Applications are open until 30 June. Find out more and apply here: https://forrestresearch.org.au/fellowships/
Q&A session
Should applications focus more on the importance of research to Western Australia or on research capability?
Both aspects are important. The assessors want to understand why your research should be carried out in Western Australia. This could be for a simple reason such as your research focusing on a WA-specific species or phenomenon, or that WA has particular facilities or expertise that make it the perfect place to do this work. The Forrest Research Foundation considers research capacity more broadly, with the assumption that any new Forrest Fellow or Scholar will help to strengthen WA’s research capacity.
Does the Forrest Fellowship prioritise Indigenous research?
The Forrest Research Foundation welcomes applications from Indigenous researchers and/or those that focus on research relevant to Indigenous communities. The Foundation has several researchers who are working with First Nations communities across creative writing, linguistics and ecology. Engagement with Indigenous communities and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is also a priority for the Western Australian universities.
The application form says the proposal should be written in plain English. What if my research uses specific scientific/technical terms? Should I try and take these out?
It’s okay to use technical terms in your proposal and you don’t need to change the language if it would make your proposal inaccurate. The most important thing is to include is the relevant context so that a non-expert can understand what you’re trying to do and why it’s important.
Our Selection Committee consists of eminent researches but they may not have expertise in your area.
Successful Fellowship applications include proposals that are easily understood by someone outside of their field of research. They take a broad view of the topic and don’t include too much technical detail. If there are specific statistics that support your proposal you can include those, but it’s better to focus on ideas and impact. Try sharing your proposal with a colleague outside of your field, or even a friend, to see if they understand what you’re trying to say.
Can I apply from within my current institution, if I’m already at one of the eligible Western Australian universities?
We accept applications from those applying from within their current institutions. However, the application should demonstrate that your proposed postdoctoral research will go further than simply a continuation your PhD research – there should be some kind of shift or development. The panel is looking for bold, ambitious proposals that may not otherwise be funded by other award schemes. The Fellowship also aims to bring competitive researchers to Western Australia who we would otherwise find difficult to attract. For this reason, researchers continuing on from PhD to postdoctoral studies within the same institution (without an overseas postdoc in between) may sometimes be less competitive than other applicants. However, if your current research group is the only place where you could possibly do your research, then go ahead and apply – a good general rule is to choose the university/research group that fits your research best.
What if I don’t have five publications, grants or awards? Should I still apply?
You can still apply even if you don’t have five publications, grants or awards. This will differ depending on your career stage (e.g. number of years post-PhD), your discipline area and your field of research, which the assessors will take into account. Having space for five publications also encourages people with more than this to choose their most impressive publications to highlight (everything else can be included in the CV).
How can I show that my research will contribute to Western Australia?
Start by finding out what’s already happening in your research field in WA. You could look at academic publications, government policies or news items such as the State’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan (https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/science-and-technology-plan-was-10-year-science-and-technology-plan). Consider how your research may fill a gap or contribute to new knowledge and positive change in this area. Identifying a suitable mentor will also help with this.
Can I include a publication on my application form that is still under review?
This is fine, but also consider if any of your other already-published papers are stronger. If you do include it, make a note that it’s under review.
What if I intend to leave Perth straight after the Fellowship ends?
You don’t need to include this information in your application, and the assessors won’t take it into account either way. Many Forrest alumni stay in Perth and many move overseas. However, your application should show that you are genuinely interested in coming to Western Australia and would like to contribute to the state and the Forrest community.
What if my mentor or one of my referees doesn’t give me a good reference?
If your mentor and referees are contacted for a reference, this means that you’ve been shortlisted for an interview and therefore your application was very competitive. However, a poor or unenthusiastic reference can impact your candidacy. To avoid this, ensure that you have meaningfully engaged with your mentor about your proposal and checked that your referees are still happy to give you a reference before submitting your application.
