As ten early career researchers are recognised for outstanding individual achievement, Flinders University has announced three new initiatives to support academics seeking to boost their research activities and to attract international research collaborations.
The Flinders University Conference Travel, Re-entry and Visiting International Research Fellowships are designed to kick-start new research projects and collaborations with substantial funding for academics who are carers, researchers returning from parental leave, and for University Schools wanting to invite research scholars from overseas.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor David Day said the new initiatives join a number of other recent measures, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Early Career Researchers, which are building a supportive research environment.
“The Fellowships herald a new way of thinking about research at Flinders to encourage promising researchers and academics to stay on or even come back into the fold,” Professor Day said.
“They form part of the University’s broader goal – to support a research environment that is about more than just funding for specific research projects,” he said.
“That means, for example, taking into account that some researchers have carer responsibilities, or providing relief from teaching duties, or giving Schools the scope to invite international researchers to exchange ideas and build long-term relationships.”
The recipients of the 2010 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Early Career Researchers – Dr Stephen Clarke, Dr Roman Dronov, Associate Professor Amanda Ellis, Dr Michael Gradisar, Dr Charlie Huveneers, Associate Professor Eva Kemps, Dr Luciana Möller, Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff (pictured), Dr Damien Riggs and Dr Ruth Sladek – will each win a $2500 prize to develop research networks.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber said the Awards, launched last year, acknowledge outstanding contribution to the University.
“This year’s winners were selected from a very competitive field across all four faculties,” Professor Barber said.
“Each of the recipients is making a mark in their field of endeavour, attracting important research funding and developing a growing reputation in the research world,” he said.
“We hope they serve as an inspiration to their colleagues which, with the new Fellowships, will encourage all academics, at any stage of their careers, to consider new research activities and to be part of a growing, vibrant research culture at Flinders University.”
Application forms with full details of the Fellowships will be advertised to all researchers through the Research Services Office.