ACIAR welcomes ideas for new projects at any time. Initial project ideas should be addressed to the appropriate Research Program Manager [1] (RPM). Suggestions may come from individuals, research institutions or government organisations in developing countries or Australia. Others can arise from ACIAR-sponsored workshops or from high-level consultations that are held on a three-yearly cycle with our major partner countries.

If the idea fits ACIAR and partner country criteria, and funds are likely to be available, the RPM may invite the proponent to develop the idea into a formal proposal (template and instructions below), in conjunction with potential partners. Details on research program priorities for partner countries can be found in the ACIAR Annual Operational Plan (see below).

Consultation is a key word for ACIAR in project development and delivery. Preparation of projects involves extensive consultation between interested parties in both Australia and potential partner countries. Throughout the development process proposals are assessed by ACIAR staff and independent expert referees, before the ACIAR CEO considers the final proposal.

Developing Project Proposals

ACIAR's Project Development Instructions (below) cover development of proposals for both bilateral and multilateral projects. The instructions describe the different project types, list issues to be explored in developing new ideas, and explain ACIAR's development and approval processes.

All new proposals should be prepared and submitted electronically, using the Proposal template and instructions, and Budget template and instructions.

Project Reporting

Templates and instructions for both Annual and Final reports are below. Annual Reports are due on 31 May each year. They should outline progress achieved against the agreed objectives of the project during the reporting period. The Executive Summary section of the report is published on this website.

Final Reports cover the entire project period, and should be a stand-alone document covering the project’s total outputs and outcomes. As with Annual Reports, the Executive Summary section is published on this website. The Final Report is also published in full on the ACIAR website.

Project Travel

Decisions on travel by Australian project personnel must be made by the relevant employing organisation. Travellers should check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Travel Advices [2] prior to travel.

It is a contractual requirement that all personnel travelling on an ACIAR-funded project submit a completed travel advice note [3] prior to travel, and a trip report once the travel is complete. The completed forms should be sent to ACIAR, quoting the ACIAR project number.

Project Development Instructions and Templates

Project development guidelines [4]

Project Proposals

• Instructions [5]
• Template [6]

Budget

• Instructions [7]
• Template [8]
• Acquittal [9]

Travel advice and trip reports

• Travel Guidelines [10]
• Travel advice note [11]
• Trip report

Annual Reports

• Instructions [12]
• Template [13]

Final Reports

• Instructions [14]
• Template [15]

Other key documents