AFWI National Open Call: Round 3 EOI
Organisation
Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI)
Description
Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) is Australia’s national research and innovation institute for forest science, wood products innovation, sustainable materials and bio-based industry development. AFWI invests in research partnerships that strengthen forest productivity and resilience, improve fibre utilisation and manufacturing competitiveness, expand the adoption of engineered timber and modern methods of construction, and develop credible approaches to forests and wood products in climate and natural capital systems.
Through the National Open Call (NOC), AFWI seeks Expressions of Interest for co-investment in industry-led or investigator-led research partnerships that address significant national challenges and opportunities across the forest and wood products value chain. Proposals should demonstrate strong collaboration with industry partners, align with AFWI’s four Strategic Pillars — Healthier Forests, Maximising Fibre Use and Value, Climate Solutions and Housing Innovation — and show a credible pathway to industry adoption and impact.
How to apply
- Check eligibility and fit
- Ensure your project aligns with at least one AFWI strategic pillar
- Must address a genuine industry problem or opportunity
- Must involve multiple partners (including industry)
- Cannot be business-as-usual or benefit a single organisation only
- Develop your project concept
Include the following in your EOI:
- Problem being addressed and its significance
- Research approach and timeline
- Project team and partners
- Level of industry involvement (current or proposed)
- Expected outputs and outcomes
- Broader benefits (economic, environmental, social)
- Indicative budget and funding request
- Confirm industry involvement
- Minimum two industry partners required
- At least one must contribute cash (at Full Proposal stage)
- Contributions can include cash, staff time, or in-kind support
- Early-stage estimates are acceptable for EOI
- Prepare the application
- Submit via the online AFWI application form
- Clearly outline industry benefit and pathway to adoption
- Demonstrate collaboration and capability
- Optional: include letters of support
- Submit on time
- Deadline: 14 May 2026, 11:59pm AEST
- Late submissions are generally not accepted
- Assessment process
- EOIs are assessed competitively against eligibility and selection criteria
- Successful applicants are invited to submit a Full Proposal
- Some may be referred to research centres or receive feedback
Key success factors
- Strong industry collaboration
- Clear pathway to real-world adoption
- Transformative impact (not incremental)
- Demonstrated value for money
- Contribution to long-term industry capability
Applications close
14/05/2026
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