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A new Australian Research Council (ARC) grant scheme, Super Science Fellowships, will be opened later this year with funding for early career Fellowships (3 years) in three areas of existing research strength:

1. Space science and astronomy,
2. Marine and climate science; and
3. Future industries research - biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Key Points

• The Government will provide $27.2 million over four years to run two successive rounds of three-year early-career (ECR) fellowships, to ensure our most promising young researchers continue to have opportunities to work in areas of national significance during the global recession.
• The scheme will offer 100 fellowships in total (50 fellowships per round), for salary only, no project costs.
• Fellowships will be available to researchers in universities and publicly funded research agencies within the targeted science fields.
• Super Science Fellows will be expected to participate in science engagement and education activities over the life of their Fellowship, to share their scientific achievements with the community and inspire the next generation with the wonder of scientific discovery.
• The new fellowships will be administered by the ARC under the existing Discovery Scheme of the National Competitive Grants Program.

Eligibility

Early Career Researcher (ECR) eligibility has not yet been advised.  However, the ARC definition of ECR status for Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2010 is PhD awarded on or after 4 March 2004.

Applications

First round funding will commence in 2010, with applications called in the second half of 2009. At that time, application forms and guidelines will be provided through the national competitive grants area of the ARC website .

Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in applying for a Super Science Fellowship please reply to Debbie Thackray (Faculty Research Development Officer), who can then ensure you receive any updates and provide advice and feedback as you develop your application.