Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Australia

Spread the love

Are you an early-career researcher looking to take your work to the next level? The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research in Western Australia. This prestigious program supports exceptional postdoctoral scholars from around the world, helping them push boundaries and create real-world impact. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this fellowship, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

What is the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship?

The Forrest Research Foundation, established in 2014 with a significant donation from Andrew and Nicola Forrest, aims to make Western Australia a global hub for research and innovation. The Postdoctoral Fellowship is a highly competitive program designed for outstanding early-career researchers who are creative, adventurous, and ready to tackle global challenges through innovative research. Fellows work at one of five Western Australian universities and live at Forrest Hall, a vibrant research community in Perth.

This fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines and all nationalities, making it an inclusive opportunity for those with bold ideas and a passion for collaboration.

Key Benefits of the Fellowship

The Forrest Fellowship provides generous financial support and a unique research environment. Here’s what selected fellows receive:

Salary: Approximately AUD $108,362 per year (Level A, Step 8, based on 2025 University of Western Australia salary scales) plus 17% superannuation.
Accommodation Allowance: AUD $25,116 per year (2025, subject to marginal tax rate) for a luxury self-contained studio apartment at Forrest Hall.
Research and Travel Allowance: Up to AUD $12,000 (one-time) for research-related expenses, overseas research, or conference travel.
Relocation Allowance: Economy airfare to Perth and additional relocation support (details to be discussed with the Foundation Director if selected).
Vibrant Community: Live and work at Forrest Hall, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster collaboration among researchers.

The total value of the fellowship package is over AUD $420,000 for the three-year duration, offering a supportive environment to focus on your research.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

PhD Status: Be in the final year of your PhD or have had your PhD conferred on or after January 1, 2023. You must complete all PhD requirements by December 31, 2025.
Academic Excellence: Demonstrate an outstanding academic record, typically being among the top performers in your undergraduate and graduate cohorts.
Research Experience: Have significant research contributions, ideally recognized beyond your current institution, with experience at multiple research institutions.
Mentorship and Leadership: Be committed to mentoring Forrest Scholars, engaging in community activities, and leading within the Forrest Research Foundation.
Residency: Be prepared to reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the duration of the fellowship (exemptions may be considered in special circumstances).
Employment: Have or accept an employment contract with one of the five Western Australian universities (the Foundation assists with this process).

The fellowship follows the Australian Research Council’s Eligibility and Career Interruptions Statement, allowing flexibility for applicants with career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, illness). You can submit a supplementary document outlining any interruptions with your application.

Want More Fellowships? Also See

Participating Universities

You can conduct your research at any of the following Western Australian universities:

Curtin University
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus)
The University of Western Australia

Each university provides a supportive research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and experienced mentors.

Application Process

Applying for the Forrest Fellowship is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s how to get started:

Choose a Mentor: Contact a senior academic in your research field at one of the five Western Australian universities. Discuss your research proposal and confirm their willingness to mentor you. This step is mandatory, and applications without a nominated mentor will not be considered.
Prepare Your Application: Gather the following documents:
- A research proposal written in plain English, emphasizing the impact of your work and why it should be conducted in Western Australia.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your academic achievements and research contributions.
- Contact details for three referees (at least two academic) who can support your application.
- Optional: A supplementary document if you have career interruptions.
Submit Online: Applications open on May 15, 2025, and close on June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM AWST. Submit your application through the Forrest Research Foundation’s online portal (available when applications open).
Key Dates:
- Shortlisting by universities: July 31, 2025
- References and interviews: Mid to late August 2025
- Awards announced: End of August 2025
Start Your Fellowship: Successful applicants must commence their fellowship by September 2026 (deferrals may be considered in extenuating circumstances).

For detailed guidelines, visit the official Forrest Research Foundation website: Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships.

Selection Criteria

The Forrest Research Foundation Selection Committee evaluates applications based on:

Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic record and research achievements.
Innovation and Originality: Ability to propose bold, unconventional, and impactful research.
Global Impact: Potential to address global challenges and benefit society.
Leadership and Mentoring: Commitment to mentoring Forrest Scholars and leading within the Foundation.
Contribution to Western Australia: How your research will enhance the region’s research and innovation capacity.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews and asked to present their research.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Contact your proposed mentor at least one month before the application deadline to refine your research proposal.
Be Clear and Impactful: Write a compelling research proposal in plain English, focusing on the significance of your work and its relevance to Western Australia.
Choose Strong Referees: Select referees who know your academic and research strengths well and can speak to your potential.
Highlight Your Achievements: Emphasize your academic record, publications, and any international research experience.
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all PhD conferral and residency requirements before applying.

Why Choose the Forrest Fellowship?

The Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship is more than just funding—it’s an opportunity to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research community in Perth, Western Australia. You’ll live at Forrest Hall, a state-of-the-art facility overlooking the Swan River, and benefit from mentorship, networking, and professional development through the Foundation’s unique “researcher’s journey” program. This fellowship is ideal for researchers who are passionate about pushing boundaries, collaborating across disciplines, and making a lasting impact.

Ready to Apply?

Don’t miss this chance to advance your research career in Australia! Applications for the Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 open on May 15, 2025. Visit the Forrest Research Foundation website for full guidelines and the application portal. Subscribe to their updates to stay informed about the application process.

For any issues with the application portal, contact the Forrest Research Foundation directly via their website.

Sources: Forrest Research Foundation