Research Grant Program

Our financial contribution for previous research grants has ranged from $30,000 to $110,000. The value of our non-financial contribution (in-kind support) can also be significant.

The financial component of the grant may be used for research expenses such as:

• Contributing to the salary of researcher/s or research assistants (when working on the BPC supported research).
• Reasonable travel and other costs associated with conducting the research.
• Hiring professional services, such as transcribed qualitative data and analysing quantitative data.

The financial component of the grant cannot be used for expenses such as:

• Purchasing research infrastructure, equipment or software that would reasonably be expected to be provided by the university undertaking the research.
• Resources that have already been purchased, or for activities that have already taken place.
• Research that is outside the scope of the funding agreement.
• Procuring the private sector to conduct the research.

Our in-kind contribution to the research may be through BPC employee time, expertise or other non-financial contributions. The nature of the in-kind support we may provide includes (but is not limited to):

• Access to regulatory experts and technical specialists for advice, review of test specifications, or interviews on specific technical or regulatory issues.
• Access to relevant data, case studies, or other information held by the BPC, subject to confidentiality, privacy and resource constraints.
• Access to regulatory and industry networks for insights, validation or testing of initial research findings and pragmatic advice.
• Review and feedback on draft papers or reports arising from supported research.

All in-kind support aims to help researchers deliver robust, high-quality, and impactful outcomes.

This criterion assesses how well the proposed research aligns with the objectives and priorities of the Research Grant Program 2026 and addresses problems or harms of relevance to the BPC, industry and consumers.

Applications should clearly explain the problem being addressed, why it matters, and how the proposed research aligns with program priorities and regulatory needs. Proposals that demonstrate strong strategic relevance, usefulness and potential to reduce harm will score more highly.

Applications will be assessed against the following elements:

a) Relevance of the problem or issue

The extent to which the proposal clearly identifies and describes a significant problem or harm in the built environment, including its scale, impact and relevance to consumer detriment or other material risks.

b) Alignment with program objectives and priorities

The extent to which the proposal demonstrates clear and explicit alignment with the objectives and priorities of the Research Grant Program 2026.

c) Focus on existing or emerging harms

The extent to which the proposal addresses one or more existing or emerging harms, risk or issues in the built environment, including those associated with products, materials, practices or technologies.

d) Potential strategic benefit of research outcomes

The extent to which the proposed research outcomes are likely to deliver strategic benefit to the BPC, industry and/or consumers, such as informing regulatory approaches, improving industry practices, influencing content of codes and standards.

e) Evidence base and practical relevance

The extent to which the research is designed to generate credible, robust and relevant evidence that can inform regulatory, policy or decision-making processes and support practical application of the findings.

This criterion assesses the strength of collaboration, the suitability of the project team’s expertise, and the extent to which the proposal demonstrates innovation and effective use of data or information to achieve research objectives.

Applications should demonstrate the right partners, skills and approaches are in place to deliver high-quality research that is relevant, credible and capable of generating meaningful insights.

Applications will be assessed against the following elements:

a) Quality and depth of collaboration

The extent to which the project team has the appropriate skills, experience and expertise to deliver the proposed research, and how that expertise is applied to achieve the research objectives.

b) Relevance and balance of expertise

The extent to which the proposal demonstrates genuine collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the appropriateness of partners, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and the depth and quality of engagement throughout the research.

c) Integration of collaboration and expertise

The extent to which collaboration and expertise are effectively embedded in the research design and delivery, rather than treated as add-ons, and contribute meaningfully to the quality and relevance of the research.

d) Innovation and novelty of approach

The extent to which the proposal demonstrates innovative or novel approaches, such as new methods, creative solutions, or original ways of addressing the research problem beyond standard practice.

e) Use of diverse data or information sources

The extent to which the proposal draws on appropriate and diverse data or information sources, including the suitability, quality and range of sources used to support robust and credible research outcomes.

This criterion assesses the quality, rigour and feasibility of the proposed research design and methodology, including how well the approach is described, justified and capable of delivering the stated research objectives within the proposed scope and timeframe.

Applications should clearly explain how the research will be conducted, why the chosen approach is appropriate, and how risks and limitations will be managed.

Applications will be assessed against the following elements:

a) Clarity and transparency of methodology

The extent to which the methodology is clearly designed and transparent, including key steps, assumptions and rationale, so that the approach can be readily understood and assessed.

b) Appropriateness of methodology

The extent to which the methodology is appropriate for addressing the stated research objectives and is suited to the type, scale and complexity of the research being undertaken.

c) Feasibility and achievability

The extent to which the methodology is realistic and achievable within the proposed timeframe, scope and available resources.

d) Stakeholder collaboration within methodology

The extent to which the methodology includes appropriate collaboration with a range of relevant stakeholders, and how that collaboration is incorporated into the research design to support the research objectives.

e) Identification and management of key risks and limitations

The extent to which key risks and limitations of the methodology are identified and managed, including the suitability of proposed mitigation strategies.

This criterion assesses whether the proposed project is appropriately resourced, financially realistic and represents good value for money, having regard to the scale, complexity, risks and expected benefits of the research.

Applications should demonstrate that the proposed budget and resources are sufficient, well planned and clearly justified, and that the project can be delivered within the proposed timeframe.

Applications will be assessed against the following elements:

a) Adequacy of resourcing

The extent to which the proposed resources (including personnel, skills, facilities and equipment) are sufficient and appropriate to deliver the project and achieve the research objectives.

b) Budget clarity and justification

The extent to which the proposed budget is clearly presented, transparent and well justified, with costs clearly linked to project activities and delivery requirements.

c) Balance and treatment of cash and in-kind contributions

The extent to which cash and in-kind contributions are appropriate and realistic, clearly distinguished and explained, including how in-kind contributions have been estimated or valued.

d) Feasibility of delivery and risk management

The extent to which the project is feasible within the proposed budget and timeframe, and whether key delivery risks have been identified and are supported by appropriate mitigation strategies.

e) Value for money

The extent to which the proposal represents good value for money, taking into account the proposed costs, resources, risks and the expected scale and significance of the research outcomes and impact.

This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposed research is likely to deliver meaningful real-world impact, and how effectively the findings will be translated, disseminated and used beyond the life of the project.

Applications should demonstrate a clear line of sight from research activities to outcomes and impact, supported by credible plans for translation, engagement and dissemination.

Applications will be assessed against the following elements:

a) Clarity of intended outcomes and impact

The extent to which the intended research outcomes and impacts are clearly defined, specific and measurable.

b) Dissemination and engagement strategy

The extent to which the proposed dissemination and stakeholder engagement strategies are appropriate, targeted and effective in reaching relevant audiences and supporting uptake of findings.

c) Translation into practice or policy

The extent to which clear and feasible pathways are identified for translating research findings into practice, policy, regulatory activity or other tangible applications.

d) Potential for real-world impact

The extent to which the proposed research is likely to deliver measurable real-world impact, including benefits for consumers, industry, regulators or policy outcomes.

e) Uptake and long-term use of findings

The extent to which research findings are likely to be used beyond the life of the project, including potential for ongoing adoption, replication or integration into practice, policy, or regulatory frameworks.

Financial and in-kind support to a successful applicant will commence following the execution of a research grant funding agreement by the BPC and the applicant’s university. Supported research is expected to commence from September 2026 onwards.

Funding will be released in instalments and be associated with the successful achievement of milestones documented in the funding agreement.

Funding will be released to the grantee’s university by way of electronic funds transfer. Funding will not be released to an individual researcher.

Yes. A research grant may be used to fund reasonable travel expenses necessary to conduct the research. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Permitted and prohibited uses of funding provided under a research grant will be set out in a funding agreement between the BPC and the grantee’s university.

No. Funding provided under a research grant is not intended to be used to fund expenses such as the purchase of laboratory infrastructure or specialist software that would reasonably be expected to be provided by the applicant’s university.

Permitted and prohibited uses of funding provided under a research grant will be set out in a funding agreement between the BPC and the grantee’s university.

No. Funding provided under a research grant cannot be used to fund delivery of a course. However, we are open to supporting research that will help identify gaps in education and training, and opportunities to close those gaps.

No. Researchers from any Australian university can apply.

The BPC aims to draw on the academic expertise, research rigor, and independent insight that Australian universities are uniquely positioned to provide. Partnering with these institutions through the Research Grant Program strengthens our research capability and supports the development of innovative, practical solutions that improve consumer outcomes.

Applications are required to be submitted by sending a completed BPC Research Grant Program 2026 application form by email to research@bpc.vic.gov.au by the closing date.

Applications submitted in an alternative format will not normally be considered. Applicants who require adjustments or accommodations due to a disability or other accessibility needs should contact us in advance of submission to discuss alternative arrangements. The best way to contact us is by email at research@bpc.vic.gov.au.

Yes. You may submit a previously unsuccessful proposal, provided it aligns with the focus, priorities and requirements of the 2026 round. Please carefully review the 2026 assessment criteria.

All applicants from previous rounds were given the opportunity to request feedback at the time they were advised of the application outcome. To ensure fairness and consistency across all applicants, we will not provide feedback on applications from earlier rounds.

Yes. Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply in the 2026 round. All applications will be assessed by an independent panel against the published criteria. Panel members must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, and appropriate management measures will be put in place where required to ensure a fair and impartial assessment process.

We do not provide advice or feedback on specific research ideas or proposals prior to submission or selection. However, we can clarify the intent of the Research Grant Program and the outcomes we are seeking. Contact us by email at research@bpc.vic.gov.au if you require clarification.

Yes. There is no limit to the number of applications an individual researcher or university may submit. However, we encourage applicants to focus on preparing one high-quality proposal, as it is unlikely that more than one application from the same researcher or the same university would be supported in a single funding round.

No. Applicants do not need a particular title or research level to apply for a BPC research grant. However, applications must be endorsed by the university, and the proposed research must be appropriately supervised and managed.

Funding will only be released once a funding agreement is executed by an authorised delegate of the university and the BPC. Funds are not released to individual researchers.

Applicants should ensure they have the necessary internal approvals from their university before applying.

Yes. Applications should address issues relevant to the regulation of Victoria’s building and plumbing industries. Research that does not focus solely on Victoria may still be considered, provided applicants clearly demonstrate its relevance and applicability to the Victorian regulatory context.

We primarily undertake and support applied research – projects that address specific problems or deepen understanding of systemic issues and potential solutions.

We are open to research of different scales, levels of complexity, and methodological approaches, including empirical, theoretical and desktop studies, provided the chosen method is well-justified and suited to the research question.

The duration of a research project should reflect the scale and complexity of the proposed research. While some projects may require longer timeframes, we expect to see a reasonable return on investment within an appropriate period.

Applicants are encouraged to consider a staged or modular approach to the conduct of the proposed research and deliverables, where suitable.

We welcome applications for proposed research that include financial and/or in-kind contributions from other parties.

Previous grants have been awarded to projects that have support from industry partners and associations.

Strong industry partnerships help ensure funded research is practical, relevant and feasible, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate meaningful industry collaboration in their applications for a research grant.

All contributions should be clearly identified in the application and supported by a letter of support confirming the contribution if the application is successful.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate meaningful industry collaboration in their applications for a research grant. Evidence of industry partnership strengthens applications and supports research with real-world relevance.

Letters of support from contributors to the research help demonstrate that proposed collaborations are well-founded and aligned with the needs of industry and consumers.

While letters of support from proposed partners are encouraged but not mandatory at the time of application, proposals that include formal letters are likely to be assessed more favourably than those indicating in principle support only.

Where an application indicates partner involvement but does not include a letter of support, a formal letter will be requested if the application is shortlisted. Providing the requested letter(s) will be an important step in confirming the feasibility of the partnership and progressing the application. Shortlisted applications that are unable to provide the required letter(s) may not be considered further.

A letter of support should confirm the partner organisation’s commitment to the proposed research, including any cash and/or in-kind contributions, outline alignment with organisational objectives, and describe the expected real-world impact of the research. Each letter must:

• be provided on official organisational letterhead
• be no more than two A4 pages
• include a brief organisational profile
• outline expected research outcomes and impact
• detail any cash and/or in-kind contributions
• confirm contributions are not drawn from previously awarded research funding
• include contact details for a representative who can verify the letter (if required by the BPC)
• be signed by the CEO or an authorised delegate.

A template letter is available to guide applicants and partners in preparing a letter of support.

Yes. We will consider applications where two or more educational institutions are partnering on a research project. Applicants must clearly outline in their application how the research will be distributed and supervised, and how the funding will be allocated.

The BPC will not claim ownership of any intellectual property (IP) generated through a research grant. However, grantees are required to grant the BPC a licence to use, reproduce, and adapt the IP for its own purposes . This licence also allows the BPC to publish the IP on its intranet, website, media channels, and in other ways agreed with the grantee. This arrangement will be included as a condition in the funding agreement between the BPC and the grantee.

All application documents, information provided by applicants, and internal records relating to applications are kept confidential and securely stored. Any personal information collected through the application process will be managed in accordance with the BPC’s Privacy Policy.

Yes. Grant funds may be used to support the salaries of researchers, research assistants, PhD candidates or other staff directly involved in delivering the funded research. Reasonable on‑costs and institutional overheads may also be included, provided they are directly attributable to the proposed research.

Applicants must clearly outline in their application how salaries and on‑costs have been calculated, including a transparent breakdown of the budget. On‑costs should be reasonable and reflect only those expenses necessary for delivering the project.

In 2024, we provided an information webinar providing an overview of the Research Grant Program, the application and selection process, responses to frequently asked questions, and reflections from previous grant recipients. While there are some differences in the 2026 round, the information from the 2024 webinar provides a useful indication of what to expect.

The Research Grant Program 2024 focussed on research aimed at better protecting consumers and building occupants from significant harms in the built environment in alignment with our regulatory priorities, or which would contribute to the identification and mitigation of new or emerging harms associated with products, materials, practices, or technologies. Successful grant recipients were:

• Deakin University: Investigating water pressure in the plumbing systems of Victorian houses
• RMIT University: Assessment of thermal bridging in Victorian apartment buildings
• University of South Australia: Designing and building safely on Victoria’s expansive soils
• University of South Australia: Virtual Reality-based building code assessment training for early-career building surveyors
• Victoria University: Developing measures to combat insolvency in the residential construction industry.

The Research Grant Program 2022 focused on research that will assist in reducing moisture ingress and water damage in Victorian buildings. Successful grant recipients were:

• The University of Sydney: Improving building envelope resilience to moisture damage
• RMIT University: Proof of concept for the development of a Virtual Reality self-evaluation platform to reduce non-compliant building and plumbing work
• Swinburne University of Technology: Investigation of water leakage in residential apartment (concrete) balconies

The inaugural round of our Research Grant Program supported research will improve the quality of the built environment and support a technologically advanced and innovative industry. Successful grant recipients were:

• Deakin University: Investigating passive fire protection defects in residential multi-owned properties
• RMIT University: Pre-normative research on the fire safety of solar building envelopes
• University of Tasmania: Assessment of mould growth risk in regulatory compliant 6 Star and 7 Star new homes in Victoria