Fifteen new grants have been awarded by the Secretary of Defence under Defence’s 2026 Strategic Policy Grants Program.

Defence received a record 199 applications seeking a total of $66.5 million, making this one of the most competitive grant rounds in the program’s history.

Now in its ninth year, the program invites applicants to address one of five priority policy questions, or contribute research and analysis that supports the priorities and challenges outlined in the 2026 National Defence Strategy.

The program addresses key questions facing Australia’s defence and national security, through funding independent projects with a focus on informing Defence’s strategic policy development, broadening public debate and strengthening Defence partnerships.

Successful applicants will research topics related to key Defence priorities, including national preparedness and resilience, improving defence and industry cooperation, analysis on Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships, the impact of grey-zone tactics, and regional deterrence.

Over the next three years, successful applicants will publish original, well-informed policy-relevant research. They will engage with Defence, other Commonwealth agencies and non-government experts, conducting events and activities.

Applicants of international and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, to enrich the understanding and analysis of global strategic policy issues, while also seeking to build capability and foster emerging talent in Australia’s strategic and defence policy ecosystem.

A full list of 2026 SPGP grant recipients and future open competitive grant opportunities can be found on the Strategic Policy Grants Program website or on GrantConnect.