DISABILITY RESEARCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Applications opening soon

Disability Research Leadership Program: Intake 1 for existing Master’s by Research and PhD students with disability

What’s on offer

A one-year program, join a national community connecting you with peer researchers, disability leaders, and sector experts who share your commitment to driving change.
Up to $15,000 financial support to help you focus on your research and career development, plus
Up to $15,000 flexible funding to support your research and professional development including activities like conference travel, collaborations with disability organisations, accessible research methods and knowledge mobilsation.

Who can apply

Master's by Research or PhD students with disability, enrolled at an Australian university, whose research aligns with the NDRP’s Research Agenda.

Key dates

Applications open: 27 October 2025

Q&A information sessions: 11 & 12 November 2025

Applications close: 3 December 2025

Successful applicants announced: February 2026

Program commences: March 2026

How to apply

Applications open on 27 October 2025 through SmartyGrants.

We will release the Application Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions soon, so you can prepare your application.

Register for a Q&A session

Tuesday 11 November, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM AEDT
Wednesday 12 November, 5:00 PM–6:30 PM AEDT

Why this program matters

The NDRP has established the Disability Research Leadership Program to recognise and support emerging and early-career researchers with disability. Too often, talented students and researchers with disability miss out on career pathways and leadership opportunities because universities tend not to recognise disability as a strength. This is a lost opportunity for universities and the research community.

This program addresses these gaps with flexible financial support tailored to your individual needs. It connects you with peers and creates opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.

Together, we're supporting the next generation of disability research leaders who will shape the evidence base that informs policy and practice.

Informed by lived experience

This program was shaped by consultations with past and current PhD and Master’s degree research students with disability who shared their experiences, barriers, and what supports would make the biggest difference to their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have questions about the NDRP? Eligibility? How to apply? How to use the funding? Or what to expect if you're selected?

General NDRP Research FAQs
Coming soon: Disability Research Leadership Program FAQs

Got another question? Register here for the online Question and Answer session.

Tuesday 11 November 2025 12:00pm–1:30pm (AEDT)
Wednesday 12 November 2025 5:00pm–6:30pm (AEDT)

This will be an online session (Zoom). Auslan and live captioning will be available. Please let us know if you need any other access supports when you register.

Accessibility and support

We will release the Application Guidelines and FAQs soon.

If you need materials in a different format or have questions about access, please contact us.

We aim to make sure our funding process is transparent, ethical and accountable, so that all applicants are treated fairly, and funding decisions are based on merit.

Contact: Jess Rosenthal, Engagement and Events Coordinator

Email: jess.rosenthal@ndrp.org.au

Phone: 03 9000 3813

SMS only: 0485 931 168

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