ANU is seeking concept proposals from ANU researchers who wish to build partnerships with Icon Water to work on key challenges of water sustainability.

Through the generosity of the Icon Water Endowment Fund, ANU is calling for researchers to propose research projects related to Icon Water’s priority areas. The research proposals are to have the potential to transfer knowledge and expertise, work across disciplines and sectors, and create opportunities for larger joint projects. Recipients will be expected to participate in outreach and engagement activities in the water industry.

The 2025 EOI will focus on areas relevant to the research missions and strategic objectives of Icon Water.

Planet A

• Regenerative net zero circular utility services within our planetary boundaries.
• Water utilities as biorefineries.
• Regenerative processes for net good.

Utility²

• Harnessing data and models for proactive, capable and effective business activities.
• Reliable and adaptive standards as core service providers.
• Choicefully smart networks for balancing performance, risk and cost.

People+

• Sustaining local water cycles with people for people wellbeing.
• Integrated blue and green approaches for a flourishing liveable city.
• A water sensitive city for a resilient region.

Full details of the research missions are available in the Icon Water Research Missions document (PDF 6MB).

Strategic objectives are outlined in the Icon Water Business Strategy 2025–26, available on the Icon Water website.

About the EOI 2025 Round

• Open to ANU researchers.
• Funding up to a total of $132,000 is available for this round.
• It is preferred to allocate all or about to a single research proposal to the value of $132,000.
• Funding can be used for student stipends, salary, direct research costs and field studies.
• Research activities are expected to commence in the first half of 2026.
• Research activities are to be between 6 months to 2 years duration.

Stage One: Call for EoIs

The purpose of the Stage One EoI is to seek information that will allow the Endowment Fund Committee (comprising ANU and Icon Water staff) to assess alignment with strategic priorities of Icon Water and ANU, and to identify project champions within Icon Water to support and enhance delivery of the project outcomes.

To apply, please complete the concept call form (DOCx 34.57KB) and return it to: innovation@anu.edu.au.

The submission deadline is 5 pm Friday 21 November 2025

A second stage will invite greater detail, including the approach and methodology, a project plan to be developed in consultation with your Icon Water project champion, and budget to be submitted with the approval of your local delegate.

ANU and Icon Water value diversity and inclusion and are committed to increasing the participation of women in non-traditional fields. Female researchers, as well as researchers from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages are encouraged to apply.

The Icon Water Endowment Fund was established in 2009 with a gift from Icon Water. The Fund is managed by ANU and distributed under ANU delegation. The Endowment Fund is ANU managed and distributed under ANU delegation, and therefore cannot count as an industry cash contribution in external funding proposals.