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Frequently Asked Questions about the NDRP
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP).
Learn about how we work and what guides our research.
Please use the links below to jump to a section.
Understanding the NDRP
Q: What is the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP)?
A: The NDRP funds research projects led by and with people with disability. Our vision is policy and practice in Australia are transformed by disability-led research.
Q: What do you mean by projects led by and with people with disability?
A: The NDRP aims to create inclusive and accessible research.
People with disability are directly involved in decision-making, leadership and carrying out the research. Their perspectives, experiences and priorities are central, ensuring they shape both the research process and its outcomes. This helps make sure the research is meaningful and useful.
Q: What type of research does the NDRP prioritise?
A: We fund research that is done by and with people with disability, not research done for or to them.
We fund and support inclusive research that builds evidence for policy and practice, values lived experience and strengthens disability research capacity.
The NDRP's research is guided by our principles. You can read more about the NDRP's Principles.
Q: Is the NDRP part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
A: No, the NDRP is not part of the NDIS.
The NDRP and the NDIS have different roles and are separate organisations.
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The NDRP: supports research led by and with people with disability. This research helps shape policies, programs and practices that improve the lives of people with disability.
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The NDIS: provides funding support packages to eligible people with disability to help them achieve their personal goals and independence.
Q: Where does the NDRP get its funding from?
A: We’re an independent not-for-profit organisation.
The Australian Government provided initial funding to get the NDRP started. These funds support research led by and with people with disability. We’re also working to partner with other funders.
Research Agenda background
Q: What is the NDRP's Research Agenda?
A: The research we fund is guided by the NDRP Research Agenda. It sets out 12 priority research areas, with cross-cutting themes that underpin all the projects we fund.
Q: How was the Research Agenda developed?
A: The NDRP Research Agenda was developed in collaboration with people with disability and their representative organisations.
This process took place over two years (2021-2023). People who contributed recognised that research is key to upholding rights and improving outcomes for people with disability.
The Research Agenda also supports the implementation of Australia's Disability Strategy and strengthens Australia's commitment to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Learn more about the NDRP Research Agenda.
Application process basics
Q: What are the steps to prepare a strong application?
A: Before applying for a grant, it's important to collaborate and plan the application process carefully.
Step 1: Preparation
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Prioritise the people most affected: Who needs to be involved to ensure the best outcome?
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Clarify the purpose: What challenge or opportunity will your project address?
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Build the conditions for collaboration: How will you share power as you put together a team?
Step 2: Team discussions to have before writing
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Why is this important? How do you know and what data or evidence is there?
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What time do you realistically have for this project?
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What does success for this project look like? How will you measure it?
Step 3: Gathering information
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Collect details from all team members and partner organisations.
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Make sure letters of support are ready from partner organisations.
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Draft a realistic timeline and budget.
Q: Do I include GST for expenses in my budget?
A: No. If you’re awarded funding, GST will be paid to the Administering organisation on top of the grant amount.
Q: What can the funds be used for?
A: Eligible costs may include salaries, honoraria, accessibility supports (Auslan, Easy Read, interpreters), travel, and reasonable inclusion costs. Overheads, capital equipment, and unrelated costs are not funded.
These rules are in place to make sure funding goes directly to the people and activities that drive the research.
Check the specific funding round guidelines for any additional rules.
Ethical guidelines
Q: What are the key ethical principles for NDRP-funded projects?
A: NDRP-funded projects must follow these core principles:
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Advance high quality research that informs disability policy and practice in Australia
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Value the knowledge of people with disability in research
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Strengthen disability research capacity
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Share research findings widely in useful and accessible ways
Find more information about the NDRP guiding principles for detailed guidance.
Q: Do all NDRP-funded projects need to comply with ethical standards?
A: Yes, NDRP-funded research must follow national ethical standards, including:
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The AIATSIS Code of Ethics (2020) for projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Funded projects are encouraged to check with a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to see if ethics approval is needed. You don’t need approval before applying for funding, but you do need to explain how your project will meet ethical requirements.
Q: How do I ensure my research is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
A: Start by consulting with local community leaders and ensure genuine participation throughout the process.
All NDRP-funded research needs to:
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Align with the NDRP principles and values.
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Follow the principles and standards outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023).
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Follow the Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders (2018) where research is specifically by and with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This requires research to be conducted in a manner that is culturally safe, community-controlled, and respectful of Indigenous knowledge and decision-making.
Q: Why is taking a trauma-informed approach needed?
A: Trauma can arise from single or repeated adverse events that overwhelm a person's ability to cope. When trauma is repeated, long-term, or occurs in childhood through trusted relationships, it’s called complex trauma.
Anyone can experience trauma, and all NDRP-funded projects are expected to take a trauma-informed approach.
Strong applications will show:
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An understanding of trauma-informed practice
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Support for team members with lived experience to ensure people are safe, supported and valued in their role
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Attention to the well-being of all involved to create a safe environment for all team members and participants, and recognising that sensitive topics can affect anyone.