Westpac Bicentennial Foundation - Research fellowship 2026

The Westpac Research Fellowship supports early career researchers who are looking to fast-track their trajectory and create positive change in Australia. Working together with some of the best universities in the country, the program is highly competitive as we invest in the brightest, most innovative early career researchers committed to making a difference.

Our program provides up to five years of funding for postdoctoral research projects in areas relating to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change and Australia’s relationship with Asia. Our aim is to help create a brighter future for Australia by supporting research in areas we believe are critical to the prosperity of the country.  

Our Research Fellows also receive mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to exclusive networking events with senior business leaders and industry-based experts. 

Who can apply?

We’re looking for Australia’s best and brightest. To be eligible to apply:

1. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

2. You must have been awarded a PhD between 2019 and 2022; or have obtained an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent at your host university.

3. You must commence your Fellowship by 30 June 2026.

4. Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust's priority funding areas; Australia in Asia, Thriving Tech Sector, an Inclusive Australia and Sustainable Futures.    

5. Your proposed research must include international opportunities which will develop your leadership skills and global networks, such as; study tours for the purpose of research, attending a short course or conference, an internship or volunteering.

6. You must supply two letters of reference, one academic reference and one personal reference as well as a letter of support from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent. Reference templates provided once applications launch.

7. You must be able to attend interview with the National Selection Panel in Sydney (date TBC late November / early December. Please note: travel and accommodation costs associated with this event will be covered by Westpac Scholars Trust.

8. If successful, you must attend the Westpac Scholars’ Summit in Sydney on 7-8 April 2025. Travel and accommodation costs associated with this event are also covered by Westpac Scholars Trust.

What is included in the Fellowship?  

• Salary: The Fellowship funds a full-time salary and on-costs for a period three to five years (by agreement) from the date of award. The Westpac Research Fellowship does not fund salaries of Fellows who are receiving another salary funding Award (e.g. DECRA) at the same time. 
• If you are currently on another salary funding Award / Fellowship, or are the recipient of a salary funding Award at the time the Westpac Research Fellowship is awarded, you may request a reallocation of the Westpac-funded amount ($330,000 or part thereof) to another resource (or resources) that will directly contribute to your research (e.g. research costs and / or a research assistant); and/or an extension of up to two years to utilise the Westpac Research Fellowship salary funding (which for the avoidance of doubt is capped at $330,000). For example, (i) the Westpac-funded amount could be apportioned over five years, (ii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years three to five following two years of a DECRA Award; or (iii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years four and five following three years of a DECRA Award with the remaining $110,000 reallocated to another resource that will directly contribute to your research.  
• These requests must be approved by the Westpac Scholars Trust and your host university and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  
• Westpac Professional Development Fund (WPDF) & Leadership 360 Program: The Fellowship includes access to a $30,000 Westpac Professional Development Fund provided and administered by the host university. The Westpac Professional Development Fund is to be used by the Fellow to tailor professional development and global experiences that maximise the Fellow’s potential to contribute to their area of research and enhance their career opportunities. This could include conferences, travel for research or experiences and courses that support leadership development.  
• The Leadership 360 Program is a compulsory part of the WPDF and includes a comprehensive assessment of current leadership capability via a 360-feedback assessment, including a one-to-one debrief and a yearly facilitated one day group workshop with all current Westpac Research Fellows. More information on the funding inclusions is in the Funding Guidelines which will be available once applications launch on the 1 July 2025.  
• Access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund does not preclude you from accessing other support (e.g. existing department based support, applying for a VC travel grant etc.).  
• Access to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network: Money can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Research Fellow will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Currently at over 930+ scholars and growing, this network connects those with bold ideas to build a better future for all Australians. 
• 2026 Westpac Scholars’ Summit: All 100 Westpac Scholars from our five scholarship programs will come together in Sydney to participate in tailored workshops, hear from business and academic luminaries, and form connections with fellow scholars. It is compulsory to attend the Summit (paid for by the Trust).