NSW Government – Education - Screen Use and Addiction Research Fund

The Screen Use and Addiction Research Fund (‘Screen Fund’) aims to support critical research exploring the impacts of problematic screen use on young peoples’ development and learning. The department is seeking research that aligns with its strategic goals and research priorities, and which supports an equitable and outstanding education system.

Research proposals are sought from researchers at Australian public universities and research organisations.

Applications will be competitively assessed against our selection criteria. We will look favourably upon proposals that incorporate one or more of the following elements in their research design:

• through research, develops useful interventions or tools to assist education settings
• proposes a worthwhile contribution to the screen use evidence through novel research
• foregrounds student voice.

Comprehensive information is included in the Guidelines.

Statements of Opportunity

Research project proposals must address a themed Statement of Opportunity:

1. We require research that investigates the effects of screen use for learning in schools and at home on students’ learning and behaviour outcomes.
2. We require research that investigates the effects on students of problematic and addictive screen use outside of school hours.

More information and details on the overarching research priorities and statements of opportunity can be found at More Information

The department will provide Australian public universities with the opportunity to award Screen Fund Scholarships of up to $10,000 to PhD candidates undertaking research in screen-related topics.

Screen Fund Scholarships will be administered by universities in the form of a top-up to Commonwealth Research Training (RTP) stipends.

The department is seeking research project proposals from:

• Australian public universities
• selected research institutions
• selected non-government organisations.

Partnerships between organisations are welcome.

‘Screen Fund Scholars’ must:

1. be receiving RTP funding throughout 2025
2. be enrolled at the university receiving the Scholarship fund
3. be engaged in research that addresses one or more Statements of Opportunity
4. have, or be able to obtain, a working with children check clearance (as needed), and
5. receive department approval of their project.