Academic and Research Team Seed Funding Grant

In 2022 the Trust established a seed funding grant round to support academics and research teams. Grants are valued up to $10,000 and are available for application from James Cook University academics and research teams.

Projects with the following output goals are eligible to apply for seed-funding:

• Prediction: predicting the occurrence of jellyfish in time and space;
• Detection: detect and accurately identify them and understand their ecology;
• Barriers: cost-effective and feasible barriers between people and jellyfish;
• Diagnosis: rapid diagnosis of a sting, how recent and by what jellyfish;
• Treatment: effective treatments from first aid to in the hospital;
• Public Health: community approaches to managing risk.

Projects will be considered based upon:

• Research area priorities;
• Reputation of the research group;
• Ability to deliver the proposed outcomes;
• Involvement of student researchers;
• What is the next step to grow the funding  e.g. Australia Research Council grants.

Grant funds may be used for, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Purchase of equipment
• Travel and associated field trip expenses (e.g. boat hire)
• Analytical services
• Library visits or visits to appropriate labs to learn new methods.

Successful recipients will be required to submit the following at completion of funding:

• An impact report (in video or text). The impact report should document how the research transpired and what outcomes have, or will, come from the project, the communities that have benefited and any on-going research.  This report/video may be used in conjunction with the Donor’s name in University communications.
• An article (no more than one page) for publication in the Northern District or Australian Lions Newsletter;
• Present research outcomes at a meeting of the Australian Lions Foundation and be prepared to speak at Lions Club meetings on request;
• A financial acquittal of funds with any unspent funds being returned to the Trust.

Conditions of the award:

• Grants awarded are for 1 year.
• Applicants are expected to include reference to the funding support received from the Trust as part of any media releases, other publicity and in published works.

Selection Panel:

• Representatives from the trust 'Australian Lions Foundation for Scientific and Medical Research on Marine Species Dangerous to Humans'.

2026 application round:

Applications close Monday 30th March 2026.