THE CSIRO is calling for applications to join Australia’s Marine National Facility (MNF) — also known as the research vessel Investigator — for ocean research sea time in the 2028-29 program.
The MNF offers multiple Streams of access through which applications for sea time can be submitted, with streams aligning the research CSIRO delivers “with national priorities and accommodate the broad needs of the Australian research community.
“Importantly, the Streams also seek to encourage a wide diversity of users of the extensive capabilities offered by RV Investigator,” the MNF says.
Stream 1 addresses critical policy and strategic research needs for Australia and is for projects that directly address policy‑driven priorities. Applicants under this Stream have access to a greater preferential allocation of the available sea time for 2028-29.
For the 2026 Primary Application call, the MNF is partnering with Stream 1 priority partners, the Australian Antarctic Program, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Geoscience Australia and Parks Australia.
Potential applicants are invited to attend an information session (via webinar) with Stream 1 priority partners to support applications for fully-funded ship time for research under Stream 1.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with key end users and deliver national research impact through the co-design of research projects with our Stream 1 priority partners,” CSIRO says.
“If you're interested in applying for sea time in 2028-29, we encourage you to consider a Stream 1 application and invite you to attend 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.
“Separate webinars will be delivered for each priority partner and these sessions will commence on Monday 23 February 2026. The date and time of each priority partner webinar will be confirmed shortly.
“Each webinar will last approximately 30 minutes with additional time for questions. Webinars will be recorded and the recording will be available to registered attendees upon request."
To register your interest and receive an invitation to a webinar, please email mnf@csiro.au and indicate the priority partner webinar/s you would like to attend.