| Current status: Applications are currently open and close 27 February 2026, 2pm AEST. |
The Queensland Government is investing $1 million to support high-quality alcohol and other drugs (AOD) research that strengthens evidence, informs policy and practice, and contributes to better health and wellbeing outcomes for Queenslanders.
Individual grants up to $100, 000 - $200,000 (excluding GST) are available for research projects that align with Queensland Government priorities and support actions under Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2023–2028 and Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan 2022–2027.
These grants aim to build the evidence base, support translational research, and ensure research findings are shared and applied to create meaningful, real‑world impact.
Who can apply
The grant program is open to organisations and institutions with demonstrated experience and capability to deliver high-quality alcohol and other drugs (AOD) research.
Eligible applicants include:
- universities and research institutes
- non-government and not-for-profit organisations with research capability
- education institutions
- community organisations and peak bodies
- healthcare providers and professional or community groups
- organisations working in state, territory or local government, including health and related areas such as social, justice or economic policy
- private sector organisations with relevant research expertise
- consortia or partnerships with relevant expertise.
The lead applicant must be Queensland-based. Partnerships are encouraged where they strengthen expertise, reach or impact.
Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is for a different research project.
What we’re looking for
Funded projects must demonstrate:
- alignment with one or more priorities under Achieving balance
- a clear research focus that strengthens the AOD evidence base
- meaningful involvement of people with lived and living experience of AOD use, embedded in research design, delivery and evaluation where relevant
- a strong knowledge translation approach to ensure findings are shared and used by policy makers, services and communities
- consideration of sustainability and impact beyond June 2027
Research proposals should be evidence-informed, ethically sound and designed to deliver practical insights that support prevention, early intervention, treatment or system improvement.
Important dates
- Applications open: 27 January 2026
- Grant briefing session: 2:30pm–3:30pm AEST, 4 February 2026
- Applications close: 2:00pm AEST, 27 February 2026
- Projects must be completed by June 2027. Funding is time-limited and cannot be extended beyond the grant period.
Why this matters
Alcohol and other drug use is influenced by complex policy, system and social factors. This funding supports research that strengthens the evidence base for reform, improves coordination across sectors and ensures policy and practice are informed by what works in real-world settings. By translating research into action, these grants help drive sustainable improvements across Queensland’s alcohol and other drugs system.
Apply now
- Read the grant guidelines
- Register for the public briefing session
- Apply for the Alcohol and Other Drugs System Reform Research Grants
For more information, including eligibility criteria and assessment requirements, please refer to the grant guidelines available in SmartyGrants.
