Are you a passionate researcher seeking a world-class opportunity to drive change, lead groundbreaking projects, and receive full government funding while based in Australia? Look no further than the Discovery Program Fellowships 2025, offered by the Australian Research Council (ARC) – a goldmine for early and mid-career researchers around the world!
What is the Discovery Program Fellowship Scheme?
The ARC Discovery Program is one of the most sought-after research funding schemes in Australia. For 2025, it features several high-value fellowships aimed at boosting innovation, supporting talent, and creating a sustainable research environment across disciplines. These fellowships are open to domestic and international researchers, including students planning to transition into postdoctoral roles.
Here are the key schemes open under the Discovery banner:
Future Fellowships 2025
For Mid-Career Researchers (5–15 years post-PhD)
These four-year fellowships support talented researchers who have demonstrated potential for international leadership. The fellowship includes a generous annual salary + AUD 60,000 per year for research expenses.
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Salary + AUD 60,000/year project costs
- Outcome Announcement: July 8–21, 2025
- Eligibility: PhD completed within the last 5–15 years; strong publication record; must propose a project of national significance.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)
For Emerging Researchers (2–7 years post-PhD)
This prestigious award targets promising early career researchers ready to establish themselves in their field.
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Salary + approx. AUD 50,000/year for project support
- Focus: Support excellent basic and applied research
- Ideal for: Recent PhD graduates aiming to build their academic profile.
Australian Laureate Fellowships
For Distinguished Research Leaders
This is Australia’s flagship research fellowship for senior researchers. Fellows receive large-scale funding and may also be eligible for additional awards like the Kathleen Fitzpatrick or Georgina Sweet fellowships.
- Duration: 5 years
- Funding: AUD 250,000+ per year
- Purpose: Support world-class research leaders making significant national and global impact.
Discovery Indigenous Scheme
Designed to support Indigenous researchers, this scheme promotes Indigenous-led projects and builds research capacity within Indigenous communities.
- Open to: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers
- Focus: Indigenous knowledge systems, history, health, and other relevant areas
- Duration/Funding: Varies.
Important Dates to Note (Future Fellowships 2025)
For the Future Fellowships 2025 under the ARC Discovery Program, the rejoinder period—during which applicants may respond to reviewer comments—will take place from March 6 to March 19, 2025. The final outcomes for successful applicants are expected to be announced between July 8 and July 21, 2025.
