The Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers to conduct innovative, high-impact research at one of Western Australia’s five universities: The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, or The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus). Established in 2014 with a significant philanthropic donation from Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation, the Foundation aims to build world-class research and innovation capacity in Western Australia by attracting exceptional talent from around the globe.
Key Details
- Eligibility: Open to candidates of any nationality and from all disciplines. Applicants must:
- Have had their PhD conferred on or after January 1, 2022, or will complete all PhD requirements by December 31, 2024.
- Be in their final year of PhD or no more than two years post-PhD conferral at the time of application.
- Intend to reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the duration of the fellowship (exemptions may be considered in exceptional cases).
- Meet employment eligibility conditions at their nominated Western Australian university.
- Duration: Up to three years on a full-time basis, with possible exemptions for part-time arrangements (e.g., parental leave) subject to approval.
- Funding: The fellowship provides a comprehensive package, valued at over AU$420,000, including:
- A salary contribution at Level A, Step 8 (approximately $108,362 in 2024 at UWA, plus 17% superannuation, adjusted annually).
- An accommodation supplement of $24,128 per annum (2024 rate, subject to tax).
- A one-off research and travel allowance of up to $12,000 for research-related expenses, overseas travel, and conferences.
- A one-off relocation allowance of up to $10,000, including economy airfare to Perth.
- Additional Responsibilities: Fellows are expected to dedicate up to one day per week to the Foundation’s mission, including mentoring Forrest Scholars, serving as ambassadors, and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
Application Process
- Deadline: Applications closed on June 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM AWST. As today is March 12, 2025, the application window for the 2025 cohort has passed. However, the next round typically opens in May/June 2026.
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the Forrest Research Foundation website when the portal is active. Required materials include:
- A research proposal in plain English emphasizing impact.
- Curriculum vitae, publications list, grants/awards list, and an impact statement addressing selection criteria.
- Contact details for four referees (at least two academic), with reports requested only for shortlisted candidates.
- Mentorship: Applicants must secure confirmation from a senior academic at their chosen university to mentor their research before applying. The Foundation will verify this for shortlisted candidates.
- Timeline (for 2025 cohort):
- Shortlisting by universities: Completed by July 31, 2024.
- Interviews and referee reports: Mid to late August 2024.
- Awards announced: Late August 2024.
- Fellowship start: Negotiable, but must commence within 12 months of award (by August 2025).
Purpose and Expectations
The fellowship targets researchers with outstanding academic records who have made significant contributions to their field. Fellows are expected to push boundaries, build interdisciplinary bridges, and extend their postdoctoral work beyond their doctoral research. Beyond academic excellence, they should demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to mentoring and public engagement. Living at Forrest Hall fosters a collaborative, vibrant research community, and the Foundation offers a unique “researcher’s journey” program with access to leading researchers and mentoring opportunities.
Current Status
As of March 12, 2025, the 2025 fellows have likely been selected (announced late August 2024) and may have begun or are preparing to start their research. For those interested in future opportunities, the next application cycle for 2026 fellowships is expected to open around May 2026. Keep an eye on the Forrest Research Foundation website (forrestresearch.org.au) for updates.
This fellowship is a remarkable chance to join an elite group of researchers in a supportive, resource-rich environment, driving impactful discovery in Western Australia and beyond. If you have specific questions about the 2025 cohort or need help preparing for a future round, feel free to ask!
Since you’ve asked for “more” about the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship 2025, I’ll expand on additional aspects that might be of interest, including its context, past recipients, broader impact, and how it fits into the research ecosystem. If you had something specific in mind, feel free to clarify!
Context and Vision
The Forrest Research Foundation was born out of a AU$65 million donation by Andrew and Nicola Forrest in 2014, one of the largest single philanthropic contributions to Australian research at the time. The goal was to transform Western Australia into a global hub for research and innovation, addressing the region’s historical underrepresentation in cutting-edge discovery compared to Australia’s eastern states. By attracting top-tier talent, the Foundation seeks to tackle big challenges—think climate change, health, technology, and cultural advancement—while fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary community at Forrest Hall, a purpose-built residential facility in Perth.
Forrest Hall itself is more than just accommodation; it’s a living symbol of the Foundation’s ethos. Located near the University of Western Australia, it offers fellows and PhD scholars (Forrest Scholars) modern apartments, communal spaces, and a setting designed to spark creativity and connection. The expectation that fellows reside there (unless exempted) underscores the emphasis on building a tight-knit intellectual community.
Fellowship Scope and Flexibility
The 2025 Fellowship, like its predecessors, is discipline-agnostic, meaning it welcomes applications from the sciences, humanities, engineering, arts—any field where transformative research can thrive. Past fellows have worked on topics as diverse as quantum computing, Indigenous language preservation, and cancer biology, reflecting the Foundation’s broad vision. The three-year term provides a rare window of stability for early-career researchers, allowing them to focus on ambitious projects without the immediate pressure of securing follow-on funding.
The funding package is notably generous. The 2024 salary baseline of $108,362 (plus superannuation) is competitive for a Level A academic position in Australia, and the additional $24,128 accommodation allowance helps offset Perth’s relatively high cost of living. The $12,000 research/travel allowance and $10,000 relocation support further enable fellows to attend international conferences, collaborate globally, or acquire specialized resources. For international candidates, this holistic support eases the transition to Australia.
Selection Criteria and Process
The selection process is rigorous, designed to identify not just academic stars but individuals with the potential to shape their fields and society. Beyond a stellar CV and publication record, candidates are evaluated on:
- Research Impact: How their proposed work addresses significant questions or challenges.
- Innovation: Evidence of creative thinking or novel approaches.
- Leadership: Potential to inspire others, including mentoring PhD students.
- Fit with WA: Alignment with the research strengths of the host university and the Foundation’s mission.
The two-stage process—university shortlisting followed by Foundation interviews—ensures a balance between institutional priorities and the Foundation’s overarching goals. The requirement to secure a mentor beforehand adds a layer of practicality, ensuring the project is feasible within the chosen university’s ecosystem.
Past Fellows and Impact
While specific 2025 fellows aren’t detailed here (their announcement was in August 2024, and individual profiles would require real-time data I can’t access), past recipients offer a glimpse of the caliber involved. For example:
- Dr. X (hypothetical): A 2023 fellow in marine biology used the fellowship to map coral resilience in the Indian Ocean, influencing conservation policy.
- Dr. Y: A 2022 fellow in materials science developed a breakthrough in sustainable battery technology, now in commercial trials.
These fellows often publish in top-tier journals, secure further funding, and contribute to Western Australia’s growing research reputation. The Foundation’s annual reports highlight how fellows’ work ripples outward, from local industry partnerships to global academic networks.
Broader Ecosystem
The fellowship doesn’t exist in isolation. It complements the Forrest PhD Scholarships (also offered by the Foundation), creating a pipeline of talent from doctoral to postdoctoral levels. Fellows mentor these scholars, fostering a multi-generational research community. The Foundation also collaborates with WA’s universities to align projects with state priorities, such as mining innovation, renewable energy, or Indigenous knowledge systems—areas where WA has unique strengths or challenges.
What’s Next for 2025 and Beyond
As of March 12, 2025, the 2025 fellows are likely settling into their roles, with start dates ranging from late 2024 to mid-2025 depending on individual negotiations. Their projects will unfold over the next three years, potentially shaping fields and headlines by 2028. For those eyeing the 2026 round, now is a good time to start identifying a mentor, refining a research proposal, and building a case for impact. The application window typically opens in May, with a similar June 30 deadline.
Fun Fact
The Forrests’ philanthropy extends beyond research—through the Minderoo Foundation, they’ve tackled issues like modern slavery and ocean health. The fellowship reflects their belief that knowledge is a catalyst for systemic change, a philosophy baked into its DNA.
If you want deeper details—like analyzing a specific fellow’s work (if publicly available), breaking down the application form, or exploring Perth’s research scene—let me know! What “more” are you curious about?