The Australian Academy of Science takes great pleasure in extending heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed recipients of the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) grant funding for the forthcoming 2023–24 round. This initiative, administered by the Academy and established under the auspices of the Royal Society to propel scientific discovery, stands as a pivotal force in supporting the career development endeavors of Australia’s early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) in the expansive realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In the latest round of funding, a resolute commitment of A$300,000 has been earmarked to bolster 30 carefully selected applications, with the beneficiaries strategically dispersed across the Australian landscape. These grants, poised to initiate their impactful implementation from January 2024, encompass a diverse array of initiatives categorized into four Flagship projects, six Amplify Initiatives, and 20 Participation Support Grants.
Flagship Activities: Nurturing Collaborative Excellence
Within the Flagship Activities category, four grants, each generously sized at an average of A$40,400, have been given the green light to spearhead initiatives designed to confer tangible benefits upon EMCRs in Australia and the wider scientific community. These strategic endeavors are meticulously crafted to transcend the confines of individual Australian institutions, fostering collaboration and synergy across a spectrum of scientific entities.
The approved Flagship projects are as follows:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Science
Australian National University
- Indigenous Genomics and Responsible Research: Bridging the Knowledge Gap through a Massive Open Online Course
University of Adelaide
- Charting the Future of Healthcare: Making Research Core Business of Early to Mid-Career Nursing and Midwifery Researchers
Nursing Research Institute, Australian Catholic University
- OPTIMA-CON 2024
University of Melbourne
Amplify Activities: Augmenting Engagement and Opportunities
In the Amplify Activities category, six grants, averaging A$13,600 each, have been granted to initiatives designed to bring added benefits and opportunities to conferences, workshops, symposia, and networking events. These supplementary events are positioned to enhance the overall impact of primary activities by facilitating increased engagement of EMCRs.
The approved Amplify projects include:
- A Horizon Scan of Future Priorities to Support the Sustainability of Plant-Soil Ecosystems in Australia
University of Southern Queensland
- Masterclass in Communication for Early-Mid Career Researchers
Monash University
- Australian Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Society (ABACBS) EMCR Hackathon
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Establishing The Lipid Network: An Online Platform That Links Researchers, Clinicians, Industry, and Societies
Flinders University
- NSPC Pre-conference Event: Clinician-Researchers in Suicide Prevention
Orygen / University of Melbourne
- Australian EMCRs Support for 20th International Conference on Advanced Data Mining and Applications (ADMA 2024), Sydney, Australia
University of Adelaide
Participation Support: Breaking Down Financial Barriers
The Participation Support category has seen the approval of twenty grants, averaging A$2,800 each, dedicated to alleviating expenses associated with attending events or activities. Tailored to address caregiving, accessibility, and mobility needs, this funding is poised to obliterate financial barriers, ensuring that EMCRs can seamlessly participate in career development opportunities such as conferences or training workshops vital for their professional growth.
This commitment underscores the Academy’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the upcoming generation of researchers, facilitating their active participation in activities crucial for their career progression.
In conclusion, the Theo Murphy Initiative stands unwavering as a beacon propelling scientific excellence in Australia. It serves as an indispensable pillar of support for the development and collaboration of early- and mid-career researchers across diverse STEM fields. As these transformative projects unfold in the upcoming year, the anticipated impact on scientific discovery and collaboration is poised to be both substantial and enduring. The Australian Academy of Science eagerly anticipates witnessing the remarkable achievements and enduring contributions of the grant recipients in the forthcoming 2023–24 round and beyond.
