The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 support outstanding early-career researchers who want to undertake high-quality postdoctoral research at a Western Australian university. The fellowship is held with an employment contract at an eligible university and includes salary support, research and travel funding, an accommodation supplement, and possible relocation support. Applications close on 30 June 2026 at 11.59pm Australian Western Standard Time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
Category: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Foundation: Forrest Research Foundation
Country: Australia
Location: Western Australia
Duration: Up to three years on a full-time basis
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026, 11.59pm Australian Western Standard Time
Eligible Applicants: Early-career postdoctoral researchers from any discipline
About the Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to attract and support outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers. Fellows undertake high-quality research at one of the eligible Western Australian universities.
The Foundation was established at The University of Western Australia in 2014 following a donation by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation. Its goal is to help Western Australia become a world-class centre of research and innovation.
Forrest Fellows are expected to contribute to the wider mission of the Foundation. This may include mentoring, ambassadorial responsibilities, and leadership within Forrest Hall and the Forrest Research Foundation community.
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Eligible Host Universities
The fellowship supports postdoctoral research at selected Western Australian universities.
Eligible universities are:
• Curtin University
• Edith Cowan University
• Murdoch University
• The University of Notre Dame Australia
• The University of Western Australia
Applicants must contact a prospective mentor from one of the eligible universities before submitting an application.
Fellowship Duration and Research Commitment
The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered for up to three years on a full-time basis. Continuation is conditional on satisfactory progress.
Fellows may engage in teaching and related activities at their employing university. However, the official guidelines state that no less than 0.8 FTE is expected to be dedicated to research.
Exemptions to full-time participation may be considered by the Forrest Research Foundation Governors for reasons such as illness or parental leave.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The fellowship package includes salary support and additional allowances linked to research, travel, accommodation, and relocation.
Selected fellows may receive:
✓ Salary contribution to the employing university
✓ Salary at Level A Step 8 in Years 1, 2, and 3
✓ Approximate salary of $112,371 in 2026 based on The University of Western Australia salary scales
✓ Superannuation of 17%
✓ Salary on-costs provided to the employing university
✓ One-off research and travel allowance of up to $12,000
✓ Accommodation supplement of $25,740 per annum in 2026
✓ Relocation allowance of up to $10,000 for interstate and international fellows
✓ Economy airfare to Perth for the fellow and dependants as part of relocation support, if successful
The research and travel allowance may be used for approved research-related expenses, overseas research, and conference travel.
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Residency at Forrest Hall
Fellowship awardees are expected to reside at Forrest Hall. The official guidelines note that exemptions may be considered by the Forrest Research Foundation Governors.
Examples may include cases where fellows have a young family or conduct most of their research outside the Perth metropolitan area.
The Foundation recoups a rental payment for residency at Forrest Hall.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for early-career postdoctoral researchers. Applicants may apply from any discipline.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the PhD timing requirement.
• Applicants must have had their PhD conferred on or after 1 January 2024.
• Alternatively, applicants must successfully complete all requirements for the award of their PhD by 31 December 2026.
• Applicants must intend to reside at Forrest Hall for the duration of the fellowship, unless an exemption is approved.
• Applicants must contact a prospective mentor from one of the eligible Western Australian universities before applying.
To take up the fellowship, successful awardees must also meet additional requirements.
• Awardees must be offered and accept an employment contract at a Western Australian university.
• Awardees must have received their PhD conferral before taking up the appointment.
• Awardees must take up the fellowship and start employment at the relevant university within 12 months of being awarded the fellowship.
• Awardees must agree to report progress each year to the Forrest Research Foundation Director and the Minderoo Foundation.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted through the Forrest Research Foundation website by the advertised closing date.
Required materials include:
• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae, maximum 4 pages
• Contact details for three referees
• At least two academic referees
• Photograph
The application portal also asks applicants to upload the completed application form in PDF format, a passport-style photograph, and the required supporting files.
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Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed by the Forrest Research Foundation Selection Committee.
The selection criteria include:
• Outstanding academic achievements
• Exceptional ability, resourcefulness, and originality
• Potential to make a positive difference to the world
• Ability and commitment to mentoring and leadership within the Forrest Research Foundation community
• Demonstration of how the award would help build world-class innovation and research capacity in Western Australia
The official fellowship page also notes that four fellowships are typically awarded in each round.
Selection Process
The selection process considers academic records, the completed application, and supporting documentation.
If an applicant is shortlisted, the nominated university must provide information about the research environment. This may include facilities, mentoring, equipment, and any additional resources.
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the Selection Committee. They may also be required to present their research at the nominated university as part of the selection process.
The Selection Committee refers selected fellows to the Forrest Research Foundation Board of Governors for endorsement.
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Key Dates
• Applications close: 30 June 2026, 11.59pm Australian Western Standard Time
• Interviews are scheduled for late September 2026
• The outcome of the 2026 funding round will be advised by mid-November 2026
• Successful awardees are preferred to commence before September during the first year of the award
How to Submit an Application
Applicants must complete the application form and submit the required documents through the Forrest Research Foundation application portal.
Applicants should:
• Download and complete the application form
• Save the completed form before uploading it
• Prepare the CV and required supporting documents
• Contact a prospective mentor before submission
• Upload the completed application and files through the online portal
• Submit the application by 30 June 2026 at 11.59pm AWST
Applications that do not include a completed application form will not be considered.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
