The New Futures Mobility Fund is a significant national initiative in Australia, designed to support individuals holding humanitarian visas. This program aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent these individuals from participating in recognized scientific conferences, symposia, workshops, and other STEM-focused professional events held within Australia. By providing competitive mobility grants, the fund seeks to strengthen research capabilities, expand professional networks, and enhance career development for emerging and established researchers. The New Futures Mobility Fund is delivered by the Australian Academy of Science and is made possible through generous contributions from Jaishree Srinivasan and Academy Fellow Emeritus Professor Srini Srinivasan AM FAA FRS.
Program Overview and Objectives
The New Futures Mobility Fund offers grants to eligible applicants to attend scientific or professional development events across Australia. The core objectives of this program are to foster research growth, build professional connections, and advance careers within Australia’s STEM community. It specifically targets individuals who may face financial challenges in accessing these valuable opportunities, thereby increasing their visibility and engagement within the Australian scientific landscape.
Key Dates for the 2026 Application Cycle
Prospective applicants should be aware of the critical dates for the 2026 application period. Applications opened on May 18, 2026, and the deadline for submissions is July 9, 2026. Successful applicants can expect to be notified of the outcome in September 2026, with funding agreements typically issued in October 2026, allowing funded activities to commence thereafter.
Program Highlights and Benefits
The New Futures Mobility Fund provides several key benefits to its recipients. These include financial support for attending recognized STEM events within Australia, opportunities for career development through networking and increased visibility, and flexible funding options designed to improve accessibility. The program also supports research training, research activities, and professional development, offering a chance to connect with Australia’s broader scientific community and expand research networks.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the New Futures Mobility Fund, applicants must meet specific criteria.
Applicant Eligibility
At the time of application, individuals must be residing in Australia and hold an eligible humanitarian visa subclass. They must also be actively engaged in research training or research activity within Australia. The purpose of their application must be to seek funding for attendance at a recognized STEM scientific conference, symposium, workshop, or a similar event taking place within Australia.
Eligible Humanitarian Visa Subclasses
The program accepts applications from holders of the following visa subclasses: Refugee (subclass 200), In-country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201), Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202), Emergency Rescue (subclass 203), Woman at Risk (subclass 204), and 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 Masters students, PhD candidates, and early- to mid-career researchers (EMCRs). For EMCRs, they must have been awarded a Masters or PhD up to 15 years prior to the application deadline. Extensions may be granted for individuals who have experienced significant career interruptions.
Eligible Activities
All proposed activities must be based in Australia and clearly demonstrate how participation will contribute to strengthening the applicant’s research capabilities, professional networks, and overall career development.
Types of Eligible Activities
Eligible activities include attending recognized scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops. Specialist training courses or masterclasses that are linked to scientific events are also supported. Professional development opportunities that aid research training or activity, research translation forums, industry engagement events with a STEM focus, and other professional opportunities approved by the Academy are also considered. The Academy reserves the right to request further clarification if the scientific relevance of a proposed event is not immediately clear.
Fields of Research
Applications are welcomed from all disciplines within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This broad scope ensures that a wide range of research areas can benefit from the fund.
Eligible Australian Research Organisations (EROs)
Applicants must be affiliated with or employed by an eligible Australian research organization. This includes a variety of entities such as Australian tertiary education institutions, cooperative research centers, publicly funded research agencies, state or territory-funded research organizations, public or private Australian research companies, and Australian not-for-profit research organizations. Other incorporated Australian entities may also be eligible. It is important for EROs to be registered for GST. Universities must be income tax exempt. Non-corporate Commonwealth entities are not eligible to act as EROs.
Additional Program Information
Terms of Award
The terms of the award outline the specific funding conditions, details on allowable expenses, and the requirements for grant management.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through the Academy’s online portal. Applicants are required to provide all necessary documentation as specified in the application guidelines.
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed based on several key criteria: eligibility of the applicant and the proposed activity, the merit of the research or professional development plan, the relevance of the event to the applicant’s field, and the potential impact on the applicant’s research career.
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants are obligated to submit a final report. This report should detail the outcomes achieved and the benefits gained from participating in the funded activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Futures Mobility Fund?
It’s a national initiative in Australia that offers grants to individuals on humanitarian visas to attend scientific conferences and professional development events within Australia.
Who is eligible to apply for the fund?
You must be residing in Australia, hold an eligible humanitarian visa subclass, and be actively involved in research training or activity. Masters students, PhD candidates, and early- to mid-career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
What kind of events can the fund cover?
The fund supports attendance at recognized scientific conferences, symposia, workshops, specialist training courses, masterclasses, research translation forums, and STEM-focused industry engagement events held in Australia.
When is the application deadline for 2026?
Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on May 18, 2026, and the deadline for submissions is July 9, 2026.
