AMRF Conference Travel Award

Terms & Conditions

1.      INTRODUCTION

The Australian Mountain Research Facility (AMRF) invites students, currently enrolled at an Australian university, and EMCR researchers, currently employed at a recognised Australia scientific research institute, to apply.  The aim of this grant is to support their attendance at scientific conferences, symposia, and professional workshops, and to assist in the development of crucial skills in science communication and professional network development.

The grant scheme recognises applicants at two levels: 

• All applicants will receive personalised feedback from AMRF, and application materials may also be published by AMRF in educational and outreach contexts, offering applicants a tangible science communication output for their professional portfolio, regardless of award outcome. 

• The highest rated applicants in each round will receive up to $1,000AUD. These selected applicants will work with AMRF staff to further refine their video content for publication.

Applications open: August 1, 2026

Applications Close: November 27th, 2026

2.     VALUE

The value of each grant will be up to a maximum of $1000AUD to contribute to eligible expenses. The total grant contribution will be determined by

3.     ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

• Be a currently enrolled Honours, Master's by Research, or PhD student, or an early career postdoctoral researcher at an Australian university or research institution.

• Have used (within the past three years), or are currently using, AMRF infrastructure, field sites, or data products, or be conducting research regarding the socio-economic, cultural, and biological values and services connected to Australia's mountain ecosystems.

Funding may be used to support participation in a scientific conference, or participation in other technical workshops/forum events where AMRF-supported research is presented.

These may include:

• Conference participation: Registration, travel and accommodation for conferences at which the applicant will present AMRF-related research (poster or oral).

• Professional Workshops and Symposia: Attendance at technical workshops, symposia, or similar meetings where the participant will actively present or contribute AMRF-supported research.

• NOTE: Pure training courses where the primary purpose is instruction rather than research exchange/communication are not eligible.

4.     APPLICATION

Applications must include:

1. A 2-3 minute video aimed at a general audience that: introduces you and your research area; outlines your project's aims and approach; explains how AMRF infrastructure and/or data enabled your work, or how it aligns with AMRF's mission; and describes how the proposed activity would support your project and professional development.

2. A brief budget justification outlining how the funds will be used. (This will be assessed by AMRF staff.)

All applicants:

• By submitting an application, applicants consent to their submitted videos and associated material being used by AMRF, TERN and associated partners for outreach, educational, and social media purposes. All video use will be credited. Applicants will retain the right to use their submitted video at their own discretion. This consent may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time without justification.
  
  

5.     SELECTION

Selection will be made based on the calibre of the video submission; its appeal and accessibility to a general audience and its relevance to Australian alpine research (determined by AMRF staff).

6.     SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

• Up to three grants may be awarded each year.

• Successful applicants will work with AMRF staff to refine their submitted video for use in AMRF outreach and communications. Final video submissions must be completed within 4 weeks of notification of the award.

• Funds will be paid as reimbursement, upon provision of receipts or equivalent documentation, for approved expenses. Invoices may also be issued by the recipient’s research establishment.

• Within six weeks of the funded activity, recipients must submit a social media post (approximately 500 words) describing the activity, its outcome, and benefits for publication on AMRF channels. 

• Recipients must formally cite use of AMRF infrastructure, data, and funds (where relevant) in materials submitted to approved events, including but not limited to presentations, posters, publications, and relevant outputs arising from activities facilitated by this funding grant. The use of AMRF support must be within three years of the application.
  
  

7.     TENURE

The grant must be used for the specified purposes within twelve months of its award. If the recipient is unable to make the trip for which the grant was awarded or the undertaken activity does not include AMRF-supported research, AMRF staff have the discretion to approve that the funds awarded be either:

• Held over, for up to twelve months, until an identical journey can be made in the future; or

• Held for use by the recipient for another, not necessarily identical, journey to be taken within twelve months of the award being made; or

• Forgone and possibly awarded to the next person on the reserve list, as recommended by AMRF.

8.     TAXATION

Grant recipients are responsible for seeking taxation advice regarding their own individual circumstances. Please note that grants may be regarded as taxable income if a student is enrolled on a part-time basis.

9.     DISCLAIMER

The award of a grant does not carry any commitment by the University or AMRF for future employment.

For enquiries, contact the AMRF Coordinator, Nathan Battey.

nathan.battey@anu.edu.au