AMRI Postgraduate Award

Applications for the 2025/2026 year are now open. The closing date is Wednesday 30 April 2025.

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.

When applying for the AMRI Postgraduate Award, students are encouraged to focus their applications on the Museum’s collections and research programs. Students must be supervised by an AMRI research scientist or manager while pursuing a postgraduate degree. Students are encouraged to spend time at the Museum as part of their research program.

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

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

Selection criteria:

• Significance of the scientific contribution to the field of interest
• Quality and clarity of the proposal
• Feasibility of the project as a topic and in light of available resources
• Adequacy and reasonableness of the proposed budget
• Contribution or significance of the intended outcomes to the broader Australian society
• Strength of recommendation from supervisor/s
• Quality of the student's summary academic record.

The maximum amount of the award is $2,500 to assist with living costs, travel and research expenses. The award amount does not cover administration overheads that may be applied by your institution. The recommended duration is six weeks for doctoral candidates and less for other degrees. Applicants must note that the budget put forward will be used as a measure for selection alongside merit. Please be aware that no more than $1,500 per week can be provided for per diem costs and that your budgeting of such items must remain competitive with other applicants.

Application checklist:

• Read and understand the Terms and Conditions of the Award;
• Complete and submit the application form;
• Submit a Curriculum vitae, including a summary statement of academic record/transcript;
• Submit a Statement of support for your application from your institution; and
• Provide a Statement of support from an Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) staff member.

One electronic copy (via email) of the documents listed below must be sent to:

Australian Museum Research Institute
Australian Museum
Email AMRI.