The Australian Research Council (ARC) commissioned this report, which finds that for every $1 of research funded through the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), $3.32 is generated for the Australian economy.

The report also illustrates the diverse nature of NCGP-funded research, offering detailed examples of research providing major benefits for the nation, from economic and environmental outcomes to social and cultural impacts.

ARC-funded research has also contributed to the lives of First Nations peoples, with the report highlighting the Indigenous persistence in formal learning project. This research has had a profound impact on Indigenous student retention and graduation rates in higher education and saw the development of a program which supports approximately 6,000 students at 4 different universities.

Additionally, the report shows the societal benefits of research excellence through a case study on Changing the law to protect survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV), a project which informed the introduction of 2 state-based laws, and aims to improve legal system responsiveness and efficiency, having introduced training materials on DFV to 240 legal professionals and students.

The projects featured in the report demonstrate how the NCGP supports curiosity, innovation and excellence from basic to applied research, and how this research generates new knowledge that delivers substantial impacts over time.