ARC announces $58m funding for Australian Laureate Fellowships

The Australian Research Council (ARC) has allocated $58.3 million in funding over five years for 17 Australian Laureate Fellowships, supporting groundbreaking research excellence across a broad range of areas.

Cutting-edge senior researchers who can provide a supportive research environment for early-career researchers and conduct research for the benefit of national and international communities receive Australian Laureate Fellowships. The ARC’s Acting CEO, Dr Richard Johnson, said the scheme is an important part of the ARC’s Discovery Program.

“The Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme offers researchers the opportunity to design ambitious research programs around a team of postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students, which is vital for ensuring high-quality mentorship of Australia’s up-and-coming researchers,” Johnson said.

“One 2024 Australian Laureate Fellow will work with scientific and government partners to develop mathematical modelling techniques to enhance Australia’s capability in responding to public health emergencies, while another will explore the role of the arts in effectively communicating the impact of climate change.”

The 17 Australian Laureate Fellowships include two fellowships for female researchers who undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and to encourage outstanding female early-career researchers to pursue a research career in Australia.

The Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship has been awarded to Professor Jacqueline Peel, whose research aims to accelerate policy and law reform for rapidly reducing corporate emissions to net zero. The Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship has meanwhile been awarded to Professor Hongxia Wang, whose research aims to make solar cells highly efficient at energy conversion and more durable, maximising their cost-effectiveness and useful life.

For the full list of 2024 Australian Laureate Fellows, as well as their research project details, visit the ARC website.

Image credit: iStock.com/Sergey Khakimullin