THREE NEW FELLOWSHIPS FIT Q2 AMBITIONS

PREMIER Anna Bligh has announced that applications are now open for three new fellowship programs aimed at helping Queensland achieve the State Government’s Toward Q2 ambitions.

Ms Bligh said the fellowships are for experts in a variety of disciplines who want to expand their skills and experience in their chosen field.

“These State Government fellowships will help bring Queensland skills to the world and also bring knowledge back to Queensland,” she said.

“Our Toward Q2 ambition is to see Queensland become stronger, greener, smarter, healthier and more fair. Each of these fellowships can contribute to those ambitions.”

The first and largest of the three fellowship programs is the International Fellowships Program.

This will give at least 12 Queenslanders the opportunity to work with a leading edge international research organisation in North America, Europe or the Asia-Pacific in areas such as the development of renewable energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, health, food sciences and ecosciences.

“The winners of these fellowships will build international links for research that will be conducted at the State’s leading research infrastructure such as the $280 million dollar Ecosciences precinct now being built at Boggo Rd,” she said.

Each Fellowship is worth up to $44,000.

Applications have also opened for the Queensland Solar Thermal Fellowships.

This program will support at least three Queensland based professionals working in solar energy technologies, particularly solar thermal technologies to advance a partnership with an institution in Europe or the US.

“These Fellowships are an example of Queensland’s vital commitment to the exploration of new technologies that reduce our impact on climate change and the environment’” said Ms Bligh.

The Solar Thermal Fellowships - worth up to $30,000 each - are designed to support overseas travel and living expenses for a period of between three and six months.

Applications for both the International and Solar Thermal Fellowships close at 5pm on 30 January 2009.

Finally, the third fellowship program provides the opportunity for a Queensland teacher to work with educators at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

The fellowship which is worth up to $30,000 is open to teachers from state and non-state schools in Queensland.

Applications close for this Program on 7 November 2008.

“I encourage those Queenslanders with relevant expertise to consider these great opportunities,” said the Premier.

For information, application forms and program guidelines including selection criteria visit: www.premiers.qld.gov.au/Business_and_industry/intcollab/ .

Media contact: 07 32244500.