Momentum Fellowships

Mitigating the impact of extraordinary personal circumstances on academic careers

Momentum Fellowships support the research momentum and retention of Level B and C academics whose extraordinary personal circumstances have impacted their career progression. This includes staff whose health, illness, disability and/or disproportionate caring responsibilities have significantly impacted their capacity to progress their academic career.

Examples may include but are not limited to: the impact of losing a partner and becoming a primary carer; caring for a loved one with high needs; undergoing treatment for a serious illness; acquiring a disability or chronic condition that impacts their capacity to pursue their research.

The Fellowships help staff to maintain research momentum at pressing points in their careers, and to develop a plan to obtain external research funding.

Providing support for success

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences awards up to two Momentum Fellowships each year.

They include a maximum award of up to $125,000 per year for two years. The funding is for salary and research-related expenses.

Fellows retain their existing appointment with the Faculty for the duration of the Fellowship, and are expected to develop and agree on a plan to achieve research independence and sustainability with their supervisor and Department/Centre Head, and to apply for external research funding during this term.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible staff include Level B and C academics who are employed on short-term/non-secure contracts (fixed term or continuing-research contingent) in the Faculty

Staff whose extraordinary and compounding personal circumstances, including illness, disability, health conditions and markedly disproportionate caring responsibilities, have significantly restricted their capacity to progress their career.

This includes their capacity to:

Undertake research and research training activity, including severely impacting their ability to publish their research, supervise graduate research students and apply for and obtain competitive external funding

Undertake key engagement activities with relevant disciplinary communities and government, business, professional or community organisations that are critical to enhancing excellence in their research and research training and enhancing their competitiveness in their field

Contribute to cross-disciplinary collaborative research projects and teams that are key to maintaining their research momentum and competitiveness

Build their leadership and service profile as well as making vital contributions to the advancement of their discipline within and beyond the University

Note: 1. To be eligible, applicants must at the time of application hold a short-term salaried, fixed-term or continuing (research contingent) academic appointment in MDHS. The fellowship is not available to Honorary staff. 2. Eligible applicants may submit a maximum of one application in a single round. 3. A Momentum Fellowship can only be held once.

Selection criteria, guiding the values-based assessment of applications

In assessing the Fellowship applications, the Selection Panel will consider:

The impact of and extent to which extraordinary personal circumstances have compounded and restricted the individual's capacity to secure external funding

The applicant’s overall ability through evidence of their capacity to develop and sustain an academic career consistent with a leading university

The applicant's effective demonstration and promotion of our Faculty’s values as well as Faculty’s expectations for appropriate behaviour, including upholding the Faculty’s commitment to a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace

Other Fellowship or salary-related financial assistance the staff member may be receiving

Apply for a Fellowship

Key dates

2026 Momentum Fellowship applications are currently closed.

Tuesday August 2026: Midnight (start of day)
Applications open
Tuesday October 2026: Midnight (end of day)
Applications close
By Mid-November 2026: Applicants notified

Step-by-step instructions

Explore the Fellowships

Read the Fellowships website, including the:
- Overview, including terms of the Fellowships and expectations of Fellows
- Eligibility and selection criteria
Discuss the potential of your application:
- Discuss your application for a Fellowship with your supervisor as well as with mentors and trusted colleagues
- Please ensure your supervisor and Head of Centre/Department are aware of the Conditions of the Award
Applications
Step 1: Review the Fellowships website, including expectations and eligibility criteria
Step 2: Preview the application form and prepare your answers.
Step 3: Complete the application below
Prepare your application

2026 Momentum Fellowship applications are currently closed.
Draft your written application, responding to the eligibility and selection criteria on this website:
- A summary describing why you are seeking a Fellowship (maximum 200 words)
- Describe the impact of your particular circumstances on your academic career to date (800 words)
- Include an overview of how this fellowship will assist you with maintaining your career trajectory (maximum 500 words)
- Include a statement demonstrating your alignment with Faculty values (300 words)
- Include one letter of support from a senior academic colleague who can speak about your capacity for success in academia (maximum 1 A4 page)*
*Note: It would be helpful for the assessment panel if the letter includes relevant information regarding the impact of your personal circumstances on your career trajectory and/or research outputs. If the letter of support is not from your Head of Department, Centre Head or Head of School, we will contact them to seek endorsement and support of your application for a Momentum Fellowship. Please ensure they are aware of your intention to apply.
Prepare and attach a curriculum vitae:
- Include an abbreviated, up-to-date copy of your curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages)
If appropriate, provide documentation supporting the salary shortfall
- Attach an email from your Department/Centre manager outlining how the salary shortfall will be met
Attach optional supporting material:
- Maximum 5 A4 pages
- Clarify the reason for including supporting material in your written application
Submit your application

Complete and submit your application online:
- Submit your application by October 2026
- Note the application form strictly enforces word limits, and page limits are to be adhered to—the selection panel will not consider additional pages
- All applications are confidential

Conditions of Award

The Momentum Fellowship provides up to $125K contribution per year over two years towards the applicant’s salary, including on-costs.
The funding contribution is split between the Faculty and the applicant’s School , 50% each from Faculty and the School.
If there is a shortfall between the Fellowship funding and the applicant's salary, including on-costs, the shortfall must be met from other sources e.g. ,external funding, local or other support. The additional funding needs to be confirmed with your supervisor, Head of Department/Centre and local Business Manager, prior to submitting your application (This is to ensure that additional funds are available, and from an appropriate funding source based on your employment type (eg. fixed term, continuing research-contingent) to cover you).
If salary and on-costs require less than $125K per year (or the applicable pro-rated amount), remaining funds may be used to support other research costs for the applicant, as required. It is essential that applicants discuss and confirm this with your supervisor prior to submitting an application.
The total amount awarded is pro-rated based on the applicant’s time fraction (FTE) and specified in the application. If applicable, the applicant's contract end date will be extended to cover the duration of the Fellowship.
The Fellowship is available up to a maximum period of 24 months. Funding is intended nominally for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. An extension may be possible under exceptional circumstances via the Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion.
Staff who are coming off externally funded fellowships in the next 6 months, and those without any external fellowship support will be prioritised for support.
Momentum Fellows who subsequently secure external salary support are encouraged to take up the external salary funding as soon as possible and must not defer, ensuring completion of the Momentum Fellowship within the allocated funding term.
Fellows cannot hold another internal University nor external fellowship where salary support has been awarded concurrently.
Fellows are expected to develop a plan to achieve research independence and sustainability with their supervisor and Head of Department/Centre/School.
Fellows are expected to apply for external fellowships and research funding during the term of the Momentum Fellowship.
Fellows are expected to provide appropriate acknowledgement of Faculty support when communicating research outcomes arising from the tenure of the fellowship.
Fellows are subject to the University of Melbourne's Conditions of Employment.
Fellows retain their existing appointment within the Faculty for the duration of the Fellowship.
Twenty days (pro-rata) annual leave per annum must be taken during the term of the Fellowship to ensure annual budget allocations are met, to avoid the budget division incurring additional costs at the conclusion of the Fellowship. If leave is not taken during the term of the Fellowship, the administering Department/Centre will be responsible for any additional leave incurred beyond the conclusion of the fellowship term. Fellows must utilise their full annual leave entitlement each year for the duration of the fellowship. Please refer to the University’s Leave Policy.

Have a question about the Fellowships?

Dr Grace Lidgerwood

Dr Grace Lidgerwood is a Research Fellow specialising in stem cell disease modelling. With over a decade of experience in translational disease modelling for retinal diseases, her research has secured more than $1.6 million in funding and contributed to her growing national profile in retinal cell biology. Since earning her PhD in 2018, her research impact has significantly expanded. However, her career trajectory has been affected by major interruptions, including disproportionate caring responsibilities, health conditions, and additional family commitments, which have hindered her ability to sustain academic progress and research momentum.

Despite these challenges, she has maintained a strong publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Cell Genomics, fostered key collaborations both domestically and internationally, secured competitive grant funding (including as a Chief Investigator on MRFF, Dementia Australia, and Macular Disease Foundation grants), and contributed to the academic community through supervision of RHD students and community engagement initiatives.

The Momentum Fellowship offers a vital opportunity to rebuild her professional foundation and advance towards a sustainable and impactful academic career.

Abdou Hachani

Dr. Abdou Hachani is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly the mechanisms by which pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus adapt and survive within host environments. In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Hachani developed an innovative method leading to the discovery that S. aureus evades immune detection by residing inside human cells, a finding published in eLife in 2023. This work builds upon his previous research on bacterial adaptation during severe infections, including a study on niche-specific genome degradation and convergent evolution in S. aureus, published in eLife in 2022.

In early 2023, Dr. Hachani faced a significant health issue that slowed the progress of his critical research. The Momentum Fellowship will provide essential resources to ensure the continuation of his pivotal work while supporting his recovery and professional development. This opportunity is crucial for sustaining the momentum of his discoveries, reestablishing his research trajectory, and enhancing his competitiveness for future Category 1 funding applications.

Dr Manarangi De Silva

Dr Manarangi De Silva leads research projects addressing maternal morbidity, stillbirth, and maternal death in the Asia-Pacific region. Her work has already influenced policy changes and resulted in publications in The Lancet Regional Health. The Momentum Fellowship will provide essential support to complete these impactful projects and strengthen global collaborations with partners, including lead clinicians in the Solomon Islands, the World Health Organization, Pacific Ministries of Health, and the Burnet Institute. These efforts will enable the formation of new research initiatives aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across the region.

Despite significant personal challenges since 2020, including two complicated pregnancies with severe hyperemesis gravidarum and recurrent vasovagal syncope, Manarangi successfully completed her PhD. However, these experiences limited her ability to fully progress her academic career. The Momentum Fellowship will support her return from parental leave, allowing her to advance her research, expand global networks, and increase her competitiveness for future grants and leadership opportunities.

Dr Simranpreet Kaur

Dr. Simranpreet Kaur is pioneering Australia's only multidisciplinary research program dedicated to KIF1A-Associated Neurological Disorders (KAND), a severe childhood dementia disorder with limited life expectancy. Despite its rarity and lack of research, Dr. Kaur has engaged the global KAND family community to expand this initiative, advance knowledge, foster clinical trials, and alleviate the burden on affected families. Her personal experience as a caregiver for a child with additional needs inspired her research, which aims to improve children's health. She has maintained high productivity with the support of the University of Melbourne (UoM) and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) networks, despite career disruptions and chronic illnesses. The Momentum Fellowship is crucial to overcoming personal challenges and advancing her career, enabling her to strengthen her research efforts, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance her competitiveness for external grants, while also bridging salary gaps and supporting a Research Assistant. This support will empower her to accelerate research initiatives, attain leadership roles in research and advocacy, and expand her research program.

Dr. Elena Schneider-Futscik

Dr. Elena Schneider-Futschik leads the cystic fibrosis pharmacology lab, where she contributes groundbreaking research to develop intervention strategies for vulnerable patient cohorts. Her work has made exceptional contributions to understanding and addressing cystic fibrosis, one of the most common chronic life-threatening genetic disorders. She has successfully secured a grant from Vaincre la Mucoviscidose and submitted NHMRC Investigator and Ideas Grants and a MRFF Respiratory Grant. The Momentum Fellowship supports her research by providing resources to maintain her progress and secure external funding, enabling her to continue advancing her vital work in cystic fibrosis pharmacology.

Dr Bao Nguyen

Dr. Bao Nguyen is a clinician-researcher specializing in human vision neuroscience. She completed her optometry degree, PhD, and postdoctoral training at The University of Melbourne, where she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing. Her research explores changes in the visual system across the lifespan and in neurological conditions, using clinical tests and neuroscientific methods. As a lecturer, she focuses on enhancing professionalism and empathy among optometry students and develops digital resources to expand optometry practices. Dr. Nguyen also manages an interdisciplinary project to create a device for detecting raised intracranial pressure. She is developing skills in entrepreneurship and innovation, supported by the Momentum Fellowship, which will aid her medtech development efforts by enabling her to strengthen relationships with university and industry partners and advance her project.

Dr Vanessa Ferdinand

Dr Vanessa Ferdinand is a researcher in Computational Cognitive Science in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. The Momentum Fellowship will support Vanessa to progress a new collaboration with the Melbourne Centre for Data Science, specifically on predictive processing in human behaviour and the extraction of causal features from complex data. The Fellowship provides Vanessa with research independence and resources to complete existing projects and develop new collaborations that focus on her career development.

Dr Claudia Marck

Dr Claudia Marck is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. Claudia's research focuses on improving health outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disease, most commonly diagnosed in young women. This Fellowship will enable Claudia to increase her research outputs and re-build national and international collaborations. It will also enable her to undertake knowledge translation and exchange activities including, for example, developing materials for clinicians with the aim to improve practice.

Dr Alexandra Devine

Alex Devine is a leading disability researcher in the Disability and Health Unit at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. Alex has led innovative disability-inclusive research and development projects in Australia and internationally. Her research aims to improve the experience of engaging with disability systems such as Disability Employment Services (DES) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Momentum Fellowship will support Alex to progress research focusing on people with psychosocial conditions, First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and how they engage with these complex systems.

Dr Emily Karanges

Emily Karanges is a Research Fellow in youth substance use and mental health in the Centre for Youth Mental Health. With a background in behavioural neuroscience and pharmacoepidemiology, Emily's research focuses on early intervention and youth-focused treatment development for problematic cannabis use and withdrawal. The Momentum Fellowship will enable Emily to develop a program of research on cannabis use disorder and its treatment in young people. The fellowship will support Emily's expertise in clinical trial and cannabis use research, generating critical pilot data to support funding applications, strengthening collaborations, and building leadership capacity.

Dr Sheila Patel

Sheila Patel is a Senior Research Fellow based in the Department of Medicine at Austin Health, Melbourne Medical School. Her research identifies novel biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. The goal of her research is to use personalised medicine to prevent or delay cardiovascular disease and its complications, by developing new treatment strategies in cardiovascular disease. The Momentum Fellowship will support Sheila's research goals, enhance her competitiveness for funding applications and research independence and build her leadership capacity.

Dr Jess Heerde

Jess Heerde is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics (Melbourne Medical School), Research Fellow (Westpac Scholars Trust) and Honorary Research Fellow (Centre for Adolescent Health, Population Health Studies of Adolescents, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute). She is a research leader in youth homelessness. The Momentum Fellowship will help Jess to progress and build momentum for subsequent funding applications and enhance her capacity for her ongoing research and advocacy in this field.

Dr Kate Filia

Kate Filia is an emerging leader in the field of social inclusion and mental health. Based in the Centre for Youth Mental Health, Kate has developed a novel measure of social inclusion, and a research program dedicated to understanding differences between, and improving, social inclusion across psychiatric diagnoses, developmental stages, in caregivers and at-risk population groups. Kate has experienced significant career interruptions and this fellowship will enhance her capacity to pursue opportunities as an independent researcher, as well as leverage opportunities for future funding support.