VESKI Innovation Fellowship (Australian)
The VESKI Innovation Fellowships (Australian) are awarded annually to outstanding Australian expatriates in the fields of science, technology or design.
Successful individuals can receive up to AUD$50,000 per annum for a maximum of three years. These funds must be matched with financial funding [cash] and in-kind contributions from a host organisation such as an academic/research institution or company.
The funds are used to support the return of the successful applicant and their research to Victoria. The funds made available and the duration of the proposed fellowship are determined by the VESKI Board.
Evaluation and Application Requirements
The VESKI Innovation Fellowships (Australian) are open to individuals who meet the following criteria in the fields of science, technology and design specifically relating to innovative technology, biotechnology, design, advanced manufacturing, environmental technologies, or the enabling sciences and technologies.
In addition to the above named fields; the 2010/11 Call for Applications encourage submissions in the areas of:
Clinical Research focusing on Health Outcomes; &
Renewable Energy Generation & Demand Management.
Eligibility criteria for VESKI Innovation Fellowship (Australian):
1.1 Australian citizenship;[ 1 ]
1.2 Have worked overseas for the past 12 months;
1.3 Matched funding organised (or able to organise) from a host organization;
1.4 Outstanding achievement and capabilities in the fields of science, technology or design; and
1.5 The Fellowship must be taken up within one year of the award.
Assessment Criteria and Selection
Applications will be screened for eligibility on the basis of Australian citizenship and expatriate status at the time of application. All eligible applications for the VESKI Innovation Fellowships will be considered by the VESKI Selection Panel.
The Selection Panel will be drawn from the VESKI Board or Sub-Committees of the Board which include leading members of Victoria's science, technology and design sectors. The Selection Panel may also seek assistance from appropriate specialists in the field of the application.
The Selection Panel will assess applications against the following key criteria:
- Outstanding achievement in their field;
- International recognition and standing in their peer group;
- Outcomes relative to opportunities;
- Potential to contribute to fostering a culture of innovators across the State of Victoria;
- Potential benefits to Victoria's knowledge economy;
- Potential to develop relations with an industry sector;
- Ability to contribute to public benefit; and a
- Capacity to disseminate knowledge and develop a skills base across Victoria.
These criteria could be met, for example, by:
- Demonstrating links to Victoria's knowledge base or technological strengths;
- Plans for commercialisation of the planned research.
The Selection Panel makes recommendation for the VESKI Innovation Fellowships (Australian) to the VESKI Board for final approval. All recommendations and decisions by the Selection Panel and VESKI Board are final and challenges will not be considered.
VESKI reserves the right not to make awards in any year.
Successful applicants should note that in the event of an award of a VESKI Fellowship, a description of their research project will be publicised.
Obligations of Winners
VESKI’s aim to build Victoria’s intellectual capital in science, knowledge and innovation is achieved through shared knowledge and experience.
As a VESKI Innovation Fellowship recipient, you will be called upon to support achieving this objective. It is expected that the VESKI Fellow will take advantage of any opportunities that may present through their public role or through the media to acknowledge VESKI's support and role in the Victorian community.
Fellowship Process
Applications are NOW OPEN for the VESKI Innovation Fellowships (Australian) for 2010/11.
Download a VESKI VIF 2010/11 Application Guide & VESKI VIF 2010/11 Application Form here.