Collaborative Energy Transition Catalyst
Power your research with seed funding from the Melbourne Energy Institute
MEI’s Collaborative Energy Transition Catalyst fosters cross-faculty collaboration to address the complex challenges of the global energy transition. The program supports early to mid-career University of Melbourne researchers in developing innovative, interdisciplinary projects that integrate technical, economic, environmental, and social perspectives. The aim of the program is to drive innovation, advance Australia’s energy future, and strengthen the University’s leadership in energy research.
Eligibility
Lead applicants must:
- be early to mid-career researchers (within 5–10 years post-PhD);
- hold an ongoing or fixed-term academic appointment at the University; and
- not hold more than one University of Melbourne seed funding grant simultaneously.
MEI’s seed funding program is intended to support the development and leadership of early to mid-career researchers. As such, applications will not be eligible where the lead applicant's proposed collaborators are senior academics who supervise or directly oversee the applicant's research activities.
Guidelines
Please refer to MEI's seed funding guidelines to learn more about project requirements and deliverables, and reporting requirements.
Apply
Applications open on 15 June 2026, and close at 11:59pm on 31 July 2026. Successful projects will be announced on 14 August 2026. Applicants must complete and submit the application form in the following link:
Key dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 15 June 2026 |
| Applications close | 31 July 2026 |
| Funding outcomes announced | 14 August 2026 |
| Expected project completion | Within 12 months of funding being awarded |
Questions?
Contact the MEI team for further information.