The purpose of NHMRC Early Career Fellowships is to provide opportunities for Australian researchers to undertake research that is both of major importance in its field and of benefit to Australian health.
A major objective of the scheme is to foster career development at the postdoctoral level by encouraging the beneficial experience of a different research environment.
Early Career Fellowships provide for advanced training in health and medical research either in Australia or overseas (where appropriate), to enable Fellows to work on research projects with nominated advisers. Awards are offered to a limited number of persons of outstanding ability who wish to make research a significant component of their career.
A Guide for researchers applying for Early Career Fellowships
Applications for appointment as Early Career Fellows are considered by peer review panels, whose task it is to consider and rank the applicants. In doing so, they take into account all the material submitted by applicants (see Early Career Fellowship selection criteria and scoring matrixes 1A and 1B in the Early Career Fellowship Funding Rules).
Analysis of the 2009 applicant data shows that Early Career Fellowships are extremely competitive and based on recent results it is expected that more than 70% will not be successful.
To help researchers contemplating applying for Early Career Fellowships, NHMRC provides below information on a “typical” successful applicant. Information is based on successful applications received by NHMRC in 2009. The ‘typical characteristics’ described must not be regarded as a ‘bar’ above which applications will be successful, as the peer review panels take into account all the selection criteria, and there are marked differences between even the top ranked individuals each year. The information is a guide only.
In 2009, Early Career Fellowship successful applicants typically had:
- On average 7 or more peer-reviewed journal articles and / or report publications, some of which are first, last or senior author, including participation in writing a review/s.
- Made two or more oral presentations at national/international meetings.
- Received external competitive travel grant funding from charities such as National Heart Foundation or from learned societies.
- Indicated that they would not remain in the same lab as their PhD studies, for years 1 and 2 of the Fellowship.
- Previous work experience in the field on which the Early Career Fellowship is based. Such work included as a Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Assistant, or in vocational areas.
Please note that the above is a guide only, and there are many variations to this profile, depending on individual achievements.
Apply for Funding
Prior to submission of an application for Fellowship funding, applicants are to ensure they:
- read all relevant reference material; and
- liaise with their Administering Institution to identify any specific requirements that the Institution may have.
Key dates
The key dates for the Early Career Fellowships 2012 application round for funding commencing in 2013 are:
- Applications open : 1 March 2012
- Applications close : 1700 hrs (5:00pm) AEST, 3 May 2012
Australia-China Exchange Fellowships
Early Career Fellowships include the Australia-China Exchange Fellowships. To apply for an Australia-China Exchange Fellowship refer to the Early Career Fellowship documentation.
Documentation to Apply for a Fellowship
To apply for a Fellowship please follow the steps outlined below:
- Review the current Early Career Fellowship Funding Rules, in particular the eligibility requirements;
- The NHMRC’s Research Grants Management System (RGMS) must be used to access/enter your CV and Profile, and submit your Early Career Fellowship application;
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Applicants should read the Early Career Fellowships Advice and Instructions carefully when completing their application:
- ECF Advice and Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2013 (PDF, 274KB)
- Applicants are encouraged to use the Word templates (RGMS Offline Forms) provided by the NHMRC to assist applicants to complete their applications without logging in to RGMS. Information entered into these templates can be copied and pasted into the application in RGMS. If you are intending to use the Offline Forms, please ensure you begin an application in RGMS in order to obtain an application identification number.
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Early Career Fellowships Referee Reports
- Applicants should ensure their referee completes the following template and submits it to the NHMRC by 19 April 2012 as outlined in the template.
- For applicants wishing to apply for a Co-Funded Early Career Fellowship, the following document details current NHMRC Early Career Fellowships funding partners:
Further Information
Early Career Fellowships Peer Review Guidelines for funding in 2013 - available soon
This document describes the general process, procedures and timeline for peer review of applications for Early Career Fellowships. The guidelines also contain important information about the conduct of peer review.
If you require information, direct your inquiry to your Research Administration Office in the first instance.
If you require assistance and are unable to satisfy your concerns by seeking assistance through your Administering Institution, please contact the Research Help Centre on 1800 500 983, or by email help@nhmrc.gov.au.