AMRI Postgraduate Award

Applications for the 2023/24 year are now closed.

The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) focuses on some of today’s major environmental challenges: climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. Our research is underpinned by outstanding scientific infrastructure including extensive natural history collections, wildlife genomics and microscopy laboratories, informatics and a coral reef research station at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef.

Students are encouraged to focus their applications towards the Museum’s collections and research programs.

Students must be supervised by an AMRI research scientist or collection manager while pursuing a postgraduate degree. Students are encouraged to spend time at the Museum as part of their research program.

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 fellowship is $2,500 for domestic applicants and $4,000 for international applicants 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.

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.

Applications: Applications should include a summary statement of the student's academic record. Where necessary, the university-based supervisor may be consulted regarding the student's quality and ability.

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 above must be sent to:

Meagan Warwick
AMRI & External Partnerships Coordinator
Australian Museum Research Institute
Email AMRI.