The call for nominations is currently closed
Through the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia), the Academy facilitates grants for activities and events to support Australia’s early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). For the purpose of this program, an EMCR is defined as a researcher up to 15 years post-PhD excluding career breaks, irrespective of their type of appointment or type of employer.
The purpose of the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) is to further scientific discovery in Australia by delivering opportunities that empower the next generation of science leaders.
In its 2022–2023 round, the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) will fund interdisciplinary activities that provide research and career development opportunities for EMCRs in Australia. There are three streams of funding available:
Stream 1: Flagship activities
Funding for a maximum of two activities to be delivered, including full support of the Academy Secretariat. These activities would be selected through an open application process and are similar to the 2021-2022 activities.
Support ranges from A$15,000 to $50,000 per activity for direct activity costs.
Stream 2: Amplify activities
Direct funding for activities being delivered by other organisations, creating a partnership relation between the Academy and the organisation driving the activity. The Academy becomes a sponsor for these activities to amplify their reach, with funding to be directed to value-added event activities or scholarship/bursary opportunities that directly benefit EMCR participation.
Support ranges from A$5,000 to $15,000 per activity for direct activity costs.
Stream 3: Participation support
Available funding for caring, accessibility and mobility grants for EMCRs from underrepresented groups to enable their attendance to an event or activity that will support their career development.
Applicants may access support up to $5,000 per activity for direct activity costs.
Please note, this round of funding will be open periodically throughout the year.
Applications are open for interdisciplinary activities in the following formats:
A list of activity formats and examples is available here. Download a template of the Flagship and Amplify application form and a budget template.
If you have any questions about the eligibility of your activity or about any of the formats, please contact us at diversity@science.org.au.
The Australian Academy of Science, through the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia), is providing caring, accessibility and mobility grants for EMCRs from underrepresented groups to enable their attendance to an event or activity that will support their career development.
Applicants may access support up to $5,000 per activity.
‘Participation Support’ funding is designed to offset the expenses associated with attending/participating in activities (including current Theo Murphy Initiative activities). The funding is designed for participants who may not be able to attend without support and/or people from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Funds can be used to cover costs associated with attending an event, such as caring responsibilities, registration fees, connectivity, and other support required to facilitate your attendance and full participation.
To be considered for Participation Support funding, please let us know your needs by responding to the relevant questions in the application form.
Please note: Retrospective applications will also be considered for this financial year due to the late start date for this round.
To be considered for Participation Support funding, you must meet the following criteria:
Applicants are encouraged to read the Participation Support funding guidelines for further information regarding submissions and timeframes, as well as to assist them with their application.
If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria, please contact us at diversity@science.org.au.
The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) aims to provide benefits and opportunities to as many EMCRs as possible in the form of inclusive and interdisciplinary events. The Initiative aims to support activities which would otherwise not be undertaken.
The proposed activities must further scientific discovery in STEM by empowering EMCRs. This is measured using the following selection criteria:
Applicants are encouraged to read the FAQ and tips for proposals document and the Theo Murphy Initiative Guidelines sample application form to help them prepare their application.
The EMCR Committee of the Academy’s Council will assess all eligible applications using the selection criteria and make a recommendation for funding to the Executive Committee of the Academy and the Royal Society (Australia) Board.
Final decisions will be based on alignment with the selection criteria, and the Academy’s capacity to deliver the activity within the timeframe. The EMCR Committee of the Academy’s Council will also consider how the activities align and contribute to the strategic goals of the Academy and the EMCR Forum as part of their decision.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome via SmartyGrants. Where activities are highly ranked on selection criteria but are not able to be delivered within the timeframe of the current round, the Academy may choose to work with the committee to deliver the activity in a subsequent round.
Where activities are highly ranked on selection criteria but are not able to be delivered within the timeframe of the current round, the Academy may choose to work with the committee to deliver the activity in the subsequent round.
The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) will not fund:
Successful activities will work in conjunction with the Academy to deliver the activity. Activities will be managed by the Academy in collaboration with the organising committee of the proposal. Successful activities will be branded as part of the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia); see examples.
Support ranges from A$15,000 to $50,000 per ‘Flagship’ activity for direct activity costs, excluding Academy staff time; and support for ‘Amplify’ activities can range from A$5,000 to $15,000 per activity for direct activity costs. Please note, financial management of awarded funds will remain with the Academy.
The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) does not fully fund activities. All organising committees, with the guidance of the Academy, must raise additional funds to support their activity. In-kind support is accepted.
The Academy is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in all Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) activities.
Funding to enable attendance for those participants who may not be able to attend without support, those with caring responsibilities and people from traditionally underrepresented demographics will be allocated to all selected activities (if relevant). The funds will be distributed among the selected activities on a needs basis and to reflect the accessibility requirements of each activity.
Activity proposals should be submitted to the Academy via the online SmartyGrants application page.
Download the sample application form to prepare your proposal then cut and paste your answers from the sample form into the online portal when you are ready to submit your proposal. Review the FAQ and tips for proposals and download the Flagship and Amplify template application form and a budget template to prepare your application.
If you experience any problems submitting your proposal on the SmartyGrants portal, please contact them at: service@smartygrants.com.au
Applications open: Friday 8 July 2022
Applications close: Monday 15 August 2022
Successful applicants notified: Early October 2022
Granting period: Activities delivered early October 2022 – 30 September 2023.
If you experience any problems submitting your proposal or have any questions, please contact the Academy as early as possible at diversity@science.org.au.
Funding support for caring, accessibility and mobility grants for EMCRs from underrepresented groups to enable their attendance to an event or activity that will support their career development.
Applicants may access support up to $5,000 per activity for direct activity costs.
The Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund was established with the purpose of furthering scientific discovery in the fields of medicine, science, technology, and engineering. The fund is made available by the Royal Society of London.
The Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund supports a number of activities annually which provide tangible benefits to Australia’s early- and mid-career researcher (EMCR) community.
Academy events support and promote diversity, equity of participation, intellectual freedom and excellence. Events supported by the Theo Murphy (Australia) fund follow the same guidelines as Australian Academy of Science events. As a condition of participating in an event, all delegates, speakers and committee members accept the terms and conditions in the guidelines.
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