Overview
The Forrest Foundation Fellowship in Australia 2027 is a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship designed to attract outstanding early-career researchers from around the world to undertake high-quality research at Western Australian universities. Fellows are expected to be adventurous, use innovative approaches to solve problems, and contribute to building world-class research and innovation capacity in Western Australia. The program encourages taking risks and unconventional paths for new discoveries, with a focus on refining research outcomes for community benefit. The fellowship duration is up to 3 years.
Coverage
This is a fully funded fellowship. Benefits include:
- A competitive salary of AUD 112,371 per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
- An accommodation allowance of AUD 25,740 per annum.
- A one-time research and travel allowance of AUD 12,000, to be used for research-related expenses, foreign research, and conference travel.
- Fellows can apply for a relocation allowance to Perth, which may include airfare.
Eligibility
- Open to early-career researchers from all countries, including Ethiopia.
- Applicants must have completed their PhD on or after January 1, 2024, or be on track to complete all PhD requirements by December 31, 2026. The Forrest Research Foundation recognizes career interruptions and allows for supplementary documentation to outline such circumstances.
- Candidates must be willing to reside at Forrest Hall during the fellowship program.
- Applicants must have received and accepted an offer from one of the eligible Western Australian universities: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus), or The University of Western Australia.
- Fellows should be persons of exceptional ability and resourcefulness, with high academic achievement and potential to make a positive difference to the world.
Requirements
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A list of publications.
- A list of grants and awards received.
- A passport-style photograph.
- A detailed research proposal outlining its expected impact and how it will benefit Western Australia and contribute to the broader community.
- Details of your nominated mentor and host university.
- A description of your leadership, mentoring, and community engagement experience.
- Details of your academic qualifications.
- Contact details for three referees, at least two of whom must be academic referees.
- An optional supplementary document outlining career interruptions, if applicable.
How to apply
1. Contact a prospective mentor at one of the eligible Western Australian universities and secure their support.
2. Prepare all the required documents as listed above.
3. Complete the online application form, available as an editable PDF or Word document, on the official Forrest Research Foundation website. If using the Word version, save it as a PDF before uploading.
4. Provide all necessary personal and contact information, details of your research proposal, mentor, host university, leadership experience, academic qualifications, and referee contacts.
5. Upload all required supporting documents through the online portal.
6. Carefully review all information before final submission.
7. Submit the application through the online portal before the closing date.
8. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and a research presentation.
Notes
Fellows are expected to take risks and use unique methods in their research, collaborate with others, and refine research outcomes for community benefit. They will provide guidance and mentorship to Forrest Scholars and share their research findings after completing the fellowship. Fellows must report their progress annually to the Forrest Research Foundation Director and the Minderoo Foundation. The fellowship is held in conjunction with an employment contract at a Western Australian university, with a portion of the contract dedicated to the general mission of the Forrest Research Foundation, including mentoring and ambassadorial duties, and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
