The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia has officially opened applications for its prestigious Workshops Program 2026, providing a unique opportunity for Australian social scientists to secure funding for multidisciplinary workshops tackling pressing national issues. With a total funding pool of $72,000, and a maximum of $9,000 per workshop, the program supports up to eight workshops each year.
What Is the Workshops Program?
Established over three decades ago, the Workshops Program is a cornerstone of the Academy’s mission to promote excellence in the social sciences. The program funds small, high-impact workshops designed to bring together leading researchers across disciplines - and across sectors - to advance innovative research and shape policy on nationally significant issues.
As former Academy President Professor Peter Karmel AC described, the workshops are not intended as public education forums but as “small groups of expert and highly motivated scholars” focusing on issues of great importance to society.
Workshops are expected to:
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Serve as catalysts for new ideas in research and policy,
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Foster collaboration between academics, government, and the community sector,
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Build capability among early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs),
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Deliver tangible outputs and measurable impact.
Since its inception, the program has enabled over 200 workshops, engaging thousands of participants and resulting in a wide range of scholarly and policy-oriented publications.
Key Details
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Applications Open: Monday, 12 May 2025
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Applications Close: Monday, 4 August 2025 (5:00 PM AEST)
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Notification of Outcomes: Late September 2025
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Workshops Held: January – December 2026
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Funding Available: Up to $9,000 per workshop (excluding GST)
Workshops must be delivered in Australia and include 15–25 participants, with at least two early or mid-career researchers. Applicants are encouraged to consider participant diversity and potential for cross-sector impact.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to all social science researchers based in Australia, including those in non-university organisations. Convening teams can include up to four members, with at least one Academy Fellow required - unless a clear case is made for an exception.
Application Tips
Successful proposals will demonstrate:
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Strong alignment with national research and policy agendas,
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Effective and inclusive program design,
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A diverse and relevant participant list,
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A clear dissemination and impact strategy,
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A transparent and well-justified budget.
Workshops can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual, and may involve structured sessions over two days, including optional informal activities such as dinners. Outputs must include an open-access summary of findings, and may also take the form of journal issues, edited volumes, policy briefs, or media articles.
How to Apply
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Review the Application Guidelines
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Submit your application via the online Workshop Application Form by 5:00 PM, 4 August 2025
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Contact the Academy with any questions
