Expressions of Interest are now open for universities to host and contribute to a First Nations Research Scholarship Program.
Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) recognises the accumulated knowledges, relationships, obligations and knowledge systems that Fire Nations Peoples have with Country. The Centre also recognises that First Nations people face some of the most significant barriers to participation in and leadership of natural hazards research.
As part of its Biennial Research Plan 2024-26, the Centre committed to delivering a research scholarship to support First Nations Research Scholars through applying a decolonised First Nations lens (Costello & Neale, 2023).
First Nations Research Scholarship Program details
The First Nations Scholarship Program structure has been co-designed with First Nations leaders and academics using a Research Scholar-centred approach and will be implemented in collaboration with the selected university, First Nations scholars and communities.
The successful university or universities will support at least one First Nations Research Scholar over the duration of their research pathway. The Centre currently has scope to support up to two research scholars.
The First Nations Scholarship Program will provide successful candidates with a stipend and research support administered by the host university, as well as the opportunity to apply for community engagement support, industry placement and Early Career Researcher Development Fellowships administered by the Centre.
The Research Scholar-centred design approach adopted for this Scholarship Program:
- provides incentives for the Research Scholars to attain a higher degree research qualification
- facilitates opportunities for the Research Scholars to engage with industry placements
- enables the Research Scholars to fulfil cultural needs for themselves and their communities.
Each Scholarship Program will establish a long-term pathway for First Nations scholars to develop skills and undertake research in alignment with the Centre’s key research focus areas and the key capability areas, as listed in the Biennial Research Plan 2024-26. This will include actively identifying and encouraging potential Research Scholars from various life stages and backgrounds and considering their specific needs, community relationships and objectives.
Expressions of Interest details
The Centre is seeking to appoint one or more universities to host a First Nations Research Scholarship Program and provide at least their standard research scholarship arrangements through an Expressions of Interest process. Please download the EOI for further details.
Key dates
- 25 September 2024 Call for EOI opens
- 6 November 2024 Due date for EOIs
How to apply for this Expression of Interest
Universities must prepare their response to this EOI addressing the Scholarship Program Guidelines, and the following propositions and evaluation criteria. The submission must be no more than 10 pages in length.
Further information on submission requirements and evaluation criteria is available in the Call for Expressions of Interest form.
For questions, please contact research@naturalhazards.com.au