Primary Applications

The annual Primary Application call is used to allocate fully funded grants of sea time and build the Primary Voyage Schedule for RV Investigator.

Application call details

The Primary Application call is currently CLOSED.

Key dates:

  • OPEN:  17 February 2023 at 00:01am AEDT
  • CLOSE:  21 May 2023 at 11:59pm AEST

Applications were invited for fully funded grants of sea time on RV Investigator in the 2025-26 financial year. These applications will be used to build the Primary Voyage Schedule for that year.

All applications were to be completed and submitted in our online application portal - MAPS - by the application period close on 21 May 2023 at 11:59pm AEST.

Late applications cannot be accepted.

Who can apply?

When a Primary Application call is open, applications for sea time on RV Investigator can be made by Australian researchers employed by an Australian research organisation and based in Australia. International collaborators and Australian researchers working overseas for Australian research organisations can be included as Co-Investigators on applications.

Applications must be made under one of five access Streams that encourage a broad range of research and national benefit.

Applications are to be submitted via our online application portal called MAPS.

[Music plays and a split circle appears and photos of different CSIRO activities flash through in either side of the circle and then the circle morphs into the CSIRO logo]

[Image changes to show Toni Moate talking to the camera, and the CSIRO logo and text appears: CSIRO Director of the Marine National Facility]

Toni Moate: Hello, I’m Toni Moate, CSIRO’s Director of Marine National Facility, which is supported by the Australian Government and operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation. As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is working to solve the greatest challenges through innovative research and technology. That means we collaborate with our partners and together we turn science into solutions.

[Image changes to show a facing view of the RV investigator in the ocean]

The RV Investigator is key to us achieving that objective.

[Images move through of a close view of the ship in the water, scientists in a room on the ship looking at a bank of computers, and a close view of one of the researchers looking at the computers]

Our 94m ocean research vessel Investigator takes scientists around Australia’s coastline and ocean territories so they can deliver incredible results and impact.

[Image changes to show Toni talking to the camera]

On top of this valuable research our voyages can also deliver important education and training opportunities which develop Australia’s future generations of marine researchers and experts. We’re now calling on Australian researchers and their international collaborators to apply for grants of sea time with the Marine National Facility to study oceanographic, geoscience, biological and atmospheric research on RV Investigator in 2025/26. I’ll now hand over to Matt who’s going to provide some key information on the process.

[Image changes to show Matt Kimber talking to the camera, and text appears: Matt Kimber, CSIRO Engagement and Risk, Marine National Facility]

Matt Kimber: Hello, I’m Matt Kimber, the CSIRO Engagement and Risk Group Leader at the Marine National Facility.

[Images move through to show a rear and then side view of the Investigator moving away from the camera in the ocean]

As Toni mentioned we’re pleased to open the MNF’s primary application call for grants of sea time on RV Investigator for the 25/26 financial year period.

[Image changes to show Matt talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show scientists in the Operations Room of the ship looking at computers]

Applications received through the primary application call help us build the primary voyage schedule two years in advance of the available period. We’re looking for proposals that demonstrate quality research as well as a strong alignment with the means of end users.

[Images move through of a close view of four researchers looking at computer screens, a group of researchers looking at computers, and then Matt talking to the camera, and text appears: MNF.csiro.au]

Before getting started we’d recommend applicants become familiar with the guidance documents available on our website, MNF.csiro.au. Here you’ll find tips for sending a strong application and details of the five streams of access available. All applications for sea time are submitted through our online Marine Application and Planning System or MAPS. So, please familiarise yourself with the process of registering and navigating the system. You can even get an early start on your planning. The application call closes on Sunday 21st May 2023 with applications undergoing a competitive review and assessment process by independent committees. Successful applicants will be announced later in 2023.

[Images move through to show various views of a group of researchers lowering a towed camera into the ocean]

Following this an application call for some humanity projects may commence.

[Image changes to show a close view of the researchers guiding the towed camera over the side of the ship, and then the image changes to show the towed camera plunging into and beneath the water]

I’d encourage interested Australian researchers and institutions to read the material on MNF.csiro.au and to consider applying for a grant of sea time on RV Investigator.

[Image changes to show Matt talking to the camera]

If applicants have questions or need support in navigating the MAPS process please reach out to our team by emailing MNF@csiro.au. Thank you for taking the time to consider applying. We’re looking forward to welcoming strong applications.

[Music plays and the image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency]

MNF Primary Applications call 2025-26

Further information

Prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with the following information:

For enquiries about applying for sea time, please contact:

MNF Mailing List

Have you signed up? Keep informed about updates to our voyage schedule and research opportunities by subscribing to the MNF Mailing List