Workshop Grants Program

The Workshop Grants Program supports researchers and Participants to conduct workshops aligned with the Centre’s mission, vision and objectives. 

The program aims to promote collaboration between researchers and end-users to address key focus and capability areas outlined in the Centre’s Biennial Research Plan 2025-27. 

Four grants of up to $7,500 per workshop (ex GST) are available during the 2025-26 financial year.   These workshop grants will be continuously available with no set end date although the number and amount may change in future years.

Program objectives   

• Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships between researchers, industry professionals, government agencies, and community organisations focused on natural hazard research and utilisation.   
• Knowledge sharing: Provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and best practices between stakeholders.  
• Research utilisation: Promote the translation of research into real-world applications that improve outcomes in disaster risk reduction.   
• Capacity building: Enhance the skills and expertise of both researchers and end-users in addressing natural hazard-related challenges.   

Who can apply:   

• Applications are open to Australian-based research institutions and Centre Participants. Workshops can involve international attendees but must be primarily focused on Australian stakeholders.   
• Applications must demonstrate the involvement of researchers and end users from multiple organisations.   
• Research applicants do not have to be currently funded by the Centre to apply.  
• Participant end-users do not have to currently be involved in an active project with the Centre to apply.  

All workshops require a matching contribution, either in-kind or financial, equal to or exceeding the grant amount.   

Workshop guidelines   

• Workshop scope: Workshops must focus on topics relevant to natural hazards research as described by the Centre’s Key research focus and Key capability areas as documented in the Biennial Research Plan 2025-27.   
• Timeline: Workshops must be held within 12 months of notification of a successful outcome.   
• Location: Workshops can be held virtually, in-person in Australia, or as a hybrid event, provided they meet program objectives.   
• Insurance: Applicants will be responsible for ensuring adequate insurance to cover workshop activities and attendees.   

See the Workshop guidelines for full details, including eligible expenses, key selection criteria, funding disbursement, supporting documentation and reporting requirements. 

Application process   

Applications can be made via the form on the top-right corner of this page, ensuring all criteria and supporting documentation is complete.  

Contact research@naturalhazards.com.au with any questions about the Workshop Program. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: What if I don't know my exact venue or speakers yet?  

A: List your target venues and ideal speakers but also include backup options and your strategy for securing them. The Centre wants to see that you have realistic options and a clear plan, not that everything is already booked. 

Q: Can you help us identify the right attendees for our workshop topic?  

A: Identifying and recruiting appropriate participants is a key evaluation criterion and must be demonstrated in your application. You should clearly outline your target audience, recruitment strategy, and existing networks. While we may provide general guidance during the planning phase, the strength of your participant identification and outreach plan will be a factor in the selection process. 

Q: Can you help us promote the workshop?  

A: Your communication and engagement strategy is a core component of your application and will be evaluated as part of the selection criteria. You must demonstrate your ability to effectively reach and engage your target audience through your own networks and promotional channels. We may amplify successful workshops through our channels as appropriate but cannot provide marketing support that would give applicants unfair advantages during the assessment process. 

Q: Does the workshop have to relate to a Centre research project?  

A: No, workshops do not need to be connected to a specific research project. We support workshops that advance knowledge sharing, build capacity, foster collaboration, and promote research utilisation, as long as they align with the objectives of the Centre by promoting collaboration between researchers and end-users to address key focus and capability areas as outlined in the Centre’s Biennial Research Plan 2025-27. 

Q: What if our workshop needs to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control?  

A: While we expect rigorous planning to minimise risks, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Your application should include contingency plans for major risks (e.g., low enrollment, speaker cancellations, venue issues). If cancellation becomes unavoidable, you must notify us immediately and work with our team to determine appropriate use of awarded funds, which may include rescheduling or returning unused portions. 

Q: Can we charge attendees to participate?  

A: Registration fees are generally acceptable and should be outlined in your budget including justifying your fee structure. However, fees should not create barriers to participation that conflict with your workshop's stated objectives.