As part of Macquarie’s commitment to supporting researchers through the challenges of COVID-19, the University has launched a new scheme that will see up to 40 recent PhD graduates secure 12-month fellowships in Macquarie departments.

The COVID Recovery Fellowship Scheme, launched by Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research Professor Simon Handley last month, uses Research Support Program funds allocated to the University by the Federal Government to support new fellowship positions for Macquarie PhD graduates across two rounds in 2021 and 2022.

The fellowships will be targeted to fields of emerging research strength, with the fellows supported by a Fellowship Mentor in their host department at Macquarie, as well as a $5000 project grant.

“COVID-19 has significantly and adversely impacted early career researchers,” Professor Handley says. “The intention of this scheme is to support the recovery of the careers of Macquarie PhD graduates, with the recipients using the time and funds to complete a project, build a track record through publications, engage in commercialisation activity, or advance their competitiveness for the next funding opportunity.”

Round 1 applications will close on 31 August for positions commencing in late October. Round 2 applications will be open from 1 September to 30 September for positions commencing 1 January 2022.

Interested applicants and potential mentors can refer to Funding Rules for the scheme, including specific eligibility criteria, before completing the MQ COVID Recovery Fellowship Application Form.