Request for Proposals (RFP) for CCIP Bridging Research Projects

This Funding Opportunity aims to support Bridging Research Projects that build upon the outcomes of the Crown-of-thorns starfish Control Innovation Program (CCIP), maintaining and expanding Australia’s capacity to deliver world-leading protection of coral from outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) across the Great Barrier Reef.  

CCIP is a targeted, multi-disciplinary research program aimed at boosting capacity to predict, detect and respond to COTS outbreaks. The innovation program delivers research that underpins Australia’s on-water COTS Control Program, led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Further background information on CCIP’s approach and outcomes to date are provided in the CCIP Synthesis & Impact Report (2021-2024). 

A total of up to $2 million in funding is available for proposals that address one of four priority research areas:  

• Detection & Monitoring. Research that advances development and operational deployment of tools and strategies that improve COTS, coral and co-benefit monitoring capabilities. 

• Innovating Control Methods. Research that advances development of an expanded control toolbox to complement culling and/or address its limitations (e.g. depth, COTS life-history stage). 

• COTS, Coral & Climate Change. Research that generates new knowledge and improved capability to adapt COTS management to changing environmental conditions. 

• Decisions for Coral Resilience. Research that advances development and application of models and decision support tools that guide COTS Control Program strategic planning and tactical operations.  

This is an open call for applications. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for further details on funding and eligibility requirements. 

We strongly encourage collaborative, multi-institution projects that are developed in consultation with stakeholders. 

The closing date for Applications is 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday 1 August 2025. 

Applicants should read these Guidelines and the related Application Form in their entirety before deciding whether to apply. 

The completed Application form, excel budget tool and any other attachments must be emailed to applications@barrierreef.org before the closing date. 

To provide effective and tailored support, all applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their application with the CCIP Program Director, Mary Bonin, during the open call for applications. Applicants can schedule these meetings between Monday 14 July and Friday 25 July. Summarised and de-identified information from these discussions will be shared via public FAQs for the benefit of all applicants. 

General questions about the application process can be directed to applications@barrierreef.org.