In addition to the call for research proposals, the GWRDC also invites applications under its allied programs, which support PhD and Honours projects and regionally focussed research and extension activities.

The Australian wine industry is facing a period of unprecedented restrictions on the availability of water for irrigation, particularly in the lower Murray-Darling basin. This threatens the industry’s production capacity and the viability of individual growers. Drought related reductions in GWRDC revenue will also restrict funding available for this call for applications.

1.Preliminary Research Project Applications
The GWRDC will prioritise its available research and extension resources toward proposals that will help the wine industry to recover from drought and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Accordingly, applications addressing the objectives of GWRDC Program 4 – Sustainability of Industry, Environments and Communities, are of highest priority, although proposals within other GWRDC research programs will be considered.

Attention will be particularly focussed on proposals that address the generation of solutions with a short lead-time, relating to the pressing issues of:

• water availability and efficient usage of limited water resources
• adaptation of vines and management practices to drought conditions
• sustainability of vineyard plantings

Underpinning these activities is a desire to maintain research capacity / human capital to ensure that the Australian wine industry is in a position to rebound effectively when drought conditions ease and production returns to “normal” levels. This objective will be ultimately achieved through the continued application of technology and smart solutions, which have been hallmarks of the success of the industry over the past 10 - 15 years.

Preliminary Project Application forms can be downloaded from: (Preliminary Project Application)

2. PhD and Honours support
In addition to the call for preliminary research project applications, the GWRDC will again offer a number of PhD and Honours scholarships, to commence in the 2008 academic year.

a) PhD scholarships
• Full scholarships
$25,000 stipend and up to $10,000 operating (per annum) for the 3 year duration of the PhD study.
• Supplementary (top-up) scholarships
Top-up awards will bring the total scholarship stipend up to industry standard (assumed at $25,000 per annum). Supplementary operating funds are also available.

PhD scholarships Guidelines:
(PhD scholarships Guidelines)
PhD scholarships Application Form:
(PhD scholarships Application Form)

b) Honours scholarships
A $4,000 student stipend and up to $2,000 operating is available to successful applicants.

Honours scholarships Guidelines:
(Honours scholarships Guidelines )
Honours scholarships Application Form:
(Honours scholarships Application Form )

3. Regional Programs
The GWRDC’s regional programs, RITA and RDI will continue to operate in 2007/08.

a) Regional Innovation and Technology Adoption (RITA)
RITA Guidelines: (RITA Guidelines)
RITA Application Form: (RITA Application Form)

b) Regional Development Initiative (RDI)
RDI Guidelines: (RDI Guidelines)
RDI Application Form: (RDI Application Form)

Submission and Deadlines
Applications must be received on the correct Application Form and must adhere CLOSELY to the format and Guidelines for each program.

Preliminary Research Project Applications: Friday 2 November 2007
• Successful Preliminary applications advised - December 2007
• Successful applicants to submit Final Project Applications (FPAs) - Feb 2008
• Notification of successful FPAs - March 2008
• Contracted projects to commence 1 July 2008

PhD scholarships: Friday 2 November 2007

Honours scholarships: Friday 30 November 2007

RITA / RDI applications:
Round 3: Friday 30 November 2007
Round 4: Friday 29 February 2008
Round 5: Friday 2 May 2008

IMPORTANT:
Late or non-compliant applications WILL NOT be accepted.