AMF/AMRI Visiting Collection Fellowship

The AMF/AMRI Visiting Collection Fellowship offers researchers up to $8,000 to visit the Australian Museum and work with its significant natural science and cultural collections.

Fellows are selected for the specific skills, knowledge, and expertise they bring to a project, and must be nominated by an AMRI staff member. The fellowship is open to researchers intending to work in the Museum's collections.

Award amount

The maximum award is $8,000 to assist with travel, per diem, and research expenses such as bench fees and specialist analyses. Please note the award does not cover administration overheads that may be applied by your institution, and no more than $1,500 per week can be claimed for per diem costs. The budget you submit will be assessed alongside the merit of your application, so ensure your costings are realistic and competitive.

The maximum duration of the fellowship is 12 months.

Award funds cannot be used to pay salary or stipend. Your application must include a signed statement on letterhead from your employer confirming that your salary or stipend and associated expenses will be covered by your institution for the duration of the fellowship.

AMRI facilities

If you plan to use the Museum's DNA lab for molecular studies, please include this as a line item in your budget. For assistance with costings, contact Dr David Alquezar, Manager, Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG).

If you plan to work with the Collection Care and Conservation team or use CC&C facilities, please include this in your application. For further assistance, contact Heather Bleechmore, Manager, Collection Care and Conservation (CC&C).

Selection criteria

Applications are assessed on the following criteria:

• Significance of the scientific contribution to the Australian Museum collection of interest
• Significance of the proposed research into collections for which there is no resident staff specialist
• The extent to which the project enhances the relevant collections, collection data, or places the collection within a new field
• Adequacy and reasonableness of the proposed budget
• Experience of the applicant relevant to their proposed activities

Please note, successful applicants are responsible for arranging their own travel and visas if required.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online form here: https://australianmuseum.jotform.com/260388586380872

We encourage applicants to liaise with their AMRI nominated staff member when preparing their application. Before submitting, please ensure you have:

• Read and understood the Terms and Conditions of the Fellowship
• The following required documents prepared, including:
  • A brief curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and the names and contact details of at least two referees
  • A signed Statement of Support from your employer/university, confirming how funds will be administered and why your project should be funded
  • A signed Statement of Support from your AMRI nominated staff member

Applications are now OPEN and should be submitted by 5pm Thursday 30 April 2026.

For any questions, contact the Australian Museum Research Institute at amri@australian.museum.