Cracking the DECRA Code: Tips from successful applicants and grant writers

The Australian Research Council’s Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) represents a significant milestone for early career researchers. With up to 200 awards granted annually, providing both salary and project funding for three years, it’s a highly competitive but potentially career-changing opportunity.

Key tips for a competitive DECRA application

Having reviewed numerous DECRA applications and feedback from assessors, here are crucial elements that can make or break your application:

1.  Nail your opening

Don’t bury your key message in dense paragraphs. Lead with your core research proposition and ensure it grabs attention immediately. Remember, assessors are reading multiple applications – make yours memorable from the start.

2. Speak to a broad audience

A common pitfall is assuming too much specialist knowledge. While your research may be highly specialised:

• Define field-specific terminology clearly
• Explain complex concepts in accessible language
• Spell out acronyms on first use
• Consider that assessors may come from adjacent fields

3. Maintain consistency

With input from multiple mentors and peers (which is valuable!), applications can become disjointed. Ensure you:

• Maintain a consistent narrative throughout
• Use consistent terminology
• Align your aims, methods, and expected outcomes
• Have one clear voice throughout the document

4. Strike the right balance

Your proposal should be ambitious but achievable within the three-year timeframe. Demonstrate this by:

• Providing clear milestones
• Showing realistic timelines
• Acknowledging potential challenges and how you’ll address them
• Demonstrating your track record in delivering similar work

5. Show real-world impact

Be explicit about how your research will create impact:

• Clearly articulate the applications of your results
• Link outcomes directly to your stated aims
• Demonstrate the pathway to impact
• Highlight potential beneficiaries of your research

6. Emphasise innovation

Clearly articulate how your work will advance your field:

• Identify the specific knowledge gaps you’re addressing
• Explain why your approach is novel
• Demonstrate how you’ll produce new or advanced knowledge
• Show awareness of current international developments in your field

7. Demonstrate research leadership

Show you’re an emerging research leader by highlighting:

• Your engagement with the broader scientific community
• Collaborative networks you’re building
• Conference presentations and publications
• Any mentoring or supervision experience

The bottom line

A successful DECRA application requires more than just excellent research – it needs clear communication, realistic planning, and demonstrated potential for impact. As Dr Sergiienko’s experience shows, seeking expert help and mentorship can make a crucial difference in crafting a competitive application.

Want support with your DECRA application?

Contact our team to learn how we can help make your application stand out.