Awards & Fellowships

The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI^®) focuses on some of today’s major challenges including understanding changing biodiversity; researching major changes in earth sciences particularly in mineralogy, petrology and palaeontology; and, exploring and communicating under-represented histories and cultures.

The AM’s natural science collections and AMRI research is underpinned by significant scientific infrastructure including the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Collection Care and Conservation Lab and the Lizard Island Research Station, situated on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Combined with digital citizen science projects, high impact expeditions, and extensive networks and partners, AMRI is at the forefront of scientific discovery.

The Australian Museum Foundation (AMF)/AMRI offers several different and exciting fellowships to visiting students and researchers.

These fellowships and awards are open to both domestic and international students and researchers who are interested in collaborating with the Australian Museum on our extensive collections, and/or working with our researchers and managers.

Applicants may be based at a university or a private or government institution and students must be enrolled in a relevant discipline at a university. More information about each award can be viewed below.

Applications for the 2026/2027 year are OPEN.

Peter Rankin Trust Fund for Herpetology

The Peter Rankin Trust Fund for Herpetology provides up to $1,000 to herpetological projects in Australia. Applications for funding between July 2026 and June 2027 are now OPEN.

AMF/AMRI Postgraduate Award

The AMF/AMRI Postgraduate Award offers postgraduate students up to $2,500 to work directly with the Australian Museum and become involved in its research activities.

Please also note that Honours students are welcome to apply, but they will not be assessed separately. Applications for funding between July 2026 and June 2027 are now OPEN.

AMF/AMRI Visiting Research Fellowship*

The AMF/AMRI Visiting Research Fellowship offers researchers up to $8,000 to visit and work as collaborators in research projects with Australian Museum scientists and staff. Applications for funding between July 2026 and June 2027 are now OPEN.

AMF/AMRI Visiting Collection Fellowship*

The AMF/AMRI Visiting Collection Fellowship offers researchers up to $8,000 to visit and work with significant collections held by the Australian Museum. Applications for funding between July 2026 and June 2027 are now OPEN.