Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia)

About the program

The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) supports early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through grants that enable collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Administered by the Academy on behalf of the Royal Society (Australia) Pty Ltd Board, the program invests in activities that strengthen Australia’s research ecosystem and respond to current scientific priorities. The initiative is supported by the Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund, part of a philanthropic bequest dedicated to advancing science in perpetuity.

Since 2008, the program has evolved from supporting national Think Tanks and Frontiers of Science events to a more flexible grant model introduced in recent years. The current structure offers three streams—Flagship, Amplify, and Participation Support—designed to empower EMCRs to lead multidisciplinary initiatives, access development opportunities, and overcome barriers to participation. 

With more than 3750 EMCRs reached across over 50 institutions, the initiative continues to foster scientific excellence, leadership, and innovation across Australia.

The journey of supporting science –  2008 to 2019

From 2002 to 2017, the Australian Academy of Science hosted annual events called High Flyers Think Tanks. These Think Tanks brought together 50 to 100 of Australia’s brightest minds, including EMCRs and senior experts from a broad range of disciplines, to address matters of significance in Australia. From 2008, Think Tank events were funded through the Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund.

In addition, from 2010 to 2019 the fund supported the Academy’s Frontiers of Science program which brought together top-tier young Australian scientists from across multidisciplinary areas of science. Through this initiative, participants engaged in discussions on emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for collaborations and charting pathways for advancements in their respective fields.  

The present - Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia)

In the recent years, the Academy redesigned the grant-making modality as the Theo Murphy Initiative Australia (TMIA), providing funding support to EMCRs through three streams: 

• Flagship activities offering grants up to $50,000;
• Amplify activities providing up to $15,000;
• Participation Support grants up to $5,000.

The shift to the TMIA model reflects a commitment to greater responsiveness and inclusivity, enabling EMCRs to lead initiatives that align with current scientific challenges and opportunities.

On the recommendation of the Australian Academy of Science, the Royal Society (Australia) Pty Ltd Board determines the activities to be supported with the Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund.