Call for Entries: AISRF Early and Mid-Career Fellowships for Australian Researchers

Deadline: 20-Jul-2026

The Australia–India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) Early and Mid-Career Researcher Fellowships support Australian researchers to undertake short-term collaborative research visits in India. The program strengthens bilateral scientific cooperation in science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and health through structured international research partnerships. Selected fellows receive funding of up to A$17,500 for travel, living expenses, and research mobility support.

Overview of the AISRF Fellowship Program

The Australia–India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) Early and Mid-Career Researcher Fellowships are administered by the Australian Academy of Science. The initiative aims to deepen Australia–India scientific collaboration by enabling early and mid-career researchers to undertake research visits in leading Indian institutions.

The program promotes:

• Long-term international research partnerships
• Knowledge exchange between Australia and India
• Strengthening global scientific networks
• Capacity building in advanced research domains

Key Objectives and Purpose

The fellowship is designed to:

• Strengthen bilateral research cooperation between Australia and India
• Support early and mid-career researcher mobility
• Enhance understanding of India’s research ecosystem
• Foster co-developed scientific projects
• Encourage sustainable, long-term academic partnerships
• Promote research excellence across priority STEM fields

Eligible Research Areas

Projects must fall within approved scientific domains:

• Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Health and biomedical sciences

Humanities-only research projects are not eligible.

Who is Eligible?

Applicant requirements:

• Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Must be based in Australia and employed at an eligible research institution
• Must hold a PhD awarded within the last 15 years (extensions allowed for career interruptions)

Collaboration requirement:

• Must have a confirmed Indian research partner
• Project must be jointly designed with the host institution in India

Institutional requirements:

• Applications submitted via the Australian Academy of Science portal
• Required documents include:
  • CV
  • PhD certificate
  • Referee reports
  • Host invitation letter
  • Project proposal

Funding Details

Total funding:

• Up to A$17,500 per fellowship

Covered costs:

• Return economy airfare between Australia and India
• Visa and travel insurance
• In-country travel within India
• Monthly living allowance during research visit

Duration:

• Research visit duration: 4 to 12 weeks

Not covered:

• Research project costs
• Laboratory or bench fees
• Institutional overheads

How the Fellowship Works

Step 1: Identify Research Partner
Applicants must collaborate with a recognized Indian institution and develop a joint research idea.

Step 2: Develop Research Proposal
The proposal must define:

• Research objectives
• Expected outcomes
• Collaboration structure
• Benefits to both countries

Step 3: Submit Application
Applications are submitted via the Australian Academy of Science online portal with all required documents.

Step 4: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:

• Research quality and innovation
• Career achievements
• Strength of Indian host institution
• Potential impact on Australia–India collaboration
• Long-term partnership potential
• Support for women in STEM
• Alignment with national research priorities

Step 5: Selection and Reporting

• Competitive selection process
• Only one fellowship per applicant
• Final report required within 3 months of return

Key Benefits of the Program

• International research exposure in India
• Stronger Australia–India academic partnerships
• Career development for emerging researchers
• Access to leading Indian research institutions
• Networking with global scientific experts
• Enhanced research visibility and collaboration opportunities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing Indian host institution
• Incomplete documentation
• Humanities-only research proposals
• Weak collaboration design
• Poor alignment with eligibility criteria
• Missing deadlines or required documents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the duration of the fellowship?

The visit lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.

2. How much funding is provided?

Up to A$17,500 per selected fellow.

3. Can humanities researchers apply?

No, only STEM and health-related fields are eligible.

4. Is a host institution required in India?

Yes, a confirmed Indian partner is mandatory.

5. What expenses are covered?

Travel, visa, insurance, in-country transport, and living allowance.

6. Can applicants apply more than once?

No, only one fellowship is allowed per applicant.

7. Is a PhD required?

Yes, with some flexibility for career interruptions.

Conclusion

The AISRF Early and Mid-Career Researcher Fellowships enable Australian researchers to build meaningful scientific collaborations with India. The program strengthens international research capacity, supports mobility, and fosters long-term partnerships in science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, and health.

For more information, visit Australian Academy of Science.