David Vaux Research Integrity Fellowship Award

Nominations for the 2025 award round are now open.

Background and eligibility

The David Vaux Research Integrity Fellowship Award has been established to honour Professor David Vaux AO FAA FAHMS, who has championed scientific research integrity in Australia.

The purpose of this award is to recognise individuals who have led efforts in their or other institution(s) to foster and promote integrity in science. They will have promoted fairness, honesty, and consideration of others in the practice of scientific research. This may involve activities like educating scientists (especially ECRs or students) in these areas or promoting the development of formal guidelines around research misconduct as well as a culture of research integrity; advocating to government, journals, etc. for more vigorous processes to oversee research misconduct, or shown leadership in appropriately and vigorously investigating and resolving cases of alleged research misconduct Preference will be given to mid- and early-career researchers, with the aim of recognising emerging leaders in research integrity.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) has kindly funded this award thanks to a generous donation from WEHI alumnus Dr Glenn Begley and Mrs Merrin Begley.  Their donation reflects their long-term commitment to research integrity and robust scientific methods. They are proud to be associated with a high-profile award that promotes research ethics and integrity.

Established in 2023 and funded until 2033, the inaugural awardee received their award in 2023. The award will be offered biennially from 2025-2033. The fellowship is restricted to candidates who are normally resident in Australia and who will deliver workshops and/or lectures in Australia.

Guidelines

Please submit your nominations using the Nominate button found on the left of this webpage.

Please note: From February 2024, the Academy is using a new nomination platform that is external to the main Academy site. Nominators will be required to create an account on the platform. Even if you are familiar with the nomination process, please allow extra time to familiarise yourself with the new platform.

The Council of the Academy will award the fellowships on the recommendations of the David Vaux Research Integrity Fellowship Award Committee. Awardees will present workshops and lectures in Australia, with the aim of instilling the importance of integrity in science and its outcomes and demonstrating the critical responsibility of every scientist.

Visits to as many states and territories in Australia as possible, including Western Australia, the Northern Territory and northern Queensland, are strongly encouraged, along with a spread of lectures in different institutes and locations. The production of quality online material and online delivery of lectures are also encouraged.

In the interest of supporting researchers to expand on their existing knowledge of research integrity issues and best practices, the award may also be used to fund overseas travel to research integrity conferences and other expertise-sharing opportunities.

Up to A$10,000 is available to cover economy class airfares and local transportation, lecture venue fees (when applicable) and a daily allowance. Daily allowance rates are based on the ATO Taxation Determination in effect at the date of travel.

Fellowships are normally expected to be undertaken within two years from the date of award. Awardees may apply for extensions due to extenuating circumstances or to apply for variations as a result of barriers to their planned travel.

Awardees

The inaugural (2023) awardee is Professor David Vaux AO FAA FAHMS.