The Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious research award in Australia for early‑career postdoctoral researchers from around the world. It supports outstanding candidates with exceptional academic backgrounds who wish to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research at one of the five partner universities in Western Australia.
Programme Overview
‑ Host Country: Australia
‑ Sponsor: Forrest Research Foundation
‑ Location: Research placement at any of the five Western Australian universities (e.g., Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia, and The University of Notre Dame Australia)
‑ Duration: Up to three years of full‑time fellowship support
‑ Eligibility: Applicants must normally be in their final year of PhD or within two years after completing their PhD; for the 2026 fellowship round, the PhD should have been conferred on or after 1 January 2023 or be completed by 31 December 2025.
Forrest Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to be creative, curious, and intellectually generous, with research that pushes boundaries and builds bridges across disciplines. The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities and research fields.
Funding & Benefits
This fellowship is fully funded and offers a substantial support package tailored for high‑impact research:
• A salary equivalent to a Level A Step 8 academic position (for example, around AUD 108,362 + 17 % superannuation in 2025), paid through the host university.
• Accommodation allowance of around AUD 25,116 per year to support living costs.
• A research and travel allowance (once‑off payment of up to AUD 12,000) to fund research‑related expenses, overseas research, or conference travel.
• Relocation support, including discussion of economy airfare to Perth for interstate or international Fellows.
These benefits help Fellows focus fully on research and professional development in a supportive intellectual environment.
Research Expectations & Community
Recipients are expected not only to pursue their own research projects but also to contribute to the Forrest Research Foundation community — for example by mentoring other scholars or participating in leadership initiatives. The Foundation encourages Fellows to share their research broadly and create positive impact locally and worldwide.
Application Process & Timeline
Applications for each fellowship round are usually opened annually around May and close at the end of June (for example, the 2026 round closed on 30 June 2025). Candidates apply through the Forrest Research Foundation’s online portal when the call is open.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship helps early‑career researchers gain sustained research funding, world‑class collaborative opportunities, and institutional support in a globally recognized research environment in Western Australia. This makes it a valuable opportunity for scholars looking to accelerate their research careers and contribute to meaningful scientific and academic challenges.
