Outstanding Early Career Researcher
The Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher is presented by Macquarie University.
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The Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher is awarded for outstanding scientific research conducted by an individual early career researcher.
Prize
$10,000
Assessment criteria
Entries must specifically address how the work entered meets the following assessment criteria:
Scientific rigour (30%)
Describe the investigative approach undertaken and identify the research methods employed, outlining the steps taken to ensure a robust and unbiased approach.
Originality and significance (30%)
Identify how the entrant has employed approaches not normally used in their field of research, pioneered a new area of enquiry and/or contributed new insights.
Impact and benefit (40%)
Demonstrate the extent to which the research:
- Has led to clear impact(s).
- Will influence future Australian and, where applicable, international research.
Prize specific conditions of entry
This prize is open to individuals only.
The entrant must be either an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.
Activity entered for this prize must have taken place in or been led from Australia, as defined in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Terms and Conditions.
Entrants must have been awarded their PhD (or equivalent first higher degree e.g., D.Phil., D.Psych., D.Sc) no more than five years prior to the Entry Deadline.
For entrants whose work has been realised over a period longer than five years from PhD conferral due to one or more career interruptions, the five-year requirement will be extended by the length of the career interruption/s. The definition of ‘career interruption’ is available in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Terms and Conditions.
Activity entered for this prize must have been published in at least one peer-reviewed article (i.e., published in a scientific journal or similar).
Activity entered for this prize must have been undertaken within 5 years of the Entry Deadline.
Category specific conditions of entry - Research & Innovation prizes
Entrants can either enter themselves or be nominated by another person. If an entrant is nominated it is important that they provide input to the documentation supporting their nomination.
The activity entered or nominated for this prize may not be entered or nominated for another Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the same year.
Activity that has been awarded an Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the past cannot be entered again.
In addition to the prize and category specific conditions of entry, all entrants need to comply with the General Terms and Conditions of Entry.
Entry materials
Each entry must include the following information. All information provided will be used by the judging panel to assess the activity entered against the assessment criteria.
Research summary
Response to assessment criteria
[Response to assessment criteria must be prepared using the template provided. Two pages (maximum)].
A statement by the nominator or entrant on how the activity entered addresses each of the assessment criterion. Key dates (month and year) must be included to demonstrate that the activity entered has been undertaken no more than five years prior to the Entry Deadline.
Download assessment criteria template (.docx or .pdf format)
Assessor reports
[Reports must be prepared using the template provided. Two pages (maximum)].
Three reports from assessors on how the activity entered addresses each of the assessment criterion. Judges rely on assessor reports to provide an additional perspective and informed opinion on the activity entered, therefore assessors should not be personally or directly involved in it. Assessors should be selected from a variety of different organisations. Reports must be prepared using the template provided.
Published article
Include a copy of one published peer-reviewed article that relates most directly to the activity entered. Links to external sites will not be accepted. You must provide a brief statement explaining how the article relates to the activity, which will be collected in the online entry form.
Curriculum vitae (CV)
[Two pages (maximum), 2cm margins (minimum), size 11 font (minimum)].
The CV of the entrant or nominee. Please provide a factual summary of academic and professional achievements.
How to Enter
- Review prize information.
- Register an account.
- Start online entry form from Tuesday 11 February 2025 (save it in-progress).
- Submit online entry form, including entry materials listed above, by the Entry Deadline, 7pm AEST Monday 14 April 2025. Late entries will not be accepted.
