New Futures Mobility Fund: Boost Your STEM Career in Australia

The New Futures Mobility Fund is a significant opportunity for humanitarian visa holders in Australia looking to advance their careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Delivered by the Australian Academy of Science, this fund aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent individuals from attending important scientific events. By supporting participation in conferences, workshops, and symposia across Australia, the program helps strengthen research capabilities, build professional networks, and increase visibility within the Australian scientific community.

Overview of the New Futures Mobility Fund

The New Futures Mobility Fund offers competitive grants to eligible applicants. These grants are specifically designed to help individuals attend structured scientific or professional development events held within Australia. The core goals of this initiative are to foster research growth, expand professional connections, support career advancement, and make Australia’s STEM community more accessible to those with humanitarian visas. The program is made possible through the generosity of Jaishree Srinivasan and Academy Fellow Emeritus Professor Srini Srinivasan AM FAA FRS.

Key Dates for the 2026 Application Cycle

It is important for potential applicants to be aware of the critical dates for the 2026 application period. Missing these deadlines could mean missing out on this valuable funding opportunity.

• Applications Open: May 18, 2026
• Applications Close: July 9, 2026
• Notification of Outcome: September 2026
• Funding Agreements Issued: October 2026 (Funded activities may commence after this date)

Program Highlights

The New Futures Mobility Fund provides several key benefits to its recipients, focusing on professional and research development. These highlights are designed to offer substantial support to individuals seeking to grow within Australia’s STEM sector.

1. Funding Support

The fund provides financial assistance to attend recognized scientific conferences, symposia, workshops, and other STEM-focused events held within Australia. This support directly addresses the cost barriers that often prevent participation.

2. Career Development Opportunities

By enabling attendance at professional events, the fund offers chances for networking with peers and established researchers. This increased visibility can lead to collaborations and further career progression.

3. Flexible Funding

The program aims to be accessible by offering flexible funding options. This approach helps reduce financial obstacles and ensures that more eligible individuals can benefit from the opportunity.

4. Support for Research Training and Activity

Funding can be used for activities that directly support research training, ongoing research projects, and general professional development within STEM fields. This focus ensures that the grants contribute meaningfully to an applicant’s scientific journey.

5. Engagement with Australia’s Scientific Community

The fund provides a pathway for recipients to connect with and become more integrated into Australia’s broader scientific community. Expanding research networks is a key outcome, fostering future collaborations and knowledge sharing.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the New Futures Mobility Fund, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their residency, visa status, and current research engagement in Australia.

Applicant Eligibility

At the time of application, individuals must:

• Be currently residing in Australia.
• Hold an eligible humanitarian visa subclass.
• Be actively engaged in research training or research activities within Australia.
• Be seeking funding to attend a recognized STEM scientific conference, symposium, workshop, or similar event located within Australia.

Eligible Humanitarian Visa Subclasses

The following visa subclasses are currently considered eligible for this program:

• Refugee (subclass 200)
• In-country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201)
• Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)
• Emergency Rescue (subclass 203)
• Woman at Risk (subclass 204)
• Protection visa (subclass 866)

It is important to note that as of May 29, 2026, subclasses 866 and 202 were newly added to the list of eligible visa types.

Eligible Applicant Profiles

The fund is open to several categories of individuals involved in STEM research:

• Master’s students.
• PhD candidates.
• Early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) who have been awarded a Master’s or PhD degree within the last 15 years from the application deadline. Extensions may be granted for significant interruptions to a career, such as prolonged illness or family care responsibilities.

Eligible Activities

All proposed activities must take place within Australia. Applicants must clearly explain how their participation in the chosen event will contribute to strengthening their research capabilities, expanding their professional networks, and advancing their career development.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• Attending recognized scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops.
• Participating in specialist training courses or masterclasses that are connected to scientific events.
• Engaging in professional development opportunities that support research training or ongoing research activities.
• Joining research translation or industry engagement forums that have a clear STEM focus.
• Other professional development opportunities that receive approval from the Australian Academy of Science.

The Academy reserves the right to request further information if the scientific relevance of a proposed event is not immediately clear from the application.

Fields of Research

Applications are encouraged from individuals working across the full spectrum of STEM fields. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

Eligible Australian Research Organisations (EROs)

Applicants must be affiliated with or employed by an eligible Australian research organization. These organizations include:

• Australian universities and other tertiary education institutions.
• Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs).
• Publicly funded research agencies.
• State or territory-funded research organizations.
• Public or private Australian research companies.
• Australian not-for-profit research organizations.
• Other incorporated Australian entities that conduct research.

There are specific requirements for these organizations: they must be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST), and universities must be income tax exempt. Non-corporate Commonwealth entities are not eligible to host applicants for this fund.

Additional Program Information

Beyond the core eligibility and activity requirements, applicants should be aware of the broader program details.

Terms of Award

Successful applicants will be provided with detailed terms and conditions. These cover funding conditions, what expenses are allowable, and the requirements for managing the grant effectively.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Australian Academy of Science’s online portal. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documentation is accurately completed and submitted by the deadline.

Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. They are evaluated based on several factors, including whether the applicant meets all eligibility criteria, the merit of their research proposal, the relevance of the proposed event to their career, and the potential positive impact on their research journey.

Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients are required to submit a final report after their funded activity has concluded. This report should detail the outcomes achieved and the benefits gained from participating in the event.

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