Scholarship details
Are you an Indigenous Australian researcher who wants to make a difference in your community and beyond? Do you have a passion for exploring the rich and diverse history, cultures, and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? If so, you might be interested in applying for the AIATSIS Research Grant. This competitive funding opportunity supports high-quality research projects that align with the AIATSIS vision and research priorities.
The AIATSIS Research Grant is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers affiliated with an Australian university or research institution. The grant aims to foster the development of Indigenous research capacity and leadership and promote the dissemination and impact of Indigenous research knowledge. The grant encourages collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders throughout the research process.
Scholarship Provider
The AIATSIS Research Grant is offered by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), an Indigenous-led, national institute that celebrates, educates, and inspires people from all walks of life to connect with the knowledge, heritage, and cultures of Australia’s First Peoples. AIATSIS is the custodian of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander materials and the leader and supporter of Indigenous research in Australia.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for the AIATSIS Research Grant, applicants must:
- Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identify as such
- Hold a PhD or equivalent research qualification or be enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research program
- Be affiliated with an Australian university or research institution that can administer the grant on their behalf
- Have the support and endorsement of their university or research institution
- Have the consent and involvement of the relevant Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders for their proposed research project.
- Demonstrate how their research project aligns with the AIATSIS vision and research priorities and the ethical standards and principles of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.
Host Country
The AIATSIS Research Grant is available for research projects conducted in Australia or with a significant Australian component.
Scholarship Worth
The AIATSIS Research Grant provides up to $18,000 per year for a maximum of three years, depending on the scope and duration of the research project. The grant can cover research-related expenses such as travel, accommodation, equipment, materials, fieldwork, data analysis, dissemination, and publication.
Level and Field of Study
The AIATSIS Research Grant is open to researchers pursuing or have completed a PhD or equivalent research qualification in any discipline, as long as their research project is relevant to the AIATSIS vision and research priorities. The AIATSIS research priorities are:
- Cultural and historical collections
- Cultural expression and transmission
- Cultural and social wellbeing
- Land, water, and heritage
- Governance, rights, and recognition
- Economic participation and development
- Education, training, and employment
- Health and wellbeing
- Language and communication
- Law, justice, and social order
How to Apply
To apply for the AIATSIS Research Grant, applicants must:
- Complete and submit the online application form by the deadline
- Attach a detailed research proposal that outlines the research project’s aims, objectives, methods, outcomes, significance, and impact.
- Attach a budget and timeline for the research project
- Attach a curriculum vitae that highlights the applicant’s research experience, qualifications, and publications
- Attach a letter of support from the applicant’s university or research institution
- Attach evidence of consent and involvement from the relevant Indigenous communities, organisations, and stakeholders
- Attach any other relevant documents or information that support the application
Countries that can Apply
The AIATSIS Research Grant is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
The AIATSIS Research Grant is a competitive and merit-based funding opportunity. A panel of experts will assess the applications according to the following criteria:
- The quality and feasibility of the research proposal
- The alignment of the research project with the AIATSIS vision and research priorities
- The contribution of the research project to the advancement of Indigenous knowledge and benefit of Indigenous peoples
- The ethical and respectful conduct of the research project in accordance with the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
- The capacity and track record of the applicant as an Indigenous researcher
- The potential for collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations and stakeholders
- The potential for dissemination and impact of the research outcomes
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline for the AIATSIS Research Grant is 31 January 2024. The successful applicants will be notified by 31 March 2024, and the grant will commence from 1 July 2024.
