"Creative Fellowships at Forrest Research Foundation"

About the area

Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014 following one of the largest ever philanthropic donations in Australian history by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. The donation is used to drive research and innovation capacity in Western Australia by awarding Forrest Scholarships and Fellowships to outstanding intellects from around the world to conduct research at one of Western Australia’s five universities.

About the opportunity

The Forrest Research Foundation is offering two prestigious two-year Creative Fellowships in 2026 to outstanding researchers and practitioners from around the world to conduct paradigm-shifting creative practice and research based at any of Western Australia’s five universities. These generous fellowships provide a stipend and subsidised accommodation at Forrest Hall in a luxury self-contained studio apartment. Salary consistent with a Level A Step 8 appointment ($108,362 p.a.) plus 17% superannuation. Accommodation supplement of $24,128 per annum in 2024 (subject to marginal tax rate). Research allowance of up to $12,000 for approved research-related expenses, overseas research, and conference travel. All interstate and international Fellows can apply for a relocation allowance which can be discussed with the Director if successful. Within Forrest Hall, you will live amongst other researchers and creative practitioners in a vibrant and inspiring research environment. The Foundation also offers a unique ‘researcher’s journey’ program that exposes our Fellows to world-leading researchers, mentoring, connections with Australia’s learned academies, and more.

About you

The Creative Fellowships are open to candidates of any nationality. You will require an outstanding academic track record, be a creative thinker, excellent communicator, and wish to join this elite group of exceptional Forrest Creative Fellows. Applicants for these fellowships will normally be expected to meet the following eligibility criteria: A track record of proven academic excellence, such as a PhD or first class Honours (or equivalent). Completion of an undergraduate degree (with Honours) within the past eight years (2017 or after), or Masters degree within the past five years (2020 or after), or PhD within the past two years (2023 or after). Completion of a research component in an Honours, Masters or PhD program within a creative arts/performing arts discipline, or proven practitioner research experience and achievements. A minimum of three years professional experience in the creative arts/performing arts sector. This could be cumulative across a number of professional contracts/appointments.

Partner universities

The Fellowships can be held at any of Western Australia’s five universities: The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus).

How to apply

Please apply online via the Forrest Research Foundation website. For full fellowship guidelines, further particulars, and the online application portal go to: Forrest Research Foundation. Closing date: 11:59pm AWST on Monday, 8 September 2025.