About the NDRP
The NDRP vision is to facilitate a collaborative and inclusive disability research program that builds the evidence for successful innovation in policy and practice. It has been established by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services (DSS), with initial funding for two years until mid-2022, through a grant to the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne. This two year establishment period is guided by a working party made up of academics, people with disability and independent members, who are working together on five key deliverables:
- a governance model for NDRP;
- a National Disability Research Agenda;
- a plan for building disability research capacity;
- a guide to NDRP research based on guiding principles;
- and a pilot research funding round.
In December 2021 the Commonwealth Government announced that NDRP will receive funding totalling $12.5 million in 2022-23 and 2023-24. This is a major milestone towards achieving the vision of a world class disability research and policy hub.
Quick Facts
- The projected growth in disability spending by governments is likely to lead to more disability research funding.
- Universities are central to the NDRP, and will need to enable full participation of people with disability, contribute to building research capacity among people with disability and in disability research.
- The NDRP seeks to transform disability research by increasing research capacity among people with disability.
- The NDRP will increase funding for programs and projects in areas people with disability identify as important and are policy relevant.
- The NDRP will help change culture in disability research so research ‘by and with people with disability’ is the norm.
Opportunity to Engage Now
Universities, academics and other research institutes form a major stakeholder group in the NDRP and so the co-directors are particularly keen to receive advice and feedback. The key areas are:
- the proposed governance model and the best way for universities to be involved in NDRP going forward. It is expected that NDRP will be managed through a new separate organisation with a Board and management team;
- building disability research capacity;
- implementing the National Disability Research Agenda; and
- other feedback and advice that might help us in establishing a long term disability research partnership.
Funding & duration
The NDRP receives its next round of funding in early 2023, and they anticipate running a funding round sometime in 2023. These funding rounds will be similar to the NDRP pilot funding round: research projects must align with the NDRP principles, be done by and with people with disability, address the priority for that round, and can be led by any organisation. More information on Funding and Duration will be provided when the NDRP opens the new funding round.
Eligibility
Project proposals will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Research that addresses the priorities of people with disability. The proposed project must address an area of demonstrated importance to people with disability, fall within one of the eight themes listed in section 3.2 in the call for proposals document (ink below), and align with the UNCRPD and the National Disability Strategy.
- Research by and with people with disability: Reviewers will look for projects that are led by and/or conducted with people with disability who have decision-making power. People with disability must be paid and supported appropriately. The NDRP expects genuine working relationships. The research proposal must clearly describe how people with disability are involved in the conception, execution and dissemination of the research, how decisions will be shared and acknowledging the diversity of people with disability.
- High quality research. The proposed method should be appropriate for answering the proposed research question, and feasible in the time and with the resources available.
- Knowledge that is accessible to the community: The project proposal must outline a clear and thoughtful research translation approach to making findings widely accessible.
- Capacity to undertake research in an area of demonstrated importance to the disability community. The proposal should outline the team’s capacity to do the proposed research, including track record, proven ability to work together, and demonstrated experience in doing disability research by and with people with disability. The proposal must also demonstrate that it is achievable in the timeline available and within the budget proposed. Projects that build research capacity of people with disability will be highly regarded.
Submission requirements & due date
- Please email raohealth@adelaide.edu.au if you are considering applying for this scheme.
- See also: Submitting an application to Research Services for review
Further information
Need help?
- General enquiries: raohealth@adelaide.edu.au
- Contact a grants officer