Sydney, Australia – The James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2023 JMI Policy Challenge Grants.

Launched in 2022, the JMI Policy Challenge Grant program aims to encourage the development of innovative policy solutions to complex challenges facing New South Wales. In 2023, the grant pool has grown to $500k.

“Policy Challenge Grants provide a unique opportunity for researchers to make a positive impact on the lives of people in NSW by addressing critical policy challenges,” said Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of JMI.

The grants provide funding and support for research teams who offer new insights and test evidence-based policy solutions, working in partnership with policymakers, community stakeholders, and other experts.

The program is open to researchers from JMI’s five partner universities: the University of Sydney; Western Sydney University; the University of Technology Sydney; the University of New South Wales; and Charles Sturt University.

Successful applicants will receive up to $150k in research funding, alongside active support from the JMI Team in regard to engagement with policymakers in government, as well as support for communication and networking opportunities.

The 2023 grant round will focus on five priority areas: i) transition to a net zero economy, ii) the care economy, iii) dynamic cities and towns, iv) industrial capacity and v) educational disadvantage. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and interdisciplinary policy solutions that have the potential to drive positive change in these areas.

“We are excited to see the creative and innovative policy solutions that will be developed through the Policy Challenge Grants,” said Dr Vafa Ghazavi, JMI Executive Director for Research and Policy. “This program has the potential to make a significant contribution to policymaking in NSW and we look forward to supporting the research teams in their work.”

“We particularly encourage applications from projects led by First Nations researchers, early career researchers, and from cross-university collaborations,” Dr Ghazavi said.

Applications for the 2023 Policy Challenge Grants are now open and will close on 14 April 2023. For further information and to apply, click here.

Media contact

Andreas Kaufmann
Senior Communications and Engagement Manager, JMI
M: 0420 592 329, E: [email protected]