Workshop series

The Workshop Series supports researchers in Australia to run small specialist workshops to enable active researchers to discuss current problems, and thereby contribute to the advancement of Australian science and society. The award has been established with the generous support of the Boden, Fenner, and Elizabeth and Frederick White Conference Funds.

Applications are welcomed from any field of the physical or biological sciences. Supported workshops will address one of three themes:

• Facilitating discussions among active research workers in rapidly advancing fields to explore current and emerging development and challenges.
• Deepening fundamental understanding of the chosen subject area.
• Bringing together scientific, administrative and policy expertise to consider current problems in Australia, with the aim of informing relevant policy development.

In the inaugural round (taking applications in 2026 for events in 2027), applicants may apply for any amount up to $40,000, and the number of grants awarded will be at the discretion of the awards committee, up to that total. While grants of up to $40,000 may be awarded, the full amount will be considered only in special circumstances as deemed necessary. Applicants are encouraged to submit a realistic and justifiable budget that reflects their actual needs.

Venue hire of the Shine Dome is complimentary for up to two days where requested, although it is not a requirement that events be held there.

The organisers of approved workshops are responsible for the organisation of the workshop, and the sponsoring scientific society or institution is responsible for the funding allocated to the event.

Eligibility

Applications require a primary and secondary organiser. Both organisers must:

• Be currently resident in Australia.
• Be employed as a faculty member at a recognised Australian research institute.

Workshops must:

• Be held in Australia.
• Have the support of at least one scientific organisation or society.
• Be planned for the next calendar year.
• If awarded, use the Workshop Series logo on all related publications (websites, advertising etc.).

Funding may be requested to cover:

• Workshop hosting and logistical expenses, such as venue hire and catering
• Participation support, including scholarships or international travel for speakers or participants
• Production costs for advertising or post-event artefacts
• And other reasonable expenses.

Funding may not be used for salary or staff costs, personal expenses, or any institutional expenses, including overheads, managerial and administrative costs.

If you are unsure about the eligibility of an expense, please contact the Awards team at awards@science.org.au.

Organisers are not required to hold their event at the Shine Dome, but venue hire of the Shine Dome is complimentary for up to two days where requested. Please note that AV equipment and technician, catering and caretaking are not included in the complimentary Shine Dome venue hire. Shortlisted applicants are requested to contact the Shine Dome Venue Coordinator for a quote as part of their application budgeting.  At this stage, applicants should also check availability of proposed dates, and a tentative hold will be placed on these dates. Please note that this is not secured until the award is granted, but will increase the likelihood that the dates will still be available if awarded.

Timeline

• June 1st: Deadline for Expression of Interest submission.
• Month of June: EOIs are shortlisted by the awards committee.
• Early July: Organisers of shortlisted EOIs invited to submit full application. Unsuccessful applicants informed.
• August 1st: Deadline for full application submission.
• Mid-November: All applicants contacted with outcomes.

Application process

Workshop program applications are in two stages.

Organisers are invited to submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI), which should include:

• A short, non-technical description of the workshop
• Full contact details of the primary and secondary organiser, plus names and institutions of other members of the organising committee
• A short proposal, giving an overview of the purpose of the workshop and briefly describing the broad program outline, participant list, and budget.
• A statement clearly demonstrating how the proposed workshop aligns with one of the three themes of the award and its importance to Australian science.

Along with the EOI materials (which can be updated at this stage), full applications should include:

• A detailed program outline, including invited speakers
• A list of the names and institutions of projected active participants and their relevance
• A statement on how the diversity and inclusion of speakers and attendees will be actively considered and where possible, achieved
• A statement outlining the expected outcomes and benefits of the workshop, and how the organising committee will ensure these outcomes are met
• A detailed project budget
• At least one letter of support from a supporting organisation/society

All applicants will be informed of outcomes by mid-November.

Selection Criteria

Advice for applications

• While there is no formal limit on the number of attendees, events should be small enough that all participants can contribute to the issue under discussion. The Academy recommends participant lists of no more than 50 people.
• Workshops without proceedings are eligible, as long as organisers can show other tangible outcomes, such as impacts on the research field, and show they have a plan to encourage/promote these outcomes.

Reporting Requirements

Funding will be paid out after organisers submit a detailed event program (e.g. with most speakers confirmed) and the program has been approved by the award committee.  

Organisers are required to submit an internal report within three months of the conclusion of the workshop. Any publication or media release resulting from the workshop funded by this program must mention the support granted to the project by the Australian Academy of Science and the Workshop Series program.

Contact

Awards Manager
Australian Academy of Science
GPO Box 783
Canberra ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6201 9467
Email: awards@science.org.au