Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $250,000 to $500,000
- Application opened: 25 July 2024
- Application closed: 5 September 2024, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The PRP was identified in the $356 million Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 (WaSM). Under WaSM a $13 million Avoiding Plastic Waste fund was created which includes funding for plastic waste avoidance through education campaigns, circular economy programs and more specifically $1.25 million for the PRP contestable grants.
The PRP aims to drive scientific research within New South Wales (NSW) universities and research institutions to:
- Fill in knowledge gaps to enhance our capacity to protect the environment and human health.
- Make NSW a leader in developing innovative solutions to manage plastic waste.
The NSW EPA is responsible for designing and implementing the PRP. The program comprises 3 research streams with clear objectives:
- Improved understanding of potentially harmful chemicals in NSW plastic products
- Improved understanding of factors that impact the quality and circularity of plastics
- Capacity to measure microplastics within the NSW terrestrial environment
Prospective grantees are encouraged to design their projects to address Stream 1 and 2 together.
The grant guidelines can be found here: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/plastics-research-program
This program is administered by Environment Protection Authority.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The Plastics Research Program (PRP) grants will support research and development (R&D) projects that provide an improved understanding of, and scalable solutions for problematic plastic and plastic additives. Research and development is defined as the practical application of academic research that results in something that is new, unique or adds value to an existing solution. For example, innovation projects could involve applying new processes, methodologies, or techniques, or which build on previous ideas or programs to create additional value.
To be eligible for funding under the PRP, projects must be able to contribute to achieving at least one of the three Objective Streams and deliver measurable targets. PRP projects can be delivered by an individual or collaboration of NSW-registered universities or NSW-registered Government Research Departments. These NSW-registered organisations may partner with organisations registered outside of NSW.
Eligible R&D projects will entail primary research, not yet undertaken by the applicant organisation or by their partner organisation/s. While the EPA welcomes research into new areas, it will permit further development of existing research if it develops the knowledge base beyond what is available at the time of receiving the applicant’s R&D proposal.
If the PRP is oversubscribed, a reserve list of eligible candidates will be identified for additional grant funding if it becomes available.
Types of projects funded under this grant
- Projects that tackle one or more of the following three streams:
- Stream 1: Improved understanding of potentially harmful chemicals in NSW plastic products,
- Stream 2: Improved understanding of factors that impact the quality and circularity of plastics,
- Stream 3: Capacity to measure microplastics within the NSW terrestrial environment.
- Research and development projects designed and managed by NSW Universities,
- Research and development designed and managed by NSW-registered government research facilities,
- Projects that are assigned to a PhD candidate,
- Projects that are assigned to one or more post-doctoral researcher.
When the project can start and end
The project must be completed by 31 May 2027.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Applicants are required to complete the Plastics Research Program Application Form in SmartyGrants, in full.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
Complete the Application Form in SmartyGrants.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: NSW Environment Protection Authority
Applications will be assessed by an independent Technical Review Committee (TRC) against the criteria in the Guidelines and recommend applications to the EPA Chief Executive Officer for approval.
Anticipated assessment outcome date is 092024
Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is To be confirmed
Support and contact
For any questions please email plastics@epa.nsw.gov.au and ensure to include 'Plastics Research Program enquiry' in the subject header.