Aims to address the significant knowledge gaps surrounding Australian wildlife and their habits.

WIRES Research Grants Program, supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales (RZS NSW), has been developed to provide ongoing support for wildlife researchers across Australia. WIRES focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife. Funding granted through this program is for projects of up to 3 years duration.

The overall objectives of the WIRES Research Grants Program are to:

- Identify and address current research gaps that will result in evidence-based approaches to objectively reduce future risk to and improve the health and habitats of Australian native species

- Advance scientific research into key issues impacting Australian wildlife and their habitats, through strategic investment

- Raise awareness and implementation of proven wildlife rehabilitation and conservation methods

- Promote best practice emergency preparedness and response in the context of wildlife conservation.

These objectives will be achieved by supporting robust scientific research that will lead to evidence-based practices to reduce the likelihood of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation, provide scientific-based evidence for the improvement of rescue and rehabilitation methods, improve post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife and aid the recovery of wild populations and their habitats, all of which can improve long-term ecological outcomes in Australia.

A total funding pool of up to $500,000 per year, is available until 2024. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that adhere to one or more of the following categories:

• Category 1: Risk-Reduction. Research that will help reduce the likelihood of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation

• Category 2: Rescue and Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation research that will improve rescue and rehabilitation methods

• Category 3: Release. Research that improves post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife

• Category 4: Recovery. Research that aids the recovery of wild populations and their habitats.

Eligibility:

- Each application must name one Lead Chief Investigator. Chief Investigators must be a researcher or affiliate of a university and/or research institution.