Career Continuity Grant

The Career Continuity Grant supports early career researchers to continue their research excellence, before, during and following a period of parental leave.

In the faculty, we recognise that periods of research inactivity can have a significant impact on research momentum, particularly for early research careers. This year, as part of the Advancing Health 2030 strategy (Inclusive Communities), we are launching a pilot program to assist eligible staff to maintain their research activity and trajectory, when taking or returning from parental leave. Flexible funding will enable our future research leaders the opportunity to plan their time away to maintain research momentum, while taking the time needed with their family.

In 2023, the grant is available to Level A, B and C staff with a research allocation of 40%, who take or return from a period of parental leave of three months or greater, between June 2023-June 2024.

Funding is available for up to $40,000 per applicant.

Eligibility for a Career Continuity Grant is based on the following:

You are a Level A, B or C academic with a confirmed salaried (fixed-term or continuing) academic appointment at 0.5 FTE* or above, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
You have a confirmed salaried research-focussed or teaching and research role, or a role with a minimum 40% research allocation.
You are applying for or currently taking at least 3 months parental leave, or have returned from parental leave, between 1 June 2023 to 1 June 2024.
You have a reasonable expectation at the time of application of an appointment until 31 December 2024.

Applications are considered based on the following:

Capacity and potential, including career stage and trajectory, to deliver high quality research outcomes
The feasibility, resources and benefit of the proposed project and support (eg. is it practical to implement?)
Compelling need to maintain research eg. field work/data collection to maintain samples, progress longitudinal studies, complete publications/presentations, research with an external organisation, etc.
Clarity of objectives and alignment with the Inclusive Community theme in the Faculty's strategy

Submit your application online:

Check you meet the eligibility criteria
Discuss your intention to apply with your supervisor
Start your application on SmartyGrants by 31 July 2023
Respond to the prompts about your research vision*
Attach supporting files: Current CV (4 pages) and Research Plan: An overview of the proposed project in alignment with the Faculty Strategy (1 page)
Finalise your application on SmartyGrants by 14 August (midnight)

Applications have now closed for 2023.

Career Continuity Grant

*The online application form enforces word limits and please adhere to the page limits for attachments.

Eligible staff can apply for a grant of up to $40,000
The grant is for the continuation of research during parental leave, or to transition to and from parental leave for Level A, B or C staff with a 40% research allocation, within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS).
Funding can be used to support salary and/or research-related expenses outlined in the guidelines and include travel costs, child-care for conferences and direct research costs.
The grants are available up to a maximum period of 12 months.
The applicant is responsible for outlining a plan for the research activity during the period of leave, including how project milestones and progress will be communicated.
The supervisor is responsible for supporting the applicant's research within the department during the designated period, based on the proposed research plan.
Recipients are required to provide a short report on completion of the grant on the research achievements, outcomes and career benefits.