ACDS Teaching and Learning Grants 2026 Posted in News, Teaching and Learning on September 10, 2026 by Sue White. The ACDS Teaching and Learning Grants scheme is to fund projects to advance learning and teaching in science and mathematics in Australian universities, that generate impact across the science and mathematics higher education community. Innovation and collaboration are important elements of the scheme. In 2026, a total of seven grants of $5000 each are available, for projects to commence this year and be complete by December 2027. No priority areas are specified for this year’s grants. This is anticipated to provide more holistic and open opportunity for innovation and multidisciplinary approaches that may not align with a single priority. Important Dates Applications open: 11 September, 2026 Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 11 October, 2026 Selection: October 2026 Project commencement: November/December 2026; the host institution will be required to invoice ACDS for the total project funds to be transferred in the 2026 calendar year. Final report due: December 2027 Application process Eligibility Individuals or teams who are employed by member organisations of the Australian Council of Deans of Science may apply for an ACDS Teaching and Learning Project funding with the support of their home institution. Project leaders will normally be staff employed within a Faculty of Science or equivalent for at least the duration of the project. Early and mid-career academics are encouraged to apply. The list of eligible institutions is available on the ACDS website. Funding Applicants are required to include an itemised budget and justification for the funds requested. Expenditure may include, but is not limited to, relief from normal duties, research and administrative assistance, other research and development costs, and travel expenses for dissemination and engagement with other institutions. Please note that ACDS will not fund overheads, as the ACDS is a non-profit organisation. Funds provided to successful applicants will be administered by their home institutions. Selection criteria and assessment of applications Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria: Clearly articulated outcomes that are impactful to member institutions. This could include, for example, a policy document, guidelines for good practice, a teaching resource, or a publication. A realistic plan to carry out the project within the given timelines and budget, and capacity of the applicant/team to deliver the project. Capacity for the project to influence best practice in science and mathematics learning and teaching within and beyond the home institution, with an embedded dissemination strategy. Applications with a collaborative approach are encouraged, as are projects led by/including education or teaching-focused academics. Applications will be assessed by a subcommittee of the ACDS Executive, including the Director of the ACDS Teaching and Learning Centre, which may include a nationally acknowledged senior expert in science and mathematics education. The design and delivery of the successful proposal may be modified through discussion with the successful applicant to maximise the likelihood of success. Dissemination Applications should consider dissemination as part of their project design. In addition, project leaders may include dissemination activities after completion such as workshops, seminars, publication of results as good practice guides or in journals. The ACDS Resource Repository should be considered for deposition of resources or information, and this can be discussed with the Director of the ACDS T&L Centre (acdsteachinglearning@gmail.com) Application requirements Applicants should submit a single document, including: • A written proposal outlining the project including brief background, activities/methodology, outcomes and addressing the selection criteria, including an itemised budget with justification. The proposal should not exceed two pages, in addition to the application form and CVs (below). • A completed application form from the team leader, including endorsement of their Head of Department (or equivalent) • Short curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) from all team members. Applications should be emailed to acdsteachinglearning@gmail.com Reporting and accountability Successful project leaders will be expected to provide regular short updates on progress throughout the project, and a final report. A detailed final report setting out: The project activities and outcomes An assessment of the actual and likely future impact of the project within and beyond the home institution. Financial report and acquittal.
