Melbourne Research Fellowships (Career Interruptions) (record of scheme)
Overview
The Melbourne Research Fellowships (Career Interruptions) Fellowships scheme was a longstanding researcher development program that annually supported fixed-term University of Melbourne academics to enhance or re-establish their research careers after experiencing a significant career interruption. The Melbourne Research Fellows commencing in 2024 are the last cohort under this scheme. From 2024 onwards, University of Melbourne academic staff who have had significant career disruption/s should refer to the Research Impetus Grants scheme.
Though the University is no longer awarding new fellowships through the Melbourne Research Fellowships scheme, it will continue to provide career development and concentrated research opportunities for existing Fellows. Melbourne Research Fellows will retain their fellowship and relevant institutional/faculty supports until completion.
The objectives of the Melbourne Research Fellowships (Career Interruptions) scheme were:
- To enhance Melbourne Research Fellows’ competitiveness for academic employment, and strengthen their track record for research funding opportunities by enabling supportive conditions to further generate research momentum and offset some of the impacts of the earlier career interruption/s;
- To allow Melbourne Research Fellows to have an intensive period to focus full-time on their research, by funding replacement of their teaching and administrative duties as negotiated with the host Faculty;
- To foster and create the conditions to bring fruition to existing programs and initiate new programs of work and build partnerships and networks; and/or
- For Research-Only applicants, to allow Melbourne Research Fellows to have focused time to work on their own research, writing and scholarship.
Funding
Each Melbourne Research Fellowship was an ~12-month position with salary funding up to the value of $120,000 (on-costs inclusive), co-contributed equally by DVCR strategic funding and the host Faculty. Each Fellow was also awarded $20,000 for their research project costs from DVCR strategic funds.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Melbourne Research Fellowships (Career Interruptions) scheme, applicants had to be salaried and promising academics at the University of Melbourne, who were on fixed-term appointments or continuing research-contingent appointments, and could demonstrate significant career disruption/s.
Supporting documents
2024 Melbourne Research Fellow (Career Interruptions) scheme guidelines
Contacts
Academic Contact: Melbourne Research Fellows have a mentor in their host Faculty/School, who can provide guidance and referrals. Fellows can also be in touch with their Faculty Research Office.
The Researcher Development Unit provides programs and development opportunities for researchers at all career stages.
For inquiries and variation information, please refer to the scheme guidelines (linked above) before submitting inquiries to