An application for an Australian Academy of Law (AAL) Research Grant may be made by an individual, whether a law student (undergraduate or postgraduate), a law academic, a legal practitioner or a judicial officer and in each case whether still “in practice” or not.
An applicant must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident and must be conducting their research at or through an Australian university.
The proposed research may be empirical, theoretical, doctrinal or practical.
The total amount available for this financial year is $25,000.
The criteria are:
- the extent to which the proposed research accords with the AAL’s objects;
- its importance;
- its originality;
- its feasibility; and
- its value for money.
The amount of each grant will depend on the nature and quality of the applications both individually and comparatively. Nevertheless, individual grants might be in the order of $5,000.
Approved projects should finish by 31 December 2026. Each project therefore must be achievable, including with funding acquittal, within that period.
The AAL will not have intellectual property rights in the research but stipulates that its funding be appropriately acknowledged. Unless the candidate objects due to (for example) other publishing commitments, the AAL has the right (but not the obligation) to publish the finished research on its website, with appropriate attribution.
Applications closed on 30 April 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by 31 May 2026.
