Australian Industry Graduate Research School

The Australian Industry Graduate Research School (AIGRS) is an independent, non-profit organisation established to advance Australia’s national agenda for stronger collaboration between universities and industry.

We bring together academia, government, industry, and international partners to co-design projects and translate world-class research into innovation, skills, jobs, and long-term prosperity.

About

Australia has world-class research capability, yet a persistent gap remains between universities and industry. The Australian Government has prioritised stronger collaboration between research and business as part of its national agenda, and the Australian Industry Graduate Research School (AIGRS) was established to help deliver on this national agenda.

As an independent, non-profit organisation, AIGRS works alongside university research offices as an industry-focused research hub. We help universities identify and connect with the right industry and international partners, creating collaborations that ensure research is translated into measurable outcomes and real-world impact.

We bring together universities, industry, government, and international collaborators to co-design projects, accelerate partnerships, and build high-performing teams that address both national and global challenges. By embedding researchers and students in live industry projects from the outset, AIGRS ensures that research is academically rigorous, internationally connected, and directly applied to practice — driving innovation, developing skills, creating jobs, and contributing to long-term prosperity.

Researchers collaborating with industry partners on innovative projects at AIGRS

Our Research Themes

Chronic and Mental Health

We focus research on chronic disease and mental health in Australia, developing prevention strategies, integrated care models, and well-being programs for urban, rural, and regional communities nationwide.

Primary Care and Health Systems

We focus research on strengthening Australia’s primary healthcare system, improving GP, pharmacy, and allied health services while building sustainable, equitable, and patient-centered care for all Australians.

Digital Health and Medical Technologies

We focus research on digital health innovations — telehealth, wearable, AI diagnostics, and secure platforms — to transform healthcare delivery and improve access for Australians across cities and remote regions.

Quantum, AI and Emerging Technologies

We focus research on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and advanced analytics to solve complex Australian challenges, boost industry productivity, and position the nation as a leader in emerging technologies.

Agriculture, Food Security and Biosecurity

We focus research on agriculture, food security, and biosecurity, creating climate-resilient crops, protecting supply chains, and supporting Australian farmers to adapt for sustainable farming and global competitiveness.

Digital Agriculture and Rural Innovation

We focus research on digital agriculture technologies — precision farming, sensors, drones, and blockchain — while addressing rural resilience, infrastructure, and workforce to strengthen regional Australia’s innovation capacity.

Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability

We focus research on climate change, renewable energy, water management, and circular economy solutions to protect Australia’s environment, biodiversity, and natural resources while building a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Indigenous Knowledge and Community Development

We focus research on Indigenous knowledge and community-led innovation, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, education, and resilience while supporting inclusive regional and rural development across Australia.

We Partner with Universities & Industry

We work at the intersection of universities, industry, and government to make collaboration efficient, transparent, and outcomes-focused. Our partnerships provide multiple pathways for engagement:

Collaborative Research – Connecting academics with the right industry and government partners to form strong, competitive research teams capable of securing major grants and delivering high-impact outcomes.

Industry PhD Partnerships – Helping universities identify and secure the right industry partners for PhD programs. We support co-supervision to ensure training is academically rigorous and directly relevant to industry needs.

Contract Research – Facilitating contract research agreements that enable businesses to access world-class university expertise and infrastructure to solve targeted challenges with clear deliverables and timelines.

Strategic Partnerships – Building long-term collaborations between universities, industry leaders, and government agencies to expand research capacity, attract funding, and strengthen Australia’s global research standing.

Grant Preparation – Assisting in the preparation of compelling, competitive proposals aligned with ARC, MRFF, NHMRC, CRC, Horizon Europe, and other major funding programs.

Academic and industry professionals co-designing research projects at AIGRS

Partnership Process

Our partnership process provides a clear pathway from concept to outcome, making collaboration between universities, industry, and government simple and effective.

Funding Identification – We help map and secure the most suitable opportunities, including ARC, MRFF, NHMRC, CRC, and Horizon Europe.

Project Development – Define objectives, scope, and outcomes in consultation with researchers and industry partners.

Team Building – Connect leading academics with industry experts and government stakeholders to form strong, competitive teams.

Co-Designed Proposal – Develop research proposals that balance academic rigour with industry priorities and outline a clear framework for delivery.

IP Agreements – Negotiate transparent intellectual property arrangements upfront, with ownership determined by contributions and in line with funding requirements.

Funding Submission – Work with research offices to ensure efficient, compliant, and competitive submissions.

Project Launch – Once agreements are in place, projects are delivered through partner university and industry facilities, with AIGRS coordinating milestones and updates.

Project Completion – On completion, all deliverables are reviewed and approved, with a final handover to discuss outcomes and future collaboration opportunities.

AIGRS partnership process, from funding identification to project completion and impact.