The Australia Japan Innovation Fund uses its funding and networks as catalysts to encourage national and sector-wide cooperation of the kind that calls forward serious, transformative responses from Japan.  We support projects of a quality that is likely to attract interest and expanded financial support from the public and private sectors in Australia and Japan. 

With new and renewed partnership support, we anticipate announcing a new grants program in the first half of 2024.

The information below relates to previous calls for applications, provided as a reference for future applicants.

Programs prior to 2024

Rio Tinto Australia-Japan Collaboration Program Grants

The Foundation for Australia-Japan Studies (FAJS) fosters innovative bilateral collaborations between Australia and Japan.   Our mission is to elevate the profile of Australia-Japan collaboration in science, technology and innovation and support the people who are transforming the bilateral relationship through these partnerships.  We do this by strengthening and transforming Australia-Japan research and scientific collaboration through academic, industry and government partnerships.  

To achieve its objectives, the FAJS will use its funding and networks as catalysts to encourage national and sector-wide cooperation of the kind that calls forward serious, transformative responses from Japan.   We will support projects of a quality that is likely to attract interest and expanded financial support from the public and private sectors in Australia and Japan.   

Projects should meet the following criteria:  

  • Proposals will include high quality research that is innovative and will contribute to a measurable progression of the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship.  

  • Projects must demonstrate effective collaboration between Australian and Japanese investigators, including through financial and other (e.g. value-in-kind) contributions.  

  • Projects should have existing, or well-developed plans for, collaboration between university and industry or government partners and should indicate what other sources of funding are being sought either during the proposed FAJS grant period or to extend the project beyond the original grant period.  

  • Projects will explain why FAJS funding is critical to the success of the project

  • Proposals will include plans for diversity of participation, including gender balance, and will demonstrate how they contribute to engagement with next-generation researchers and thought-leaders in the bilateral relationship.   

  • Effective outreach plans are an essential element of projects to maximise the potential to increase mutual understanding and goodwill between the two countries.  Projects will demonstrate plans to reach out to the public and/or decision-makers in ways that strengthen Australia’s influence and reputation in the bilateral relationship, that generate positive and effective media coverage & commentary on the Australia-Japan relationship, and that promote a contemporary and positive image of Australia capturing the breadth and sophistication of new industries and research capacities.

  • Projects will demonstrate expected impact in policy, societal or business fields.  

Projects that do not have a research element but are predominantly about strengthening Australia-Japan connections in other ways are encouraged to consider the Australia-Japan Foundation grant program.