the NDRP may consider running programs that include people who have not yet been enrolled in a research degree.

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Q: If I have not yet involved people with disability in the design of my research, am I still eligible?

A: Yes. Your application should show how you plan to involve people with disability in your work and how the program and funding will support you to do this.

 

Q: Can international students apply?

A: No. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.

 

Q: Is there an age requirement for applicants?

A: No, the program is open to applicants of all ages who meet the other requirements.

 

Q: Do I need to have disability to apply for this program?

A: Yes. The program is designed for higher degree research students with disability.

Disability can include a range of experiences, for example, as described in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), or by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

These definitions are not exclusive, and if you are not sure whether you are eligible, please contact us.

 

Q: Why do I need to consent to being identified as being a participant in the Disability Research Leadership Program in public communications about the program?

A: Participants in this program are being supported in their leadership including through sharing their work and building their profile for the future. We’ll collaborate with you to share your work and your involvement with the Program through social media, our newsletter and on our website.

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If there are reasons you cannot disclose your participation, for example personal safety, you can still apply. If you are selected for the program, we’ll work with you to understand your needs. We will not disclose information about you without your consent, and you will be able to review what we say publicly about your participation.

 

Q: Why do I need to commit to engaging in the program activities?

A: The main program activities will be the community of practice, which will be a peer network, and professional learning opportunities. If applicants do not want to engage in these activities, the NDRP believes this may undermine the success of the leadership program. The program activities will be designed based on participants needs, and in formats that are most accessible and inclusive for them.

 

Q: Why do I need to commit to participating in the evaluation of the Disability Research Leadership Program?

A: The NDRP is committed to continual monitoring, learning and evaluation to ensure all its work is meeting our strategic objectives and progressing the vision of the NDRP.

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This program is the first intake of the National Disability Research Program, and we want to learn and evolve the program in the future, based on participants’ feedback.

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Evaluation may be conducted internally or externally. For example, providing feedback following a community of practice session via a survey, or participating in an interview, focus group or survey with an external evaluator.

 

Q: Who is not eligible?

A: International students, individuals who are not currently enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD at an Australian university, or if you are not a person with a disability you are not eligible for this program.

 

Preparing your application

 

Q: How can I learn more about the NDRP Research Agenda and Principles?

A: Read more about the NDRP Research Agenda and the NDRP Principles.

 

Q: How do I apply?

A: Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.

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Q: What documents do I need to submit with my application?

A: Please include an up to date CV (maximum four pages) and a letter of support from your current supervisor.

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Q: Can I provide more than one letter of support?

A: No. Only one letter of support is required to be uploaded. The letter is written by an academic supervisor for your research degree. If you have more than one academic supervisor, you can choose who provides this letter.

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Q: What should the letter of support include?

A: The letter of support should include confirmation of your enrolment, support of your academic supervisor for your involvement in the program and your supervisor’s thoughts on how this program would be beneficial for you.  A template is provided here for the letter.

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Q: What format should the letter of support be?

A: A signed PDF or Word document. A digital signature is acceptable.

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Q: Do I need to include details about how I will use the flexible Professional Development Funding?

A: No. We do not expect you to know in advance how you will use the funding.  You can include your plans if you have specific ideas.  You will not be disadvantaged if you need more time to decide.

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Q: Can I submit a late application?

A: No. Late applications will not be accepted.

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Q: Who do I contact if I have difficulties completing the form?

A: Jess Rosenthal (Engagement and Events Coordinator): jess.rosenthal@ndrp.org.au

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Q: Can I edit my application after I submit it?

A: No. You cannot edit your application after you submit it.

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Q: Can I provide my application in alternative formats?

A: Generally, we will only accept applications in writing through the SmartyGrants application form. However, if you need to provide your application in alternative formats please contact us for further guidance.

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Your CV

 

Q: Do I have to use the NDRP CV guidance?
A: No. The CV guidance is provided to help applicants present their research and professional experience clearly. If you already have a CV, or would prefer to provide the information in a different format, that is completely fine.

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Q: What if my experience looks different from a standard academic CV?
A: That’s okay. The NDRP Disability Research Leadership Program values non-traditional pathways and outputs. You can include community projects, advocacy work, creative research outputs, Easy English or accessible publications, vocational training and other experiences that show your skills and potential.

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Q: What if I’m not sure how to structure my CV?
A: Use the headings that apply to you. If a section doesn’t fit your experience, you can leave it out. The main goal is to give the selection panel a clear picture of your research, skills, and potential.

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Q: Is there a page limit for my CV?
A: We recommend keeping your CV to a maximum of 4 pages. It does not need to be overly formal or exhaustive.

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Q: What format should my CV be?

A: Please provide your CV in a PDF or Word document.

 

Assessment and Selection

 

Q: How are applications assessed?

A: Applications will be assessed by a selection panel convened by the NDRP. The panel will include members of the Research Committee and may include other people with relevant expertise. Each application will be considered against the published selection criteria.

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Q: Will there be an interview?

A: More information about the selection process will be provided on the website after applications open and at the information sessions on 11 and 12 November 2025.

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Q: How many people will be selected?

A: The program will support up to eight (8) higher degree students with disability.

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Q: What are assessors looking for?

A: Applications will be assessed against the criteria of: connection of your work to the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda, potential impact of the program experience and readiness to make the most of this opportunity.

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Q: What if I am early in my research career? Do I still have a chance of being successful?

A: Yes. The program is designed to support students early in their career who will be able to make the most of this opportunity to develop their career pathways and leadership in disability research.

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Q: Does my supervisor have to agree to participate in the program?

A: Your supervisor must provide a letter of support indicating that they support your involvement in the program.  Your supervisor does not have to agree to participate in the optional peer learning program for supervisors.

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Q: Can I get feedback if I am not selected?

A: Yes. Feedback will be provided to all applicants.

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Participation in the Program

 

Q: What kinds of activities or workshops will be part of the Community of Practice?

A: The Community of Practice will provide an opportunity for students to connect with other students with disability. Specific activities and workshops will be designed to meet the needs of the students who are accepted into the program. They may include workshops about disability policy, inclusive research, and/or knowledge mobilisation.

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Knowledge mobilisation refers to the process of making knowledge from different sources ready for action. 

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Q: What is the time commitment required?

A: Participants will be asked to attend at least six (6) Community of Practice events.

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Q: Will the program activities be online or in person?

A: Program activities will be held online.

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Q: Will there be costs associated with participating in the Community of Practice?

A: No. There will be no additional costs to attending the program.

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Q: What happens if I cannot attend a session?

A: Let the NDRP team know. Sessions may be recorded or rescheduled where possible.

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Q: What happens if I need to take a break for medical or personal reasons during the year of the program? Can I rejoin the program later?

A: Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to take a break from the program, so we can discuss and plan for your circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

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