The NSSN Grand Challenge Fund has been established to promote the development of innovative, collaborative research projects that respond to the NSSN Grand Challenges.

The NSSN Grand Challenges respond to some of the most gripping challenges of our time. Complex challenges that are critical to our environment, health, economy and society and which demand innovative solutions that will impact future generations.

The Grand Challenges have been selected for the important role smart sensing can play in responding to the issue and where technological innovation holds the promise of creating significant change. They align well with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have been selected based on the NSSN’s unique ability to mobilise the world-class R&D capability across its member universities, in partnership with industry and government, for practical, impactful outcomes.

There are five NSSN Grand Challenges in 2024: 

• Ageing 
• Clean Tech 
• Natural Hazards 
• Smart Places & Buildings 
• Water

Grants of up to $100,000 per project will support the development of projects that link with industry or government partners and devise a smart sensing solution that has a defined pathway to genuine impact, either through commercialisation or operationalisation.

Funding can be used for the following:

• Direct salary costs for investigators/staff of NSSN member universities. 
• On-costs consistent with NSSN member university policies. 
• Equipment, software, materials and consumables specifically related to the project.
• Domestic travel costs that are specifically related to the project. 
• Stipends for HDR students working on the project. 

The fund is open to researchers at the nine member universities of the NSSN. 

Eligiiblity

To be eligible, funding proposals must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Leadership: be led by an NSSN member university 
• Collaboration: involve a minimum of two NSSN member universities (incl. the lead) 
• Partnership: partner with at least one industry or government partner 
• Co-investment: attract cash co-investment from industry/government partners at least equal to the requested amount

Funding can not be used for the following purposes:

• Salaries of industry partners. 
• Costs not directly related to the project.

• Email: admin@nssn.org.au