The call for applications to the Global Talent Attraction Program (GTAP) Candidate Merit Pool closed on 29 August 2025. To register for updates about future rounds, please complete this registration form.
Where Science Lives seeks outstanding scientists and technologists with an international reputation for excellence, leadership, impact and vision who are willing and able to relocate to Australia and make a sustained, long-term contribution to the research ecosystem here. Applications must be sponsored by an Australian Academy of Science Fellow. Candidates living in the United States – holding any citizenship – are encouraged to apply.
The program is discipline-agnostic and open to all fields in science and technology (including, but not limited to, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, medical research, computing, earth and environmental sciences, and advanced manufacturing). Candidate selection will focus on priority areas that align with Australia’s future-facing needs.
Suitable candidates will be able to provide in their applications data to substantiate their profile and achievements. Their comprehensive CV will outline academic, professional and leadership roles, including current and past institutional affiliations. Details of awards, honours, fellowships, citation metrics and competitive research funding should be accompanied by two letters of support from referees. All applicants must be sponsored by a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Applicants are expected to be of high calibre and internationally recognised as scientific or technological leaders in their fields, holding positions such as research group leader, institute director, senior principal scientist or chief technologist in academia, government or industry. Evidence will include high-impact publications, prestigious awards and past leadership positions at internationally respected institutions. Applications must be supported by a letter of sponsorship from a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Their leadership profile should encompass not only personal research excellence and team leadership but also a sustained record of mentoring early- and mid-career researchers and a commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific talent and creating inclusive, high-performing teams.
Suitable applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong track record of significant research contributions that have advanced their field of study or driven meaningful change or innovation. Their achievements should show real-world impact through the translation of discoveries into tangible outcomes – such as widely adopted technologies, products, or methodologies – or successful commercialisation efforts that have delivered clear benefits to academia, industry, or society.
Appropriate examples of impact include peer-recognised high-impact publications, patents, leadership of interdisciplinary or large-scale initiatives, partnerships resulting in start-ups or licensed technologies, and influence on policy or clinical practice.
To strengthen Australia’s scientific and technological capability, the Global Talent Attraction Program aims to recruit leading researchers who will make long-term contributions, not only through research outputs but also through mentorship and collaboration. Suitable applicants will demonstrate a willingness to relocate or return to Australia and the potential to embed deeply within Australian research institutions or industry and build enduring collaborations.
Successful candidates will be expected to commit to employment contracts of 8 to 10 years to facilitate deep research programs and meaningful integration into the Australian research culture. Their mentorship investment should advance and sustain an energetic, motivated science research ecosystem over the long term to enhance Australia’s position and influence.
Potential candidates for the Global Talent Attraction Program are asked to apply for admission to the CMP to formally register their interest in relocating to Australia and being matched with funded positions in Australian research institutes and organisations. The CMP, initially focused on US candidates, is institution- and discipline-agnostic. Applications are welcomed from Australian and non-Australian citizens living overseas who meet all eligibility requirements and whose work is internationally recognised as exceptional and outstanding.
To be considered for the CMP, applicants must:
·be an established career research scientist and have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field of research, consistent with the Department of Home Affairs indicators for the National Innovation Visa
·be sponsored by a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and include the endorsement in their application submission
·be willing to relocate from the United States to Australia for the purpose of undertaking a new research or innovation-based employment, collaboration or leadership role.
If the applicant is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent visa holder already, they must be suitable for consideration under the National Innovation Visa program (subclass 858) expression of interest pathway.
Applications must be submitted via the Academy’s online portal, and include the following material and supporting documentation:
Applications must be complete at the time of submission to be considered. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required supporting material, will be deemed ineligible and will not proceed to merit assessment.
Applications will be screened for eligibility before undergoing a merit assessment by the Scientific Assessment Committee, comprising Academy Fellows with relevant expertise and experience. After the merit review, a recommended shortlist will be provided to the Academy Council for their consideration and final decision-making.
Applications are merit-assessed across three equally weighted dimensions:
Applicants will be informed of the outcome in writing. Successful applicants will individually receive detailed information about next steps as required.
The recommendations of the review panel are based on the assessed competitiveness of the proposal, and the Academy’s Council decisions are final. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future calls for applications.
The Academy recognises and appreciates the time and effort involved in preparing an application. However, we are unable to provide individual feedback, and no further information or explanation will be given regarding outcomes.
No applicant or candidate information will be shared with any stakeholders external to the Academy without the advanced and explicit consent of the successful applicant.
For further information, contact:
Program Delivery Unit
Australian Academy of Science
GPO Box 783
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6201 9412
Email: gtap@science.org.au
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a permanent visa for established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions that will benefit Australia’s future prosperity. Strategically, the Global Talent Attraction Program has been designed to align with NIV requirements.
The Academy will work with the Department of Home Affairs and relevant state and territory governments to facilitate rapid and streamlined visa processing for candidates eligible for the NIV pathway.
© 2025 Australian Academy of Science
