Disability Research Leadership Program Fellowships

Q: What is the NDRP?

A: The National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) is an independent organisation that supports disability research by and with people with disability. Our vision is that policy and practice in Australia are transformed by disability-led research.

Q: Where does the NDRP get its funding from?

A: The NDRP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Q: Does the NDRP work with government?

A: Yes. The NDRP works closely with government but is independent in its research funding decisions.

Q: What is the NDRP's Research Agenda?

A: The research the NDRP funds is guided by the NDRP Research Agenda. The agenda was developed following deep engagement with the disability community. It covers many topics that are organised into 12 major areas of research. It also outlines themes that underpin all the research we fund.

Read the NDRP Research Agenda (includes 1-page overview and Easy Read versions).

Q: How was the NDRP's Research Agenda developed?

A: The agenda was developed through national consultations with people with disability and a wide range of stakeholders. This process took place over two years (2021-2023).

Q: What are the NDRP Principles?

A: The NDRP Principles guide the NDRP's work and decisions. These principles draw on the human rights framework of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The principles include:

• Advance high quality research that informs disability policy and practice in Australia
• Value the knowledge of people with disability in research
• Strengthen disability research capacity
• Share research findings widely in useful and accessible ways

Q: What is the Disability Research Leadership Program (DRLP) Fellowship Program?

A: The DRLP Fellowship Program provides flexible two-year postdoctoral fellowships for researchers with disability whose work aligns with the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda, along with access to a national community of practice and professional development opportunities.

Q: What is the difference between Intake 1 and Intake 2 of the DRLP?

A: Intake 1, which opened in October 2025, supports current Masters by Research and PhD students with disability. Intake 2, the DRLP Fellowship Program, extends the program to postdoctoral researchers who have met all requirements for the award of their PhD.

Q: Who is the program designed for?

A: The program is designed for early-career postdoctoral researchers with disability whose research aligns with the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda and who are ready to grow as leaders in disability research.

Q: What are the goals of the program?

A: The objectives of the DRLP Fellowship Program are to:

• Reduce barriers that can prevent researchers with disability from progressing in their careers
• Support the development of academic career pathways for researchers with disability
• Strengthen Australia's capacity to deliver disability-led and inclusive research that informs policy and practice

Q: How long does the program last?

A: The program runs for two years, commencing in November 2026.

Q: Is the fellowship renewable after two years?

A: No. The fellowship is for a fixed two-year period only.

Q: Can the fellowship be extended if I take it part-time?

A: No. The fellowship runs for two years regardless of whether it is taken full-time or part-time.

Q: How many fellowships are available?

A: The program has a total budget of $1,750,000. The number of fellowships funded will depend on the mix of full-time and part-time successful applicants.

Q: What are the key dates?

A:

Applications open: [TBC]

Applications close: [TBD] at 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

Successful applicants notified: October 2026

Program commences: November 2026

Q: Will there be an information session?

A: Yes. An online information session will be held on [TBD]. Register on the NDRP website.

Q: Where do I submit my application?

A: Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal at https://ndrp.smartygrants.com.au/

Q: Can I submit a late application?

A: No. Late applications will not be accepted.

Q: Who do I contact if I have difficulties completing the form?

A: Contact Catherine Raffaele, Research Programs Manager. [insert email etc]

Q: Who can apply?

A: Australian citizens or permanent residents who:

• Have met all requirements for the award of their PhD by the time of application
• Are within seven years of completing their PhD (with career breaks and other disruptions considered)
• Are a person with disability
• Have a proposed research project aligned with the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda
• Have a nominated supervisor or mentor willing to support the fellowship

Q: Do I need to have my PhD formally conferred before I apply?

A: No. You need to have met all requirements for the award of your PhD by the time of application, but it does not need to be formally conferred.

Q: I completed my PhD more than seven years ago. Can I still apply?

A: Applicants are generally expected to be within seven years of completing their PhD. However, career breaks, disability-related disruptions, carer responsibilities, or periods outside academia will be considered when calculating this period. If you have had disruptions that affected your career timeline, you may still be eligible. If you are unsure, please contact us.

Q: What counts as a career break when calculating the seven-year period?

A: Career breaks may include periods of parental or carer leave, significant illness or disability-related disruption, time spent outside of paid work or academia for personal reasons, or other documented interruptions to your career. Each case will be considered individually.

Q: Can I apply if I am already receiving another postdoctoral fellowship?

A: Generally, no. You cannot be in receipt of another postdoctoral fellowship that provides salary support covering the same period as this fellowship, unless that additional funding is solely used to top up your salary to your required level of appointment.

Q: Can I propose a research project I am already working on?

A: Yes, as long as you do not already have funding in place to continue that research during the fellowship period.

Q: Does my research need to be on a specific topic?

A: Your research must align with the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda, which focus on improving the lives of people with disability. Reading the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda will give you a clear picture of whether your research is a good fit.

Q: Do I need to be a person with disability to apply?

A: Yes. The program is designed for researchers with disability. Disability can include a range of experiences, for example as described in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, or by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We recognise that not everyone identifies with the word 'disability', and that some people may be unsure whether their experience qualifies. This might include people with chronic illness, psychosocial disability, neurodivergent people, or people with episodic or fluctuating conditions. If you are not sure whether you are eligible, please contact us.

Q: Can international researchers apply?

A: No. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.

Q: Is there an age requirement?

A: No. The program is open to applicants of all ages who meet the other requirements.

Q: Why do I need to consent to being identified as a participant in the DRLP Fellowship Program in public communications?

A: Participants in this program are being supported in their leadership, including through sharing their work and building their profile. We will collaborate with you to share your work and your involvement with the program through social media, our newsletter and on our website. If there are reasons you cannot disclose your participation, for example personal safety, you can still apply. If you are selected, we will work with you to understand your needs. We will not disclose information about you without your consent.

Q: Why do I need to commit to engaging in program activities?

A: The main program activities are the community of practice and professional learning opportunities. These activities are central to the program's purpose of supporting leadership development and peer connection. Program activities will be designed based on participants' needs and in formats that are accessible and inclusive for them.

Q: Why do I need to commit to participating in the evaluation of the DRLP Fellowship Program?

A: The NDRP is committed to continual monitoring, learning and evaluation to ensure all its work is meeting our strategic objectives. We want to learn and adapt the program in the future based on participants' feedback.

Q: Do I need a confirmed host institution before I apply?

A: No. You do not need a confirmed host institution at the time of application. However, before a funding agreement can be signed, you will need to provide confirmation from a host institution that meets the program requirements.

Q: Who employs me, the NDRP or the host institution?

A: You will be employed by your host institution. The NDRP provides the salary contribution to the host institution to cover your employment costs.

Q: What is expected of my host institution?

A: Host institutions are expected to:

• Provide appropriate supervision for the fellow
• Proactively discuss and provide any reasonable workplace adjustments required by the fellow
• Support the fellow's participation in the NDRP community of practice and required program activities
• Top up the NDRP salary contribution where the fellow's level of appointment requires it

Q: Does my nominated supervisor or mentor need to be at the host institution?

A: Generally, your nominated supervisor or mentor should be based at your host institution. If this is not possible, please contact us to discuss.

Q: Who is responsible for providing my workplace adjustments?

A: Your host institution is responsible for providing reasonable workplace adjustments.

Q: What if I need help finding a host institution?

A: The NDRP can provide support to successful applicants to help secure a host institution. If you are having difficulty, please contact the NDRP as soon as possible.

Q: How does the salary contribution work?

A: The NDRP will contribute $110,000 per annum (indexed) toward your salary and oncosts. This is paid to your host institution to cover your employment costs. Your host institution is expected to top up this contribution if your level of appointment requires it. For part-time fellows, the salary contribution will be prorated.

Q: What research and professional development funding is available?

A: Up to $60,000 in flexible funding is available per fellow over the two-year fellowship period. A minimum of 25% of this funding (at least $15,000) must be used toward your own professional development.

Q: How do I access the research and professional development funding?

A: The research and professional development funding will be managed by your host institution. Details of how to access the funding will be provided to successful applicants following their appointment.

Q: What can the research and professional development funding be used for?

A: You are encouraged to propose activities that best support your own research and career development. Examples of how this funding can be used include:

• Direct research costs (including payment of participants, software costs, and research-related equipment)
• Travel, accommodation and registration to attend or present work at conferences
• Training, mentoring or professional development courses
• Knowledge translation or knowledge mobilisation costs
• Placements or collaborations with a Disability Representative Organisation
• Equipment that cannot be funded from other sources such as the NDIS or the university
• Activities that strengthen involvement or leadership of people with disability in the research project
• Accessibility-related activities for participants involved in your research

This list is a guide only and is not exhaustive.

Q: What cannot the funding be used for?

A: The funding cannot be used for tuition fees, overheads, costs covered by other parts of government such as the NDIS or Medicare, or accessibility adjustments that should be provided by your host institution.

Q: Do I need to provide a detailed budget in my application?

A: No. Your application should provide a high-level overview of how you plan to use the funding to support your research and professional goals. You do not need to provide a detailed budget at this stage.

 

Q: How do I apply?

A: Complete the online application form at https://ndrp.smartygrants.com.au/ and upload the required documents.

Q: What documents do I need to submit with my application?

A: You will need to submit:

• An updated CV (maximum 4 pages) - a template is provided on the NDRP website
• A letter of support from your nominated supervisor or mentor

Note: Confirmation from your host institution and evidence of PhD completion are not required at this stage. These will only be requested if your application is successful.

Q: What should the letter of support include?

A: The letter of support should confirm your supervisor or mentor's support for your participation in the program and outline how the program would be beneficial for you. A template is available on the NDRP website.

Q: Do I need ethics approval before applying?

A: No. You do not need ethics approval at the time of application. However, if your project involves human participants, you will need to obtain approval from a recognised Human Research Ethics Committee before starting any data collection.

Q: Can I edit my application after I submit it?

A: No. You cannot edit your application after you submit it.

Q: Can I provide my application in alternative formats?

A: Generally, applications are accepted in writing through the SmartyGrants application form. If you need to provide your application in an alternative format, please contact us for further guidance.

Q: Do I have to use the NDRP CV template?

A: No. The CV template is provided to help you present your research and professional experience clearly. If you already have a CV or would prefer to provide the information in a different format, that is fine.

Q: What if my experience looks different from a standard academic CV?

A: That is fine. The DRLP Fellowship Program values non-traditional pathways and outputs. You can include community projects, advocacy work, creative research outputs, accessible publications, vocational training and other experiences that show your skills and potential.

Q: What if I am not sure how to structure my CV?

A: Use the headings that apply to you. If a section does not fit your experience, you can leave it out. The main goal is to give the selection panel a clear picture of your research, skills and potential.

Q: Is there a page limit for my CV?

A: Yes. Please keep your CV to a maximum of 4 pages.

Q: What format should my CV be?

A: Please provide your CV as a PDF or Word document.

Q: How are applications assessed?

A: Applications will be assessed by a selection panel convened by the NDRP. The panel will include members of the Research Committee and may include other people with relevant expertise. Each application will be considered against the published selection criteria.

Q: What are the selection criteria?

A: Applications are assessed against three criteria:

1. The connection of your proposed research to the NDRP Principles and Research Agenda
2. The potential impact of the program on you and your career
3. Your experience and readiness to make the most of this opportunity

There is also an optional section for any other information you would like to provide.

Q: How many fellowships will be awarded?

A: The number of fellowships awarded will depend on the mix of full-time and part-time successful applicants. The total program budget is $1,750,000.

Q: Can I get feedback if I am not selected?

A: Yes. Feedback will be offered to all applicants.

 

Q: What is the Community of Practice?

A: All fellows will have access to a national community of practice supported by the NDRP during the first year of the program. It provides an opportunity for fellows to connect with peers, access learning and development activities, and build networks. Beyond the first year, fellows will be supported to self-organise peer networking.

Q: What is the time commitment for the Community of Practice?

A: Fellows are expected to attend at least six Community of Practice sessions during the first year of the program.

Q: Will program activities be online or in person?

A: Community of Practice sessions will be held online, with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusive participation.

Q: Will there be costs associated with participating in the Community of Practice?

A: No. There are no additional costs to attending program activities.

Q: What happens if I cannot attend a session?

A: Let the NDRP team know. Sessions may be recorded or rescheduled where possible.

Q: What happens if I need to take a break during the fellowship?

A: Please let the NDRP team know as soon as possible if you need to take a break, so we can discuss and plan for your circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can I hold other employment during the fellowship?

A: Generally, fellows are not expected to hold other employment during the fellowship. However, part-time fellows may be able to do so depending on their circumstances. Please discuss this with your host institution and the NDRP before taking on other work.