application process & eligibility

The Victoria Fellowships recognise the important role of innovation in Victoria’s economic future and the need for Victorians to be skilled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Process

Download the Application Guide.

Download the Referee Guide.

Read through the FAQs.

Key Dates

• Call for Applications closed on
  12.00pm [AEST] on Monday, 18 July 2022
• Referee reports to be received by
  12.00pm [AEST] on Monday, 25 July 2022
• Endorsement by Institution to be received by
  12.00pm [AEST] on Monday, 25 July 2022

All eligible Applications for the Victoria Fellowships will be considered by the Selection Panel.

The Selection Panel is drawn from leading members of Victoria’s science and technology sectors. The panel may also seek assistance from appropriate learned specialists, professional associations and consultants.

The Selection Panel will, with absolute discretion, select the proposed Victoria Fellows on the basis of the key criteria. The panel’s recommendations will be submitted to the Minister for  Innovation, Medical Research, and the Digital Economy. The recommendations of the Selection Panel are final and appeals will not be considered. Feedback on unsuccessful Applications will not be provided by either the panel or veski.

veski and the Victorian Government reserves the right not to award some or any Victoria Fellowships in any given year.

Life Sciences

The Life Sciences category comprises the fields of science that involve the scientific study of living organisms and their life processes and ecosystems, covering fields such as biology, medicine or anthropology.

Physical Sciences

The Physical Sciences category encompasses the branches of science that study non-living systems, including but not limited to fields such as physics, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, ICT, mathematics and statistics, or astronomy.

Applicants with planned study missions based in Europe may wish to apply for both a Victoria Fellowship and an AFRAN Associate Award.

Eligibility

Applications are sought from:

• early-career individuals who have an original and innovative idea which needs development;
• individuals employed in research and development in industry, research institutes or universities; and
• postgraduate students undertaking a 100% research based degree, nearing the completion of their studies.

Proposals that demonstrate a link to Victoria’s knowledge base or technological strengths or show significant potential for innovative advances are encouraged.

At the closing date for applications, applicants must be:

1. An Australian citizen, Permanent Resident of Australia or New Zealand citizen, with legally certified evidence to be provided within the application.

2. Either:
a) currently employed in Victoria in a field relating to science, engineering or technology; or
b) currently enrolled in Victoria in postgraduate studies in either science, engineering or technology.

3. A current resident of Victoria and either:
[updated as per the guide at 12/07/22]
a) working or studying in Victoria for the previous two years (study or work missions spent outside Victoria must not exceed six months in total); or
b) working or studying in Victoria for the previous three years (study or work missions spent outside Victoria must not exceed one year in total).

There is no age limit but preference will be given to applicants at an early stage in their career (5 years post PhD study at 1 FTE). Fellowships are not intended to support the completion of PhD studies.

Study missions

Study missions offer Victoria Fellows the opportunity to broaden their experience, develop networks and better identify where their activities fit into the local and international community.

If a Victoria Fellowship is awarded, confirmation of details of the study mission, including budget, must be provided by 31 January 2023. A template will be provided for this purpose.

It is understood that Victoria Fellows in 2022 will travel between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. In exceptional circumstances, veski may approve study missions that commence outside of the specified period, but no earlier than the official announcement of the recipients.