Westpac Research Fellowship 2025 - EoI

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol49 Issue28 22–26 July 2024

Before submitting an EOI, please consider carefully the following requirements: 

1. School/College funding contribution 
2. The Westpac Research Fellow Attributes 
3. Application development timeline 
4. Eligibility Exemption 
5. Westpac 2025 guideline 
6. Letter of Support and Two references (can access once applications launch 4 July 2024).
7. Applicants must attend Westpac Information Session (16 July 2024, 1: 30 pm AEST, Tuesday) Register now.

Important note - The Westpac Research Fellowship is extremely competitive, with only two places offered each year. It is essential for applicants and their Schools to understand the robust skills required and the rigorous nature of the application process. 

Schools/Colleges must be able to provide and participate in coaching support of their applicant/s as well as providing financial support if successful. Similarly, applicants should be aware of the resilience required to undertake the demanding application process and be willing to participate in coaching activities to support their candidature. Applicants who have potential but would benefit from further training and development are encouraged to apply next year. 

In addition to School/College support, RFD will be available to CROs and applicants to provide guidance on written applications. RFD will also facilitate and connect CROs and applicants with additional training to support applications — further training details to be provided.  

Please note, suitable applicants will be determined by a School/College EOI process, email confirmation of support by the applicants’ School Director due to RFD by midday, 15 July, Monday. 

Some essential new Funding Guidelines updates for 2025 are:

• Removal of ARC ERA FoR requirement:
  
  • The Trust is reviewing our approach to questions around research excellence and impact into the application and letters of support; if you have recommendations on wording or factors we should draw out to assess, let me know. We are also looking at DORA frameworks to guide this.
• Allowance for DECRA holders remains.
• Removal of the number of times applicants can apply – but if an applicant has applied before, we recommend they seek feedback.
• Options to conduct Fellowship part-time on approval by the Trust / University (up to 0.5FTE) predominately for parental/carer or health.
• Clarification of teaching, leadership or other administrative loads. Options for 0.2FTE to ensure the research-intensive focus remains.
• Eligibility: Early career researchers who completed their PhD 3 – 6 years ago (i.e. between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021) and who can commence their Fellowship by 30 June 2025.

For last year’s criteria and requirements: Research Fellowship: Westpac Scholars (westpacgroup.com.au) 

Please note that the central funding for professional development has not yet been secured, but we are releasing the guidelines/timing so that you can begin preparations for your applications. We will advise as soon as this central funding has been confirmed.