Media Releases

WIRES Research Grants Program 2023

Friday, January 20, 2023

The second round of WIRES Research Grants program is open for applications from 30 January 2023. The grants are designed to encourage innovative research that aims to address current knowledge gaps and develop best-practice methods for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

A total of up to $500,000 in grants will be awarded this year. Applicants from research institutions can submit proposals for funding of up to $50,000 over three years. Areas of research focus will include habitat and species recovery post emergencies, emergency risk reduction and preparedness, and species conservation.

“An investment in the important work of wildlife researchers will increase our understanding of the growing challenges faced by native animals. This will drive best practice on how we address these challenges in the future” said Jennie Murray, Head of Programs, WIRES.

WIRES Research Grants Program supports research projects across four important categories (4Rs):

1. Risk-Reduction: Research that will help reduce the chances of wildlife requiring rescue and rehabilitation.
2. Rescue and Rehabilitation: Research that will improve rescue and rehabilitation methods.
3. Release: Research that would improve post-release outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife.
4. Recovery: Research that aids the recovery of wild populations and their habitats.

Project outcomes should also align with the objectives of the WIRES Research Grants Program, which are:

1. Identify and address current research gaps that will result in evidence-based approaches to objectively reduce future risk and improve the health and habitats of Australian native species.
2. Advance scientific research into key issues impacting Australian wildlife and their habitats, through strategic investment.
3. Raise awareness and implementation of proven wildlife rehabilitation and conservation methods.
4. Promote best practice emergency preparedness and response in the context of wildlife conservation.

Grants for the WIRES Research Grants Program 2023 open 30 January 2023 with applications closing 24 February 2023.

The WIRES Research Grants Program is supported by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales who will provide scientific oversight for the grants.

For more information visit: WIRES Research Grants Program 

ABOUT WIRES

WIRES is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation. WIRES has been rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native animals for over 35 years with a mission to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. WIRES’ Wildlife Rescue Office answers calls from the community 24/7, 365 days a year, providing rescue advice and assistance for over 130,000 animals annually. Connecting wildlife to real-time assistance, WIRES full-time mobile Wildlife Ambulances operate across New South Wales, South-East Queensland and Tasmania, and WIRES had over 3,500 volunteers assisting with wildlife rescue and care in NSW. WIRES is supporting thousands of wildlife carers across Australia through a diverse range of national programs. WIRES also collaborates nationally with strategic partners to support the long-term recovery of wildlife habitat and the long-term preservation of native species in the wild.

For more information on WIRES wildlife programs visit www.wires.org.au.

MEDIA CONTACTS

WIRES Media Officer: John Grant | 0416 272 153 | media@wires.org.au

Contact media@wires.org.au for enquiries or call 0416 272 153.

For the latest updates on bushfire recovery projects and emergency response
Read WIRES Emergency Recovery Plan and WIRES National Emergency Response Plan