2026 AusSRC Merit Allocation Program Launching Soon
The 2026 AusSRC Merit Allocation Program will offer support to projects that advance Australian SKA precursor science.
Are you working on SKA precursor science?
The 2026 AusSRC Merit Allocation Program (MAP) is launching soon!
Following the successful delivery of 8 projects in the inaugural round, the 2026 AusSRC MAP will support projects that:
- Advance Australian SKA precursor science
- Contribute to SKA-readiness and SRCNet capabilities
- Develop sustainable workflows, software, or services
- Expand Australia’s capability in radio astronomy
- Deliver impact beyond a single project or user
In 2026, applicants will be able to request support in the following streams:
- Software Development
- Science Support
- Operations Support
Successful MAP applications will become the 2026 AusSRC Science Enabling Projects (ASEPs). ASEPs are scoped in consultation with AusSRC staff across an Expression of Interest (EoI) and Call for Proposals period.
What’s new for 2026?
In addition to the Software Development and Science Support streams, this year AusSRC will offer an Operations Support stream, covering support for deployment, maintenance and hosting.
Following feedback from the 2025 MAP, AusSRC has also implemented changes to the application process including, among other features, the following:
- EoI stage used to determine eligibility only
- Provision of a Mandatory Minimum Viable Product (MVP) definition