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EARLY Career Research




2026 ALERA Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Research Grant

Shaping the Future of Workplace and Industrial Relations Research

Closes Wednesday 30 September 2026

The Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA) is proud to invite applications for the 2026 Early Career Researcher (ECR) Innovate Industrial Relations Research Grant Program.

Designed to support emerging researchers, this prestigious grant provides up to $20,000 (including GST) to advance innovative, high-quality research that strengthens understanding of industrial and workplace relations in Australia.

Whether your research explores emerging workplace challenges, evolving employment practices, public policy, regulation or related disciplines, ALERA is committed to supporting research that informs debate, influences practice and contributes to better workplaces.



About ALERA

The Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA) is the national body representing Australia's state and territory industrial relations societies.

Our membership reflects the diverse voices that shape workplace relations across Australia, bringing together professionals from:

  • Employers and employer organisations
  • Government
  • Trade unions
  • The legal profession
  • Management
  • Industrial tribunals
  • Academia
  • Consulting

ALERA advances industrial and workplace relations through a non-partisan, evidence-based approach founded on respect, learning and open dialogue.

Our work includes:

  • Delivering nationally recognised conferences and professional development featuring leading experts and practical, evidence-based insights.
  • Publishing the internationally respected Journal of Industrial Relations (JIR), one of Australia's leading peer-reviewed journals in the field.
  • Contributing to public policy discussions that advance knowledge and understanding of workplace and industrial relations.



About the 2026 Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Grant Program

ALERA is committed to fostering the next generation of researchers whose work will shape the future of industrial and workplace relations.

The 2026 Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Grant Program supports innovative research that:

  • Advances knowledge in industrial and workplace relations, or cognate fields.
  • Promotes greater public awareness and understanding of industrial and workplace relations issues.
  • Demonstrates practical relevance and impact for policy, workplaces and the broader community.

Projects addressing issues of particular interest to ALERA's members and stakeholders are strongly encouraged.




Grant Details

Funding available: Up to $20,000 (including GST)

The successful applicant will receive funding to undertake a research project with agreed research outputs that contribute to the advancement of workplace and industrial relations knowledge.



Eligibility

Applications are invited from Early Career Researchers (ECRs) who:

  • Are within five years of the conferral of their PhD, taking recognised career interruptions into account.
  • Are the Chief Investigator (CI) on the application.
  • May apply individually or as part of a research team, provided the CI meets the ECR eligibility requirements.
  • Institutions that have previously received the ALERA Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Research Grant are not eligible to apply again for a 12-month period from the date of receipt of the previous grant.  See guidelines for further information.



Assessment and Selection

Applications will be reviewed by the ALERA Research and Publications Sub-committee, which will make recommendations to the ALERA National Committee for approval.

Assessment will consider the quality, significance, novel or innovativeness of the research that will clearly address an important problem relevant to ALERA stakeholders. Assessment will also consider the applicant’s established/emerging track record relative to opportunity, and the potential for peer reviewed publications in quality outlets and research impact.



Grant Recipient Expectations

Successful recipients will be expected to:

  • Complete the research project and deliver the agreed research outputs.
  • Acknowledge ALERA's funding in all publications and outputs arising from the project.
  • Present the research findings to an ALERA audience within 12 months of the grant end date, preferably at an ALERA National Conference or another national ALERA event.




Ready to apply?

2026 Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Research Grant Guidelines

View the full grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.




2026 Early Career Researcher Innovative Industrial Relations Research Grant Application Form

Complete and submit your application using the official application form.


Invest in Research. Influence the Future.








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