Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Grant

Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ecological Society of Australia
Amount: Up to A $8,500
Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Summary

The Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Grant, offered by the Ecological Society of Australia, supports Australian PhD students with research funding up to $22,500 for wildlife studies. The grant focuses on ecological interactions, conservation biology, and wildlife management. Eligible applicants include those conducting fieldwork on native species, with specific funding for communication of research outcomes. This grant encourages early-stage doctoral students to apply and emphasizes adherence to ethical research practices.

Overview

Ecological Society of Australia The Ecological Society of Australia Ltd (ESA) is the peak group of ecologists in Australia, with over 1000 members from all states and territories. The ESA has an impressive 60 year history supporting ecologists, promoting ecology and ecological research. Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Focus Areas The Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment invites applications for post-graduate student research support in three general areas: Field work on Australian native plants and animals to gain understanding of ecological interactions, population dynamics, animal behaviour, and species distribution Conservation biology and biodiversity studies relating to the management of protected areas and rare or threatened species in Australia Wildlife management relating to sport hunting, harvesting, pest control, management of non-game animals, and effect of land management on native species. Important Notes Most Universities set a three year limit on PhD student registration but some exceptions apply, especially for part time students. These grants will usually be renewable for a period of two to three years, for funding purposes the maximum grant for a project will be $22,500; pending satisfactory progress reporting. In their final year, applicants may apply for up to $3000 to assist with costs associated with communication of their research (including publishing fees or costs related to presenting at a conference or attending a workshop). The funds can be used to achieve more than one publication (for final year applicants) or attend more than one conference/workshop. Applicants will need to provide details of the name and location of the publication or conference, a breakdown of the costs associated, how the publication/conference relates to the applicant’s project and how it will assist with communicating results of the project. Funding to attend international conferences is restricted to continuing students in their final funding year as part of fund allocation to communicate their research (see note above). First and Second year applicants can apply for a maximum of $800 to attend domestic conferences only. Successful Holsworth recipients in their first and second years are strongly encouraged to attend ESA conferences and present their research. The Endowment offers two (2) funding rounds per annum, however students are only eligible to receive one grant per year. Students who applied for a grant and were unsuccessful can re-apply at the next funding round. General Conditions Acceptance of funding from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment – Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation will imply that research involving animal experimentation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. It must also pass the recognised Animal Ethics Committee of their institution. Permission from the appropriate land custodians must also be obtained. Acceptance of grant funds will also imply that permits will be obtained from the relevant government authorities if the research requires permission to work in National Parks or other protected areas, or to collect plant and animal specimens. The student should be encouraged to attend and present papers or posters at scientific conferences. The budget for the project may include travel to conferences. Acknowledgment of support from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment – Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation and Ecological Society of Australia is expected in presentations and publications.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligibility is limited to Universities in Australia.Applications are open to Australian PhD students.Grants will be awarded for the purchase of equipment, supplies, travel to study areas and conferences to assist students going into the field and publishing their results.Applicants must be made via your University Grants office, not by students or supervisors.Grant awards are paid to the University.We would prefer that all the funds requested for the student's research be allocated for the work of the student and not for the general administration of the School or Department.We consider that the Government should be providing funds for that purpose. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Applicants must be current members of the Ecological Society of Australia at the time of submitting their application but do not need a member login to access or submit the application form. Membership status will be verified by the assessment committee following application.

Ineligibility

Funding for course fees, personal laptops or computers will not be approved.Students with less than 12 months remaining on their candidature are ineligible to apply as new applicants.Masters and Honours projects are not eligible.Grants are not available to individuals but are made only to organisations to which gifts are deductible under Section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth).Funds are not to be used for general university administration or indirect cost recovery purposes. Continuing applicants with more than $2000 of uncommitted funds from previous Holsworth rounds are not eligible to apply, unless it can be demonstrated that the funds have already been committed (e.g. the student is awaiting an invoice from a recently paid expense).