Fully Funded Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship In Australia 2026

About the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship

Are you an emerging researcher ready to transform your field and make a global impact? The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to undertake high-impact research in one of the world’s most stunning academic environments—Western Australia.

Applications officially open on May 15, 2025, for this fully funded, prestigious fellowship that supports trailblazing postdoctoral researchers across all disciplines. If you’re nearing the end of your PhD or recently completed one, this could be the ideal launchpad for your academic career.

The Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of Australia’s most competitive and generous academic fellowships. It is awarded by the Forrest Research Foundation, which is committed to attracting and supporting the brightest minds from around the world to Western Australia.

The fellowship supports researchers who:

Demonstrate academic excellence and research originality
Embody interdisciplinary innovation
Show strong potential to drive positive global or community change
Are passionate about collaboration and leadership

Fellows are placed at one of Western Australia’s top universities, including:

The University of Western Australia (UWA)
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
Notre Dame University Australia

Eligible Fields

All disciplines are eligible. From artificial intelligence to environmental science, from global health to quantum physics—applicants are encouraged to propose bold, original, and interdisciplinary projects that challenge traditional boundaries and tackle real-world issues.

Your proposed research must demonstrate:

Global relevance or strong community impact
Innovative methodologies
Interdisciplinary collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

The Forrest Fellowship is open to all nationalities, including both international and Australian researchers. You are eligible if you:

Are in the final year of your PhD, expecting to complete it by 31 December 2025, or
Have completed your PhD on or after 1 January 2023
Have a proven track record of research excellence, including publication and collaboration at multiple institutions
Demonstrate international recognition or potential for it

Selection Criteria

Candidates are selected through a highly competitive process based on the following factors:

Academic and Research Excellence
- Outstanding academic history and publication record
- High-impact contributions to your field
Innovation and Interdisciplinary Thinking
- Research that breaks disciplinary silos
- Creative solutions to global challenges
Leadership and Community Engagement
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Ability to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders
Institutional Support
- Strong endorsements from host institutions
- Positive academic references

Benefits of the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship

The Forrest Fellowship provides a comprehensive funding package, designed to support both your research and your personal development:

Benefit	Details
Salary	AUD $108,362 per year
Superannuation	Additional 17% (standard for Australian academia)
Accommodation Allowance	AUD $25,116 per year (taxable)
Research & Travel Support	One-time AUD $12,000
Relocation Package	Economy airfare and moving expenses to Perth
Leadership & Mentoring Access	Exclusive engagement with Forrest Research Foundation community
Possible Higher Salary	Level B academic appointments, depending on university

This generous package is designed to remove barriers and let you focus on your research, innovation, and academic growth.

This is more than just a research opportunity—it’s an invitation to be part of a dynamic academic community where innovation thrives. Here’s what makes it unique:

Global Recognition – A fellowship that stands out on any academic CV
Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Work across departments and universities
World-Class Research Facilities – Access to some of the best resources in Australia
Vibrant Location – Live in beautiful, sunny Perth, one of the world’s most livable cities
Leadership Development – Build connections that shape your career

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need the following materials to complete your application:

Completed online application form
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List of publications
Grants and awards record
Contact details for three referees, at least two of whom must be academic referees

Step 2: Apply via the Forrest Fellowship Portal

Once the application portal goes live on May 15, 2025, you will be able to submit your application through the official Forrest Fellowship website.

Note: The deadline for the application are as follows

Opening Date: May 15, 2025
Deadline: To be announced (typically mid-June; check the official website for exact date)

It is strongly advised to begin preparing your documents well in advance, as this fellowship is highly competitive.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re a visionary researcher with a passion for impact, the Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 could be your next big step. Start preparing today and take your place among the world’s most promising postdoctoral scholars.

Applications open 15 May 2025 — mark your calendar and get ready to apply.