Application call details
The 2026 Primary Application call is PENDING.
Key dates
- OPEN: 17 February 2026 at 12:01 am (AEDT)
- CLOSE: 19 May 2026 at 11:59 pm (AEST)
- REJOINDER: 30 June to 30 July 2026
- OFFERS OF SEA TIME: Anticipated by January 2027
Information sessions for Stream 1 applicants
The MNF is partnering with the Australian Antarctic Program, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Geoscience Australia and Parks Australia to advance priority research of national benefit on board RV Investigator in the 2028–29 schedule. If you're interested in applying for sea time in 2028-29, we encourage you to consider a Stream 1 application in collaboration with our national priority partners and invite you to an upcoming webinar information session.
During each webinar, priority partners will present their research priorities and explain how applicants can align with them on a Stream 1 application for projects in the 2028–29 voyage schedule.
Further information
Separate webinars will be delivered for each priority partner and these will commence on Monday 23 February 2026. The date and time of each priority partner webinar will be confirmed shortly. Further information is available in the MNF Update.
To register your interest and receive an invitation to a webinar, email mnf@csiro.au and indicate the priority partner webinar/s you would like to attend.
The 2026 Primary Application call invites applications for fully funded grants of sea time on RV Investigator in the 2028-29 financial year. Projects which are supported will be awarded grants of sea time that will be used to build the Primary Voyage Schedule for that year.
All applications are to be completed and submitted in our online application portal, MFP (Marine Facilities Planning), by the application period close on 19 May 2026 at 11:59 pm (AEST).
Late applications will not be accepted.
Thinking of applying?
We're here to help. If you're considering applying, we strongly recommend contacting us at mnf@csiro.au beforehand to discuss your project proposal, requirements and equipment needs. We can also provide further information about the scientific services, capabilities and support we provide.
Early engagement ensures your proposal is well-prepared and aligned with MNF capabilities.
Potential applicants are encouraged to download the 2026 Primary Application questions (subject to change) and review our tips on writing a good application for sea time, so you can start thinking about your application ahead of the call opening.
Subscribe to the MNF Mailing List to receive updates on the application call.
Who can apply?
When a Primary Application call is open, applications for sea time on RV Investigator can be made by Australian researchers employed by an Australian research organisation and based in Australia. International collaborators and Australian researchers working overseas for Australian research organisations can be included as Co-Investigators on applications.
Applications must be made under one of five access Streams that encourage a broad range of research and national benefit.
Applications are to be submitted via our online application portal: MFP (Marine Facilities Planning).
Further information
Prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with the following information:
- MNF Operations Rolling Plan (2026 update pending)
- MNF Capability Prospectus
- Streams of Access
- Application Assessment
For enquiries about applying for sea time, please contact:
- Email: mnf@csiro.au
- Phone: +61 3 6232 5102
Application call details
The 2026 Primary Application call is PENDING.
Key dates
- OPEN: 17 February 2026 at 12:01 am (AEDT)
- CLOSE: 19 May 2026 at 11:59 pm (AEST)
- REJOINDER: 30 June to 30 July 2026
- OFFERS OF SEA TIME: Anticipated by January 2027
Information sessions for Stream 1 applicants
The MNF is partnering with the Australian Antarctic Program, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Geoscience Australia and Parks Australia to advance priority research of national benefit on board RV Investigator in the 2028–29 schedule. If you're interested in applying for sea time in 2028-29, we encourage you to consider a Stream 1 application in collaboration with our national priority partners and invite you to an upcoming webinar information session.
During each webinar, priority partners will present their research priorities and explain how applicants can align with them on a Stream 1 application for projects in the 2028–29 voyage schedule.
Further information
Separate webinars will be delivered for each priority partner and these will commence on Monday 23 February 2026. The date and time of each priority partner webinar will be confirmed shortly. Further information is available in the MNF Update.
To register your interest and receive an invitation to a webinar, email mnf@csiro.au and indicate the priority partner webinar/s you would like to attend.
The 2026 Primary Application call invites applications for fully funded grants of sea time on RV Investigator in the 2028-29 financial year. Projects which are supported will be awarded grants of sea time that will be used to build the Primary Voyage Schedule for that year.
All applications are to be completed and submitted in our online application portal, MFP (Marine Facilities Planning), by the application period close on 19 May 2026 at 11:59 pm (AEST).
Late applications will not be accepted.
Thinking of applying?
We're here to help. If you're considering applying, we strongly recommend contacting us at mnf@csiro.au beforehand to discuss your project proposal, requirements and equipment needs. We can also provide further information about the scientific services, capabilities and support we provide.
Early engagement ensures your proposal is well-prepared and aligned with MNF capabilities.
Potential applicants are encouraged to download the 2026 Primary Application questions PDF (303 KB) (subject to change) and review our tips on writing a good application for sea time, so you can start thinking about your application ahead of the call opening.
Subscribe to the MNF Mailing List to receive updates on the application call.
Who can apply?
When a Primary Application call is open, applications for sea time on RV Investigator can be made by Australian researchers employed by an Australian research organisation and based in Australia. International collaborators and Australian researchers working overseas for Australian research organisations can be included as Co-Investigators on applications.
Applications must be made under one of five access Streams that encourage a broad range of research and national benefit.
Applications are to be submitted via our online application portal: MFP (Marine Facilities Planning).
Further information
Prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with the following information:
- MNF Operations Rolling Plan (2026 update pending)
- MNF Capability Prospectus
- Streams of Access
- Application Assessment
For enquiries about applying for sea time, please contact:
- Email: mnf@csiro.au
- Phone: +61 3 6232 5102