AMF/AMRI Postgraduate Award

This award is not on offer for the 2022/23 year. Please visit this webpage in early 2023 for more information.

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.

The award is open to all students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification in a field relevant to the Australian Museum’s 2017-2021 Science Strategy. Applications should address AMRI research priorities.

Students are encouraged to apply to orientate their applications towards any of the Museum’s collections and research programs including cultural and anthropological as well as natural science collections.

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:

• Relevance of intended outcomes to the research priorities (science clouds) as set out in the 2017-2021 Science Strategy
• 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 local 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 lower 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.

ACWG (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.

Conditions of Award: Applicants must read and understand the terms and conditions of this award before applying.

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 understood the Terms and Conditions of the Award;
• Completed application form;
• Curriculum vitae, including a summary statement of academic record/transcript;
• Statement of support for your application from your institution; and
• 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

Tel: 61 2 9320 6462
Email Meagan