Deadline: 30-June-2026
The Government of Western Australia is inviting applications for the FHRI Fund Distinguished Fellows Program, designed to attract outstanding international and interstate research leaders to Western Australia (WA). The program aims to strengthen WA’s health and medical research capability, build global recognition, and enhance competitiveness for national grants.
Program Objectives
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Strengthen workforce systems and infrastructure underpinning health and medical research in WA.
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Attract and retain world-class talent to lead high-impact research programs.
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Support sustainable growth, innovation, and commercialisation in the WA health sector.
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Contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and the sustainability of WA’s health system.
Funding Details
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Fellowships provide up to $3.75 million over five years, with the possibility of up to $4.5 million in exceptional circumstances.
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Funding covers salary costs, research personnel, direct research expenses, relocation costs, and limited infrastructure overheads.
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A minimum 25% cash co-contribution is required from the Responsible Entity, which may include contributions from partner organisations.
Eligibility
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Mid or post mid-career researchers with a PhD obtained more than five years ago.
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Candidates must not currently live or work in Western Australia or be committed to relocating to WA.
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Applicants must be capable of physically residing in WA for at least 80% of the fellowship period and be employed by the Responsible Entity for the duration.
Program Expectations
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Lead a significant research program aligned with the WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023–2033.
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Deliver high-impact outputs including peer-reviewed publications, competitive grant applications, and research translation into health or commercial outcomes.
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Supervise and mentor researchers and students to expand research capacity.
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Establish partnerships with research and non-research organisations and engage consumers meaningfully.
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Provide leadership to strengthen WA’s research environment and ensure long-term sustainability beyond the fellowship term.
Application Process
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Applications are accepted continuously until 30 June 2026.
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Assessment follows a merit-based process including eligibility checks, technical and subject matter review, panel assessment, and interview.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Mid or post mid-career researchers with a PhD obtained more than five years ago, currently living and working outside Western Australia.
2. What does the funding cover?
Salary, research personnel, direct research costs, relocation, and limited infrastructure overheads.
3. Is a co-contribution required?
Yes, a minimum 25% cash co-contribution from the Responsible Entity is required.
4. How long is the fellowship?
Five years, with potential for additional Reserve Funding in exceptional circumstances.
5. What are the residency requirements?
The Activity Lead must reside in WA for at least 80% of the fellowship period.
6. How are applications assessed?
Through eligibility checks, technical and subject matter review, panel assessment, and interview.
Conclusion
The FHRI Fund Distinguished Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for internationally recognised researchers to lead transformative health and medical research in Western Australia. Through this fellowship, recipients contribute to WA’s global research reputation, foster talent development, and support sustainable health innovation.
For more information, visit Government of Western Australia.