$5 Million Fund Launches to Back Research Led By Australians With Disability
The Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon. Jenny McAllister, has launched a major $5 million funding round by the independent National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) to expand research led by people with disability across Australia.
The funding will support researchers with disability to conduct extensive studies into disability safety, accessibility and inclusivity.
It builds on the success of NDRP's inaugural 2025 funding round, which delivered $900,000 to 15 early-stage disability-led research co-design projects nationwide.
This event also marked the launch of Citizen Research Essentials, Australia’s first micro-credential in research, co-designed with people with disability and delivered by Griffith University. The accessible course will build skills and opportunities for people with disability to get involved in academic and community research.
Together, these initiatives represent a significant step towards a more inclusive and accessible research community in Australia.
Applications for the new $5 million research fund are now open.
This funding round focuses on two research themes:
- Safety of people with disability
a. Open: Project teams can choose their own research focus within the topic, or
b. Targteted: Teams must focus their research on pathways to ending restrictive practice. - Accessible and inclusive communities
Projects that remove barriers so people with disability can participate fully in community life.
Applications close: Monday 20 April 2026
Find out more and apply for the 2026 Disability Research Funding 
This new $5 million fund represents NDRP's second round of research funding since becoming independent in 2024. The inaugural 2025 funding round successfully allocated $900,000 across 15 co-design research projects.