Peter Rankin Trust Fund for Herpetology

The Peter Rankin Trust Fund for Herpetology is an Australia-wide fund which seeks to provide small grants-in-aid to herpetological projects. The Fund was established in 1979 to commemorate the memory of Peter Rankin, a young herpetologist who died accidentally while collecting in New Caledonia shortly after having graduated from university.

The Fund makes awards annually to a total of approximately $3,000 ($1,000 per award, maximum) to budding herpetological researchers. Applications will be considered in any of the following categories:

• private;
• honours student;
• postgraduate student.

Projects (including fieldwork) must be conducted in Australia. Students and researchers without an ABN must ensure that their institution is able to administer the money received from the Fund - see terms and conditions of award.

In accepting an award, successful applicants will thereby agree to the following:

• To comply with all State and Commonwealth fauna regulations;
• To submit a brief report within one month of the completion date; and
• To acknowledge the Peter Rankin Trust Fund for Herpetology in any publications.

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

Please complete your application here: https://australianmuseum.jotform.com/260388639822872