Westpac Research Fellowship

Westpac Research Fellowship is sponsored by Westpac Scholars Trust. The Westpac Research Fellowship supports early career researchers in Australia who are looking to fast-track their trajectory and create positive change.

Research Fellowship | Westpac Scholars | Westpac Scholars Get the support you need to take your research to new heights and influence positive change as an early career researcher. Get the support you need to take your research to new heights and influence positive change as an early career researcher. What is the Westpac Research Fellowship?

The Westpac Research Fellowship supports early career researchers who are looking to fast-track their trajectory and create positive change in Australia. Working together with some of the best universities in the country, the program is highly competitive as we invest in the brightest, most innovative early career researchers committed to making a difference.

Our program provides up to five years of funding for postdoctoral research projects in areas relating to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change and Australia’s relationship with Asia. Our aim is to help create a brighter future for Australia by supporting research in areas we believe are critical to the prosperity of the country.

Our Research Fellows also receive mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to exclusive networking events with senior business leaders and industry-based experts. Two Research Fellowships are awarded each year. Should you be chosen, you’ll get access to: Receive crucial financial support for your research project with a minimum of $460,000 over 3-5 years.

This funding can be attributed toward your salary, as well as learning and development experiences, including overseas travel. Our financial support can also be combined with funding from other awards. Propel your career with our bespoke leadership course and personal development program.

This program includes a leadership 360 review and other online training to accelerate your career and help you get ahead in academia and industry. Gain access to Westpac’s senior business leaders and industry experts to ensure the right collaborative opportunities come your way.

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with an inspiring network of like-minded game-changers, achievers and believers across our five Westpac scholarship streams and attend exclusive events like the Westpac Scholars Summit held in Sydney. Become a Westpac Research Fellow 2027 Expressions of Interest are now closed. To keep up to date on future application rounds, please register your interest.

2027 Expressions of Interest (EOI) open Thursday 25 June 2026, 9. 00am AEST Online Information Session Thursday 9 July 2026, 12pm - 1pm ASET. Watch the recording .

Thursday 23 July 2026, 5. 00pm AEST Shortlisted applicants invited to full application Wednesday 9 September 2026, 5. 00pm AEST 14 September – 12 October 2026 Finalist interviews with National Selection Panel in Sydney Monday 23rd or Tuesday 24th November 2026 Australian National University: operations.

ris@anu. edu. au University of Queensland: grants@research.

uq. edu. au University of Melbourne: ric-researchgrants@unimelb.

edu. au The University of Sydney: grants. manager@sydney.

edu. au Eligibility requirements, funding guidelines and FAQs We’re looking for Australia’s best and brightest. To be eligible to apply: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

You must have been awarded a PhD between 1/1/2020 and 31/12/2023; or have obtained an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent at your host university. You must commence your Fellowship by 30 June 2027.

Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust's priority funding areas; Asia-Pacific Leadership, Innovation for Impact, a Connected and Stronger Society and Sustainable Futures..

Your proposed research must include international opportunities which will develop your leadership skills and global networks, such as; study tours for the purpose of research, attending a short course or conference, an internship or volunteering. You must supply two letters of reference, one academic reference and one personal reference as well as a letter of support from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent.

Reference templates provided once applications launch. You must be able to attend interview with the National Selection Panel in Sydney (Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026). Please note: travel and accommodation costs associated with this event will be covered by Westpac Scholars Trust.

If successful, you must attend the Westpac Scholars’ Summit in Sydney on 28 & 29 April 2027. Travel and accommodation costs associated with this event are also covered by Westpac Scholars Trust. Download a copy of the 2027 Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines here.

(PDF 370KB) What is a Westpac Research Fellowship? The Westpac Research Fellowship, valued over $460,000 for three years (with the option to extend to five years), provides early career researchers with the funding and support they need to progress their research in Australia. Typically, two fellowships are awarded annually to early career researchers from our four partner universities.

These emerging research leaders have outstanding leadership potential and a desire to help create a better Australia. What is included in the Fellowship? Salary: The Fellowship funds a full-time salary and on-costs for a period three to five years (by agreement) from the date of award.

The Westpac Research Fellowship does not fund salaries of Fellows who are receiving another salary funding Award (e.g. DECRA) at the same time.

If you are currently on another salary funding Award / Fellowship, or are the recipient of a salary funding Award at the time the Westpac Research Fellowship is awarded, you may request a reallocation of the Westpac-funded amount ($430,000 or part thereof) to another resource (or resources) that will directly contribute to your research (e.g. research costs and / or a research assistant); and/or an extension of up to two years to utilise the Westpac Research Fellowship salary funding (which for the avoidance of doubt is capped at $430,000).

For example, (i) the Westpac-funded amount could be apportioned over five years, (ii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years three to five following two years of a DECRA Award; or (iii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years four and five following three years of a DECRA Award with the remaining $110,000 reallocated to another resource that will directly contribute to your research.

These requests must be approved by the Westpac Scholars Trust and your host university and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Westpac Professional Development Fund (WPDF) & Leadership 360 Program: The Fellowship includes access to a $30,000 Westpac Professional Development Fund provided and administered by the host university.

The Westpac Professional Development Fund is to be used by the Fellow to tailor professional development and global experiences that maximise the Fellow’s potential to contribute to their area of research and enhance their career opportunities. This could include conferences, travel for research or experiences and courses that support leadership development.

The Leadership 360 Program is a compulsory part of the WPDF and includes a comprehensive assessment of current leadership capability via a 360-feedback assessment, including a one-to-one debrief and a yearly facilitated one day group workshop with all current Westpac Research Fellows. More information on the funding inclusions is in the Funding Guidelines.

Access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund does not preclude you from accessing other support (e.g. existing department based support, applying for a VC travel grant etc.). Access to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network : Money can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Research Fellow will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.

Currently at over 1000+ scholars and growing, this network connects those with bold ideas to build a better future for all Australians. 2027 Westpac Scholars’ Summit : All 100 Westpac Scholars from our five scholarship programs will come together in Sydney to participate in tailored workshops, hear from business and academic luminaries, and form connections with fellow scholars.

It is compulsory to attend the Summit (paid for by the Trust). How many Fellowships will be awarded in 2027? There will be up to two fellowships awarded in 2027.

What is the value of each Fellowship? Each Westpac Research Fellowship is valued at a minimum of $460,000 for three years (with the option to extend to five years). The final value may be less as each Fellow’s salary and on-costs will vary according to their university and at what level the Fellow is employed.

Included in this amount is access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund and research costs. Which Universities are participating in the Fellowship? The Westpac Research Fellowship is offered at The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland and The University of Sydney.

What is the duration of the Fellowship? The Fellowship is normally awarded over three years (with the option to utilise up to five years) commencing no later than 30 June 2027. The completion date of the Fellowship may be extended by the length of any parental leave approved by the host university.

Please refer to the Funding Guidelines for the options around part-time. What are the reporting requirements if my application is successful? Annual Progress Reports: Fellows are required to submit an annual progress report.

Progress reports will be required to be submitted to the Trust one month prior to the yearly anniversary of the Fellow’s commencement date. Final Report: Fellows are required to submit a final report to the Westpac Scholars Trust within three months of completing their Fellowship. What academic qualifications do I need to apply for a Fellowship?

You must have been awarded a PhD between 1/1/2020 and 31/12/2023; or have obtained an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent if your PhD was awarded prior to 2020. If my PhD was awarded before 2020, can I still apply? If your PhD was awarded before 2020, you may be considered for an exemption to the eligibility criteria detailed in section 3.

2 of the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines if you have received an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent of the host university.

An Eligibility Exemption will be provided up to a maximum of four years for reasons including: illness, international relocation (three months maximum - must be supported by the university), brief period of unemployment, COVID-related research delays, maternity or parental leave and/or non-research employment not concurrent with research employment.

Confirmation of your Eligibility Exemption must be included in the Letter of Support accompanying your application. What fields of research are applicable for the Fellowship? Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia and align to one of the Trust's priority funding areas: sustainable futures, innovation for impact, Asia-Pacific leadership or connected & stronger society.

If successful, can I defer the Fellowship? No. Successful applicants will be notified in December 2026 and their Fellowship must commence no later than 30 June 2027. Can I apply in the future if I am unsuccessful?

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a Westpac Research Fellowship in future years. Can I apply if I am a Westpac employee or related to one? Yes.

The Fellowship is open to all Australian citizens or permanent residents who meet the eligibility criteria. How much funding support will I receive? You will receive a full-time salary plus on-costs at a rate determined by your host university for a maximum of five years.

Refer to the Funding Guidelines around part-time options. You will receive up to $30,000 for professional development via a Westpac Professional Development Fund administered by the host university over the three years of your Fellowship. The final value of your Westpac Professional Development Fund will be determined as part of your Fellowship application.

Who will remit Fellowship funds to the Fellows? The Fellowship funding will be administered by the host university. What is the Westpac Professional Development Fund and how can I access it?

The Westpac Professional Development Fund is included in your Fellowship. Each university will set aside and administer a $30,000 'Westpac Professional Development Fund' to be used by the Fellow to tailor professional development and global experiences that maximise the Fellow’s potential to contribute in their area of research and enhance their career opportunities.

This could include conferences, travel for research or experiences and courses that support leadership development. Access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund does not preclude the Fellow from accessing other support e.g. existing department based support, applying for a VC travel grant etc. What exclusions apply to the Westpac Professional Development Fund?

Bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources. The Trust expects such core costs to be covered by the university, and costs not directly related to studies (e.g. professional association fees, fees for patent applications, costs of dependents, mobile phones). Are there any countries that cannot be included in overseas travel?

Travel to countries with a Level 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or Level 4 (Do not travel) rating by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are not to be included. Country's Alert Levels are listed on the smartraveller. gov.au website .

Will Fellows be required to hold travel insurance? Fellows and their spouse, partner or dependent(s) will be expected to be covered by appropriate health and travel insurance (including coverage for existing conditions) for the duration of any time overseas as part of their Fellowship. Specific requirements in relation to insurance will be negotiated between the Fellow and their university.

Will the Westpac Professional Development Fund cover travel for my spouse, partner or dependent(s)? No. The Westpac Professional Development Fund only covers the cost of travel for the Fellow. Will Westpac Scholars Trust provide Fellows with taxation advice?

Fellows are responsible and encouraged to seek taxation advice regarding their individual circumstances. Westpac Scholars Trust makes no representation or warranty in relation to the taxation implications of any funds provided by the Foundation to a Fellow. When can I apply and when do applications close?

Expressions of Interest open 25 June 2026 and close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Thursday 23 July 2026. All applications must be submitted through Westpac Scholars Trust's online application system. This online system is accessed via the Westpac Scholars Trust's webpage.

A PDF version of the application is available to download here (PDF 194KB) , as well as in the application portal to make it easier to plan your answers. Note that you will be unable to progress to next section of the application without text in the fields and recommend that you create a text placeholder to allow you to progress if you'd like to work ahead.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have checked your answers and supporting documents as applications cannot be re-submitted or amended after submission. What is required to be a strong applicant? Selection is based on an applicant's academic achievements, research plan, and focus on one or more of the Westpac Scholars Trust's priority areas.

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following: Academic excellence and achievements to date. Ability to articulate how their proposed research has the potential to contribute to the future growth and prosperity of Australia in one of the Trust's priority funding areas. A supportive and high quality research environment.

A desire to be part of and contribute to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Strong leadership potential and alignment with the attributes of a Westpac Research Fellow (outlined in the Funding Guidelines) A strong sense of connection to Australia and commitment to improving the lives of others. What supporting documentation is required?

The following support documentation is required to be submitted with the online application: A) Your Curriculum Vitae with at a minimum: Formal qualifications and any prizes, awards, honours and other esteem indicators. Appointments, including consultancies.

Research/creative activity outputs, including bibliographic details, year of publication, individual contribution by percentage; and evidence of impact; and Research/creative activity funding, including title of grant, funding body, grant category, individual contribution and role in the grant, year, total grant value, any patents and evidence of impact.

B) A letter of support is required from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent using the template located on the Westpac Scholars Trust website (templates will be live once applications open). The Letter of Support is required to confirm that your application meets the eligibility criteria and the support from has the support of the university for your proposed Research Budget.

C) Two references (from different referees) are required using the reference templates located on the Westpac Scholars Trust website. The first is an academic reference and needs to be completed by a person who is familiar with your academic record and understands the importance of your proposed research project.

The second is a personal reference and needs to be completed by a person who has known you for at least two years and can demonstrate that you have the attributes of a Westpac Research Fellow. This can be a previous work colleague or supervisor, however, should not be a family member nor a person who currently or previously reported directly to you. Reference templates available once applications launch.

You may be required to present proof of citizenship or permanent residency at any time during the selection process. What makes a good application? A good application takes time to develop.

There are comprehensive Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 370KB) which you should review prior and whilst you develop your application. In addition, there are a number of questions within the application that contain guidance to assist you in formulating your response. Please be aware many of the sections have specified word limits.

Can you please provide an overview of the selection process? The selection process is a comprehensive approach that draws on a range of online assessment tools and the expertise of selection panels within the Westpac Scholars Trust, the universities and the National Selection Panel.

It will consist of four stages: Stage 1: Eligibility assessment – Westpac Scholars Trust Stage 2: Online Korn Ferry psychometric assessment to be undertaken by all eligible applicants Stage 3: Shortlisting – host university shortlisting Stage 4: National Selection Panel interviews – Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th November 2026 Notification – mid-December 2026 Who will be assessing my application?

Over the entire selection process, your application will be read and assessed by a varied group of people with diverse experience and backgrounds including Westpac Scholars Trust staff members, business leaders and senior academics both outside of and within your university. We strongly encourage you to articulate your ideas in a way that people outside of your area of expertise can easily understand.

How do I know if the Westpac Scholars Trust has received my application? Once you have submitted your online application you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. This email will include your application number along with a copy of your application.

When will applicants find out if they are successful? Applicants shortlisted for the National Selection Panel will be notified mid-October. Successful applicants will be notified in mid-December 2026.

I missed the application window, can I still apply? No, late applications will not be accepted. Can I get feedback on my application if I am unsuccessful?

Unfortunately the Trust is unable to provide individual feedback due to the volume of applications we receive. However we will provide feedback to candidates who reach the National Assessment Centre stage. Your University is involved in the shortlisting and can be approached for feedback also.

I am having technical problems with the online application system, who can I contact? Please contact the Westpac Scholars Trust team at westpacscholars@westpac. com.

au . Your application will be reviewed by Westpac Scholars Trust to ensure you meet the relevant eligibility criteria. You will then be asked to complete an online assessment which will be submitted along with your full application to your host university for further analysis.

You may be asked to interview at this stage before up to two candidates per university are shortlisted to attend the Westpac Scholars Trust National Assessment Centre in Sydney. At the National Assessment Centre you will be interviewed by our National Selection Panel. The panel will comprise 10 senior industry, academic and research representatives who will select up to two 2026 Westpac Research Fellows.

Research Fellowship Selection Panel The National Selection Panel comprises senior industry and academic leaders responsible for the final selection of Westpac Research Fellows and Future Leader Scholars. Through the rigorous selection process, the Panel is dedicated to recruiting Australia's best and brightest leaders, innovators and pioneers from all walks of life.

Learn about the entire National Selection Panel Learn about the entire National Selection Panel Emeritus Professor, University of Queensland Professor Aidan Byrne was Provost at the University of Queensland from 2016 to 2024. Prior to this, he was the Dean of Science and the Director of the Australian National University (ANU) College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Aidan completed a BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Auckland before commencing a PhD degree at the ANU in 1981. Following the completion of his degree at the Department of Nuclear Physics, he held positions with the University of Melbourne and spent over two years in Bonn, Germany as a von Humboldt fellow.

Aidan returned to the ANU in 1989 as a Research Fellow and in 1991 commenced a joint appointment between the Department of Physics, in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering. He was Head of the Department of Physics from 2003 to 2007.

Aidan’s research interests involve the use of gamma-rays as probes to determine the structure of heavy nuclei and the examination of the atomic level structure of materials (especially semiconductors). He has published over 200 papers. Director, Westpac Scholars Trust.

Non-Executive Director ASX, QBE. Dave was the Chief Information Officer of the Westpac Group from 2014 to 2018, where he was responsible for technology strategy and its implementation across the Group. Dave has 30 years of global experience, including senior roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and at Accenture.

He currently sits on the boards of ASX, QBE (AusPac) and QuintessenceLabs. Dave has a deep commitment to cancer research and education, which is characterised by his long-term involvement in the Tour de Cure charity organisation. He is also passionate about working with the government, industry and community to inspire the next generation of Australia’s technologists.

Dave was appointed a Director of the Westpac Scholars Trust in 2015 and became Chair of the Trust in March 2019. Director Indo-Pacific Research Centre, Murdoch University Professor Jacqueline Lo is Director of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre (IPRC) at Murdoch University.

An internationally recognised Humanities scholar and pioneer of Asian Australian Studies, Jacqueline's work on multiculturalism, diaspora and cross-cultural studies has influenced academic and policy sectors in Australia and abroad. Jacqueline is a highly experienced academic leader in management, academic governance, and research strategy.

She serves as the Education Minister’s appointment to the Commonwealth Government's Higher Education Standards Panel. Jacqueline is the Founding Chair of the Asian Australian Studies Research Network and was awarded the Knight of the Academic Palms in 2014 by the French Government. She was formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) of the University of Adelaide.

Prior to this, she spent many years at the ANU including as Chair of Academic Board, Associate Dean (International) for the College of Arts and Social Sciences and Executive Director of the Centre for European Studies. She remains an Honorary Professor at the ANU. Director, Westpac Scholars Trust and Cape York Partnership.

Jon chairs QuintessenceLabs, a highly innovative quantum encryption company, and is a Director of Westpac Scholars Trust. He is also the Director of Cape York Partnership, an indigenous company focused on the economic and social development of Cape York. In executive life, he was the Chief Strategy Officer for Westpac Group for nearly eight years.

He played an important role in the establishment of Westpac Scholars Trust. Before joining Westpac in 2006, Jon was a Senior Vice President at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his 18 years at BCG, Jon built and led BCG’s Asian financial services practice.

Earlier in his career, Jon was the Senior Private Secretary to the Prime Minister of Australia (Bob Hawke), during a period of major economic and social reform in Australia.

The Westpac Research Fellowship is offered at four leading Australian universities: The Australian National University The University of Melbourne The University of Queensland Your proposed program of study can be in any field of world class standing at one of these universities and must be relevant to the Trust’s focus areas: Australia in Asia, Thriving Tech Sector, an Inclusive Australia and Sustainable Futures.

“The Westpac Research Fellowship is unlike any other funding scheme. In addition to the direct research support, I have gained so much from Westpac Scholars Trust's focus on developing my leadership capabilities and support networks. These skills will help me to deliver impactful research throughout my entire career, well beyond the duration of the fellowship.

” Some of our Research Fellows Research Fellowship | 2022 The University of Melbourne Research Fellowship | 2021 The Australian National University Research Fellowship | 2023 The Australian National University Show all Research Fellows Show all Research Fellows Check out our scholarships Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Westpac Research Fellowship Westpac Social Change Fellowship Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Send us an email via: westpacscholars@westpac.

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