Applied Research and Innovation Project

Applied research funding for TAFEs to drive innovation, industry collaboration, and workforce solutions in Victoria’s care economy.

Providing real-world applied research solutions for Victoria’s care economy

The Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) Project positions Victorian TAFEs as trusted innovation partners for industry and community organisations within the care economy.

Through applied research projects, we aim to develop practical solutions that drive positive industry-community impact.

TAFEs across Victoria are invited to collaborate with industry and community organisations and apply for funding to support applied research projects

The care economy: A critical sector for Victoria

The care economy is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing sectors, recognised as a government priority in the Victorian Skills Plan (2023–2024). It includes essential services such as:

  • Aged care and disability support
  • Community support services
  • Early childhood education and care
  • Hospital and medical services
  • Housing, wellbeing, and allied health

By connecting with this government priority, the ARI Project helps TAFEs play a key role in preparing a workforce that's ready for the future. Plus, it sparks innovation by teaming up with industry and community partners.

Funding opportunities for applied research projects

Victorian TAFEs can apply for grant funding to support collaborative applied research projects with care economy organisations.

Application deadline: Friday 13 June, 5pm

This is a unique opportunity to:

  • Contribute to innovation in the care economy
  • Enhance your TAFE’s research capability
  • Grow industry and community partnerships

Want full details?

View the Applied Research and Innovation Prospectus (PDF 2.2MB) for guidelines, project examples, and funding criteria.

Ethics approval

Keeping things ethical is important when doing applied research. If your project involves human participants, you may require ethics approval.

  • All applied research projects needing ethics approval will require approval from an accredited organisation (e.g., Bellberry Limited).
  • Budgeting for ethics approval? Ensure external review costs are factored into your grant application.

Learn more about ethics approval and research compliance

Building research capability

The ARI Project supports TAFE staff in developing applied research skills through tailored training programs.

Workshop topics Include:

  • Generating research ideas
  • Crafting effective research questions and project proposals
  • Ethics approval processes
  • Developing a literature review
  • Data collection methods and tools
  • Collaborating with industry
  • Presenting at a conference
  • Writing and publishing research outcomes

Online training modules are also in development for flexible learning.  Express your interest in attending the workshops

Join us in driving innovation

The Applied Research and Innovation Project is an exciting opportunity for TAFEs to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of Victoria’s care economy.

Got questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Contact us at: appliedresearch@holmesglen.edu.au.