The Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award 2026 provides up to AUD 20,000 to support PhD students and early career researchers conducting interdisciplinary environmental science research relevant to Australia.
The fellowship funds biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and ecosystem services research. Applications close on 1 June 2026, with outcomes expected in November 2026.
What Is the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship?
The Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award is an annual competitive research grant designed to support emerging environmental scientists in Australia.
It funds interdisciplinary research that contributes directly to solving environmental challenges affecting Australian ecosystems.
The program aims to strengthen national research capacity in environmental science, conservation biology, sustainability, and ecosystem management.
Fellowship Funding Details
Award Amount
Up to AUD 20,000 per awardee.
Funding is GST exclusive.
Funding Duration
Funded activities are normally expected to be completed within two years from the award date.
Awardees may request project variations in cases of extenuating circumstances.
Eligible Expenses
The fellowship supports research-related costs, including:
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Fieldwork expenses
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Research travel (domestic or international)
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Conference and workshop attendance
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Specialist training courses
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Equipment and research consumables
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Other research expenses not covered by existing funding
The grant cannot be used for salary replacement.
Research Areas Supported
The fellowship prioritizes environmental science research relevant to Australia, including:
1. Conservation of Flora and Fauna
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Biodiversity protection
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Threatened species recovery
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Habitat restoration
2. Ecologically Sustainable Resource Use
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Sustainable land management
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Water resource sustainability
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Responsible environmental practices
3. Environmental Protection
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Pollution mitigation
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Climate resilience strategies
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Ecosystem restoration projects
4. Ecosystem Services Research
Ecosystem services are the benefits humans obtain from ecosystems.
Supported research includes:
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Provisioning services (food, water, timber)
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Habitat services (supporting biodiversity)
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Supporting services (soil formation, nutrient cycling)
Understanding ecosystem services helps inform environmental policy and sustainable development.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet both citizenship and academic requirements.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be:
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Australian citizens
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Australian permanent residents
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New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)
Academic Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research doctorate and have completed confirmation
OR -
Have been awarded a PhD within the past five years at the application closing date
Career Disruption Extensions
Applicants who have experienced qualifying career disruptions that significantly reduced research productivity may apply for eligibility extensions beyond the five-year post-PhD limit.
Application Timeline
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Applications Close: 1 June 2026
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Notification of Outcomes: Expected November 2026
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Fellowship Start: Within 12 months of offer
Successful awardees are invited to attend the Science at the Shine Dome event. Travel and accommodation are covered as part of the award.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare a Research Proposal
Include:
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Clear research objectives
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Methodology
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Relevance to Australian environmental science
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Specific benefits of receiving the fellowship
Step 2: Create an Itemised Budget
Provide:
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Detailed list of eligible expenses
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Justification for each cost
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Disclosure of other funding sources
Step 3: Provide Institutional Support Evidence
Submit documentation confirming:
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Financial support from a recognised research institution
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Funding does not include salary replacement
Step 4: Submit a Curriculum Vitae
Include:
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Academic qualifications
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Research experience
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Publications
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Relevant achievements
Step 5: Provide Referee Reports
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PhD candidates must submit a supervisor’s reference
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Postdoctoral researchers must provide two referee reports
Referees should address the value, feasibility, and expected impact of the proposed research.
Compliance and Ethical Requirements
All funded research must comply with:
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The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
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Relevant ethical standards
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Guidelines relating to Indigenous Australian research
Compliance ensures integrity, transparency, and ethical research conduct.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Max Day Fellowship strengthens Australia’s environmental research ecosystem by:
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Supporting early career environmental scientists
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Promoting interdisciplinary research approaches
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Encouraging evidence-based conservation and sustainability
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Enhancing national capacity to address biodiversity loss and climate challenges
It provides both financial support and national recognition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting an unclear or overly broad proposal
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Failing to justify budget items
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Requesting duplicate funding for already funded expenses
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Missing referee documentation
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Ignoring eligibility or compliance requirements
Strong applications demonstrate clarity, feasibility, and measurable environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
Up to AUD 20,000 per awardee (GST exclusive).
2. Can the fellowship cover salary costs?
No. It supports research-related expenses only.
3. How long do I have to complete the funded activities?
Normally within two years of the award date.
4. Can I apply if I completed my PhD more than five years ago?
Possibly, if you qualify for a career disruption extension.
5. When will applicants be notified?
Notifications are expected in November 2026.
6. Is conference travel eligible?
Yes. Travel for research purposes, conferences, and workshops is eligible.
7. Is institutional backing required?
Yes. Evidence of financial support from a recognised research institution is mandatory.
Conclusion
The Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award 2026 is a competitive research funding opportunity designed to support Australia-focused environmental science projects.
With funding of up to AUD 20,000, it enables PhD students and early career researchers to advance impactful work in conservation, sustainability, and ecosystem services.
Eligible applicants should prepare a clear research proposal, justified budget, and required references before the 1 June 2026 deadline.
For more information, visit Australian Academy of Science.
