Open Call for Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund (Australia)

The Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund (QCAS) provides grants of $125,000 over two years to Queensland research organisations to support collaborative research alliances with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The 2026 Round applications close on 12 October 2026 (online via SmartyGrants). Chinese participants in approved projects will receive funding equivalent to $125,000 from CAS. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding opportunity name: Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund (QCAS)

- Funding provider: Queensland Government (Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation)

- Opportunity type: Grant funding for collaborative research alliances

- Grant amount (Queensland side): $125,000 over two years

- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) funding (for Chinese participants): Funding equivalent to $125,000 (provided by CAS)

- Eligible applicants: Queensland research organisations (eligibility criteria apply)

- Eligible locations: Queensland (for Queensland research organisations)

- Priority research areas:

- Environmental sciences - Agricultural biotechnology and food research, including food safety - Human health and medical research

- Application deadline (2026 Round): 12 October 2026 (must be submitted online via SmartyGrants)

- Application portal: SmartyGrants (online submission)

- Project duration: Two years (as stated for the $125,000 over two years)

About the Opportunity

The QCAS is designed to strengthen international research collaboration by creating or enhancing a research alliance between Queensland and CAS research organisations. Projects must focus on one or more of the specified priority areas and meet the eligibility requirements set out in the QCAS 2026 Guidelines. Funding and Benefits

- Queensland grant support: The fund provides $125,000 over two years to Queensland research organisations.

- CAS support for Chinese participants: For approved projects, Chinese participants will receive funding equivalent to $125,000 from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

- Eligibility and conditions: The source notes that eligibility criteria apply and directs applicants to the QCAS 2026 Guidelines for detailed requirements.

Who Is Eligible? To be eligible, the proposed project must: - Create or enhance a research alliance between: - Queensland research organisations, and - CAS research organisations - Address at least one of the priority areas: - Environmental sciences - Agricultural biotechnology and food research, including food safety - Human health and medical research - Meet the eligibility criteria described in the QCAS 2026 Guidelines (Not specified in the source beyond this reference). The source does not list specific organisational types (for example, universities vs. other research entities). Applicants should confirm eligibility using the QCAS 2026 Guidelines. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Projects must be aligned to the priority areas below: - Environmental sciences - Agricultural biotechnology and food research, including food safety - Human health and medical research Why This Opportunity Matters QCAS supports structured collaboration between Queensland and CAS research organisations in targeted research areas. By funding alliances over a two-year period, the program is intended to help partners develop and strengthen international research relationships in areas such as environmental science, food and agricultural biotechnology (including food safety), and human health and medical research. How to Apply - Prepare your project proposal to create or enhance a research alliance between Queensland and CAS research organisations in one or more priority areas. - Review the QCAS 2026 eligibility requirements in the QCAS 2026 Guidelines (the source states eligibility criteria apply). - Submit your application online via the SmartyGrants portal.

- Submit by the deadline: 12 October 2026 (the source does not specify a time zone or submission time).

Official application guidance and documents (2026 Round):

- QCAS 2026 Guidelines: Available from the QCAS page under “Guidelines and conditions for the 2026 Round” (link not provided in the source text)

- QCAS 2026 Frequently asked questions: Available from the same section (link not provided in the source text)

- QCAS 2026 Financial Incentive Agreement (PDF): Listed on the page (link not provided in the source text) - Financial Incentive Agreement Declaration template (PDF): Listed on the page (link not provided in the source text)

Source page: About the Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Check eligibility in the QCAS 2026 Guidelines: The source indicates eligibility criteria apply, but does not reproduce them in the article text. - Align the project to the stated priority areas: Proposals must focus on environmental sciences, agricultural biotechnology and food research (including food safety), and/or human health and medical research.

- Plan for the two-year timeframe: Funding is described as $125,000 over two years, so proposals should be structured accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund (QCAS)? QCAS is a grant program that provides funding to Queensland research organisations to create or enhance research alliances with CAS research organisations in specified priority areas. How much funding is available under QCAS 2026? For the Queensland side, the program provides $125,000 over two years. The source also states that Chinese participants in approved projects will receive funding equivalent to $125,000 from CAS. Who can apply for the QCAS 2026 Round? The source states that applications are for Queensland research organisations, and that eligibility criteria apply. Applicants should confirm specific eligibility requirements in the QCAS 2026 Guidelines. What research areas are eligible for funding? Projects m