Call for applications for Smithsonian research fellowships

Queensland researchers have the chance to work at one of the world’s leading scientific and cultural research institutions, thanks to Queensland Government funding.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said applications were now open for the 2016-2017 Smithsonian Fellowship program.

“The Smithsonian Fellowship program provides up to six Queensland researchers with the opportunity of a lifetime to work at one of the Smithsonian’s museums or research centres on a research project of their choice,” Ms Enoch said.

“The successful applicants will spend between 8 and 16 weeks working in one of the world’s leading scientific and cultural research institutions thanks to grants of up to $25,000,” she said.

Research projects by previous recipients ranged from looking at the environmental impact of urea-based nitrogenous fertilizers on the Great Barrier Reef, to gaining a better understanding of the fossil plant record of Northern Australia.

Ms Enoch said the program, running since 2000, had achieved great success in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and skills between Queensland and the USA.

“Queensland researchers who have been through the program come back to Queensland with strong links with their counterparts in the US and a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience,” she said.

The Palaszczuk Government signed a three year $360,000 agreement with the Smithsonian Institution last year to continue the program to 2018.

Ms Enoch said this was an investment in Queensland’s future and aligned with the Palaszczuk Government’s $405 million whole-of-government Advance Queensland initiative of transforming Queensland economy with science, research, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism at its core.

The Smithsonian Institute is the world’s largest museum and research complex with 19 museums and nine research centres.

For further information see http://advance.qld.gov.au/smithsonian

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201