We’ve tried to list some of the most common questions you may have on the programme. Before applying –have a look at some of them below, simply click on the question box and the answer will appear below it.
Applications
Eligibility
- I received my PhD more than five years ago, but I have less than five years post-doctoral experience. May I still apply?
The Fellowships are targeted towards early career researchers, with five years or less post-doctoral experience. If you have taken time off for maternity leave or worked part-time for some of this time, please indicate this on your application form and it will be taken into account.
If you do not have special circumstances such as maternity leave, you must have received notice of approval of your PhD after 7 March 2017 to be eligible
- I have not yet completed my PhD, am I eligible for the Fellowship?
No, the award is for post-doctoral researchers only.
Successful applicants are usually at least a year or two into their post-doctoral career and have several publications and other recognition of their research.
- I have finished my post-doc and started my own research group but I am less than five years out from my PhD, am I eligible for the Fellowship?
Yes, the Fellowships are for any researcher with five years or less post-doctoral experience.
- I am not an Australian/New Zealand citizen; may I apply for a Fellowship?
The Fellowships are open to researchers who are residing and working within Australian and New Zealand research institutes. Applicants are not required to be citizens and permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand.
- Which fields of research are covered by the Fellowships?
The fields of research are life sciences (including medical sciences), physical sciences, computer science, engineering and mathematics. Psychology, science education and social sciences are not eligible for this Fellowship.
- Do I need to be employed by a university or a research institution to be eligible for this Fellowship?
You must be employed (part-time or full-time) as a researcher to be eligible. This could be at a university, a research institute, a government agency etc. You may also have associations with more than one employer.
- Can I apply for the Fellowship to do research overseas?
No. The Fellowship is intended to support female scientists carrying out research in Australia or New Zealand. Your Fellowship may, however, be used to support overseas travel directly related to your research, for example for training courses, conferences or visits to collaborators.
Required Documentation
Award Payment and Use
- How long is the Fellowship and what is the payment structure/timing?
The Fellowship is for 12 months. If you are awarded a Fellowship, it will commence at the time of the ceremony (normally October/November). It may not be deferred or renewed.
Payment will be made in one installments, at the time of the ceremony.
- What kind of expenses can the Fellowship funds support?
The Fellowship can be spent on any research related expenses, including, but not limited to:
• equipment;
• reagents and consumables;
• other materials required for your research;
• page charges for publishing academic papers in peer-reviewed journals;
• part or all of the salary of a research assistant, although it may not be used to pay or supplement your own salary;
• child care expenses, but not for other personal expenses including mortgages, health care etc.;
• the costs associated with attending relevant conferences or training courses including registration costs, travel and accommodation expenses; and
• costs associated with travel interstate or overseas including airfares and accommodation.
- Am I allowed to have other Fellowships or grants at the same time as this one?
Yes, as long as the terms of the other Fellowships don’t preclude you from holding this one.
