The ARC has announced more than $370 million in funding for over 520 new projects under the 2026 Discovery Projects scheme, reinforcing its commitment to bold ideas, collaboration, and long-term national benefit.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the projects highlight the breadth and ambition of Australia's research community.
'By funding projects across many different disciplinary areas, the ARC is empowering researchers in the science and technology fields, social sciences and humanities, to pursue bold ideas, foster collaboration, and generate knowledge that strengthens Australia's prosperity, resilience and wellbeing,' Professor Roessner said.
The 2026 ARC Discovery Projects include a wide range of research that will create new knowledge and provide cultural and social benefits to Australia.
Humanities and social sciences highlights include projects exploring the national history of disability using inclusive, co-produced methods; examining how Australians engage with history in a digital age; and documenting Indigenous histories and cultures, such as the deep history of the Meriam people and the contributions of Aboriginal Elders in Arnhem Land. Other projects aim to support rural wellbeing through creative spaces for women and improve understanding of Australia's diverse communities.
In science and technology, researchers will work on clean energy and environmental projects, including more stable solar technology and art-science collaborations for kelp restoration. Other work will tackle agricultural and health challenges, such as developing an oral anti-fertility vaccine for invasive rabbits and creating new bismuth-powered peptides for drug discovery. Projects will also look at workplace fatigue in the age of AI, supporting better health outcomes and technology design.
These highlights reflect the ARC's commitment to research excellence with real-world impact-economic, social, environmental, and cultural-while helping to support fundamental discoveries, train the next generation of research leaders and strengthen Australia's global research standing.
For a full list of funded projects, refer to the ARC Discovery Projects 2026 Grant Announcement Kit .
