Applications for 2026 CAIDE seed funding are now open

This seed funding round is seeking up to 4 projects exploring the five key CAIDE Research themes:

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Funding Opportunity

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE) is looking to advance cross-disciplinary research by providing seed funding for up to four projects focused on our five existing research themes. This opportunity is designed to develop research ideas and nurture new collaborations across the University to build research capacity and capability in digital ethics. Under this funding, research teams must be cross-disciplinary and include a researcher from at least one CAIDE member faculty – Faculties of Engineering and Information Technology, Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Chancellery and the Melbourne Law School. External researchers or researchers from other faculties are able to apply, if they are joining a team with a researcher from a CAIDE member faculty. Successful seed funded projects might apply for a larger competitive grant.

Applicants are eligible for funding of up to $20,000 AUD.

Selection Criteria

Projects will be selected by CAIDE with the advice of the CAIDE Steering Committee on the following criteria:

  • Project feasibility, scope and budget
  • Project novelty and innovation
  • Alignment with the seed funding scheme as well as the Centre themes and priorities
  • The suitability of the team to conduct the proposed research
  • Potential to generate high impact, scale and obtain future funding and/or the potential for capacity building and upskilling

Key Dates


Seed funding announcement: Friday 8 May

Applications close: Friday 12 June

Application outcome:  Friday 26 June

How to Apply

  1. Download the expression of interest (EOI) form here
  2. Email your EOI to: abi.ward@unimelb.edu.au before 11:59pm Friday 12 June.

Questions?

Please contact the relevant theme leader under the five key research themes to discuss your research ideas.

CAIDE Seed Funding Rules

Download a copy of the 2026 seed funding rules here.