GRDC Research Scholarship 2027

Overview The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is offering the GRDC Research Scholarship (GRS) 2027, which supports PhD candidates in delivering innovative research that addresses constraints in the Australian grain industry or builds opportunities for Australian grain growers to help improve their sustainability and profitability. About As a standalone capacity-building investment, the GRS program plays a critical role in developing the next generation of grains researchers. It complements the researcher capacity developed through individual RD&E investments by increasing the number of highly skilled researchers entering the grains innovation system and strengthening Australia's long-term agricultural research capability. Research supported through the program also contributes new knowledge and capability in areas that may not be represented within GRDC's existing investment portfolio but are strategically important to the industry's future. Our research partners deliver world-class R&D for Australian grain growers and the broader Australian community. GRDC is looking for applicants whose contributions continue this legacy of innovation. Purpose The program supports students to develop advanced technical expertise, build industry networks and gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities facing Australian grain growers. In doing so, it helps ensure the grains industry maintains access to researchers with the knowledge and skills required to address current priorities and respond to future challenges. Objectives The GRS program supports high-achieving PhD candidates to undertake innovative research that: Addresses current and emerging constraints facing the Australian grains industry Creates opportunities to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grain-growing businesses For 2027, priority will be given to applications aligned with the following focus areas of GRDC's RD&E Plan 2023-28: Right crop and cultivar (Harness existing potential) Industry-integrated research (plant breeding) Cross-focus area crop improvement research Crop modelling and simulation Biosecurity, weed, pest and disease control (Harness existing potential) Field plant pathology Field entomology Biosecurity diagnostics, surveillance and preparedness Integrated pest and weed management Optimise crop nutrition and improve soils (Harness existing potential) Soil biology and microbiome function Soil mapping and land capability Crop nutrition and nutrient-use efficiency Soil amelioration and constraint management Systems integration for reliable profit (Harness existing potential) Research agronomy Farming systems integration Systems modelling and decision support Whole-of-farm risk analysis Step-changes in water & soil productivity (Reach new frontiers) Soil-water interactions Agricultural hydrology Soil productivity systems Integrated water-use efficiency research Unlock plant potential (Reach new frontiers) Pulse crops, rhizobial optimisation New genetic technologies Transformational cross-disciplinary research Genetic technologies for crop nutrient-use efficiency Transform efficiency of input use (Reach new frontiers) Digital agronomy and precision input management Robotics, automation and autonomous farming systems Artificial intelligence and machine learning for decision support Agricultural sensing, analytics and interoperability Sustainable, responsible production systems (Thrive for Future Generations) Sustainability measurement, monitoring and verification Greenhouse gas emissions, carbon and natural capital accounting Resource-use efficiency and environmental performance Sustainable production systems and market assurance Support communities and social license (Thrive for Future Generations) Adoption, behaviour change and practice transition Extension innovation and knowledge exchange Farm business resilience and decision-making Community expectations, market trust and social licence Funding Three-year top-up scholarship valued at approximately $39,850 per annum (pro-rata) Available to students undertaking doctoral research aligned with GRDC's RD&E Plan 2023-28, Priority Areas and future industry capability needs Eligibility The scholarship is available to PhD candidates who are already in receipt of a Commonwealth Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or equivalent university-funded stipend Consistent with GRDC's Capacity & Ability Framework, applications will be assessed against both the quality and relevance of the proposed research and the extent to which they contribute to building capability in disciplines and research areas of strategic importance to the Australian grains industry GRDC will consider areas where research capacity is lacking and needs to be built How to Apply GRDC has provided a GRS Checklist in the Attachment section to assist students in their submission. Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time. Enquiries Document contact and enquiries: Attention: Linda McDougall Organisation: Grains Research and Development Corporation Email: tenders@grdc.com.au Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 6 October 2026. GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.