Disability Innovation Institute at UNSW launches seed funding

31 May 2018
Disability Innovation Institute

Does your current research link directly with disability?

Do you have an idea or proposal for future research that could benefit people with disability?

The Disability Innovation Institute at UNSW is pleased to announce $150,000 in seed funding which is available for UNSW academic staff across all faculties.

The Institute focuses on inclusive, innovative, interdisciplinary research to help transform the lives of people with disability. Academic staff who are currently undertaking research in this area, as well as those who have an interest in future research that could benefit people with disability, are encouraged to apply.

Grants of up to $30,000 may be awarded for a duration of up to 12 months and it is expected that a co-production model will be adopted. This model ensures that people with disabilities actively contribute to the research process throughout the lifecycle of the project. This should also lead to long term collaboration with disability organisations and industry beyond the scope of the seed project.

The Disability Innovation Institute is supported by the Research stream within the UNSW 2025 Strategy.

“If we want to address such pressing societal issues, we need to harness the broad range of expertise across the University. The Disability Innovation Institute is facilitating cross-disciplinary work to drive innovative approaches that will put UNSW at the forefront of disability-led initiatives and research both in this country and across the globe” says Professor Nicholas Fisk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Program Sponsor.

With over one hundred leading researchers currently engaged in disability related scholarship across UNSW, the Disability Innovation Institute was launched late last year to provide a unique connection between scholars, the community, industry, services, government and practitioners.

The Institute’s Interim Director, Rosemary Kayess, believes that there is enormous potential for UNSW to become a global leader in this space.

“This isn’t merely about improving physical access for people with disability – the Disability Innovation Institute at UNSW aims to conduct research and education in partnership with people with disability, combining our expertise in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and HASS (Humanities, Law, Business, Arts and Social Sciences) to build a truly inclusive community” says Rosemary.

Application details

Applications for seed funding open 20 June 2018 and close 31 July 2018. Email diiu@unsw.edu.au for an application form.

Seed funding information session

The Disability Innovation Institute will host a one-hour information session on Wednesday 20 June for UNSW staff who wish to find out more information about the seed funding and application process.

The session will be facilitated by Dr Martin Bone, Business Development Manager at the Disability Innovation Institute. Professor Gemma Carey from the Centre for Social Impact will also provide an overview on the current policy landscape relating to disability.

Date: Wednesday 20 June 2018
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Location: Room LG01, Columbo House (map reference B16)

Register now

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