Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships - RMIT University
Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers/vice-chancellors-indigenous-research-fellowships
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships - RMIT University
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
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RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
Great minds. Real world impact.
Learn more about VCIRF
Home
/
Careers
/
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
Each year, RMIT brings on the world’s best and brightest researchers and teams to undertake transdisciplinary applied research that creates positive impact for society, the economy and the environment.
For this round, our focus is on building a supportive, embracing, and safe environment for researchers, and transdisciplinary capability in Regenerative Futures, MedTech Innovation, and Digital Innovation. Positions are available for Indigenous Principal Research Fellows, Indigenous Senior Research Fellows, Indigenous Research Fellows, and Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellows.
Great minds. Real-world impact.
Applications for RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships Program are now
CLOSED
.
Learn more about VCIRF
Global challenges
The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to flourish and make a difference in areas that matter for our communities and our future. If you are ambitious and enjoy working in team environments to achieve impact from your excellent research, we invite you to apply to become an RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow.
Acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s care for Country over millennia, we live in a world that is undergoing great change and uncertainty. Over the coming decades, we will live and work through complex challenges in climate, security, inequality, health and wellbeing, technological evolutions, and emerging social movements. RMIT University is committed to work with our partners and communities to find new solutions and apply transdisciplinary approaches to help society navigate through these complex challenges.
Applications are now open at Academic levels A-D in three Strategic Research Priority Areas, as follows:
Regenerative futures
Going beyond ‘sustainable’ practices to restore, renew and revitalise social, economic, and environmental systems.
MedTech innovation
Revolutionising health outcomes and health expectations through innovation in medical technologies.
Digital innovation
Advancing world-leading and multidisciplinary digital innovation research for a prosperous and secure digital future.
Learn about the Strategic Priority Research Areas
Fellowships and benefits
A four-year, prestigious RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowship available across four categories covering academic levels A to D with generous research support funding
Access to research support funding of $10,000-$40,000 per annum, dependent on Fellowship category
Access to RMIT’s research facilities and interdisciplinary networks including the
Indigenous Research Network
Mentoring
Access to researcher development programs to discover new pathways to impact
Supported and flexible workplace – RMIT is a recognised employer of choice.
Who is RMIT?
University Values
Our values are the heart of RMIT. They guide what we do, how we make decisions, and how we treat each other.
Learn about our values
RMIT Indigenous Research Plan 2023-2025
Our Knowledge with Action strategy commits RMIT to developing a research and innovation ecosystem that recognises and integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, world views and lifeways as important knowledge systems for driving impact.
Download RMIT Indigenous Research Plan (PDF 9.4 MB)
RMIT Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment Plan
The plan strengthens our commitment to providing a safe work environment that is equitable and inclusive of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees and prospective employees.
Download Indigenous Employment Plan (PDF 6.9 MB)
Who can apply?
RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers who are outstanding in their field and who meet the eligibility and selection criteria.
Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships are not available to RMIT employees with current ongoing academic appointments.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD/Doctorate qualification
Must identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Additional eligibility criteria may apply. Please refer to the specific eligibility criteria under each of the Fellowship categories.
Applications close
Applications closed on
2 September 2025 at 12:00 pm
.
Apply now
Applications for the RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellows are now
CLOSED
.
Meet some of our existing fellows
Dr Eugenia Flynn
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Eugenia Flynn
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Eugenia Flynn: I wanted a postdoc position somewhere that was research only and I think in terms of my research, it's interdisciplinary and it could go in two different directions. So I could either be very firmly ensconced in the discipline of critical Indigenous studies, or I could be in writing and publishing and one of the things that really attracted me to RMIT was the kind of renowned program for writing and publishing, particularly because I am a creative writer and I wanted to get back to that practice post PhD.
Have conversations. Don't be shy. Talk to people.
I spoke to people. I reached out to people that I knew were working in the area that I wanted to go into the discipline of writing and publishing in the School of Media and Communication. So I reached out to them when I was applying. I reached out because I'm indigenous and I have an Indigenous postdoctoral fellowship here.
I spoke to other Indigenous staff, academic staff who are working at RMIT, so the VCRF has supported my research journey through being in lots of ways a very free program. I get to direct that myself, and I really wanted that freedom coming out of my work experience and coming out of my PhD in my doctoral research. I wanted that freedom to be able to think things through.
You know, when you are doing a PhD, you have that time allocated to to be able to really think deeply about your research area. But I wanted that to be extended. I wanted more time and now that I had been well, once I had been through the training of a PhD and sort of felt a bit more certain as a researcher, I really wanted more time to explore.
I think also the funding that you get to, you know, that supports that exploration has been incredibly important for me and my research.
I just came back from a research trip to North America and was able to connect with other people who are working in indigenous literature and creative writing, and I would not have been able to do that without this fellowship. So that's been really important to me and community, I think as well, being able to connect with, you know, Indigenous people who are working in creative writing, literature and publishing, definitely.
You know, my role here at RMIT has opened up doors in that regard.
Dr Erica Kuligowski
Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Erica Kuligowski
Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Nasir Mahmood
Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Nasir Mahmood
Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Speaker 1
The motivation to apply for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship is my ambition to change the world. Automated provides all the facilities and support that is required. RMIT provides the intellectual environment and leadership and mentorship that is that no other institute provides. RMIT university provides freedom to work. It provides the freedom to lead so you can lead big projects. So you can hire staff.
Speaker 1
You can lead PHDs as well as you can initiate new research areas which have an impact beyond academia. If someone is competitive and they want to establish their own research area to change the world, I would recommend them to applying for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship as it provide all those components which are required to fulfill their research needs, as well as to improve their skills and to be considered as tomorrow's leaders.
Dr Simone De Luca
Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.
Dr Simone De Luca
Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.
Find out more about our research fellows
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fellowship or application process, please contact the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships Coordinator using the email below.
Email
:
researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au
.
Learn more about VCIRF
About RMIT University
RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise. The University’s mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work. For more information on RMIT University explore the links below.
Our three main campuses in Melbourne are located in the heart of the City, Brunswick and Bundoora. Other locations include Point Cook, Hamilton and Bendigo, two campuses in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and a centre in Barcelona, Spain. RMIT is a truly global university.
We are also committed to redefining our relationship in working with, and supporting, Indigenous self-determination. Our goal is to achieve lasting transformation by maturing our values, culture, policy and structures in a way that embeds reconciliation in everything we do. We are changing our ways of knowing, working and being to support sustainable reconciliation and activate a relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, students and community. Our three campuses in Melbourne (City, Brunswick and Bundoora campuses) are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation.
This initiative supports the
HR Excellence in Research Award
, which is recognised by the European Commission for institutions that make progress in aligning their human resources policies to the European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The standards support researchers and includes general principles on the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers, employers and funders, and a commitment to the advancement of research.
Explore more
About RMIT
Indigenous Education Engagement
Universities Australia - RMIT
RMIT Reputation and Rankings
Research Impact
RMIT Locations and Facilities
Explore more
About RMIT
Indigenous Education Engagement
Universities Australia - RMIT
RMIT Reputation and Rankings
Research Impact
RMIT Locations and Facilities
To learn more about RMIT, our programs, and the inspiring people we're investing in, follow us on
LinkedIn
,
Facebook
,
Twitter
and
Instagram
.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
News
Events
Library
Maps
Careers
Contacts
Study with Us
Levels of study
Online courses and degrees
Single courses
Applying to RMIT
International students
Parents
Careers advisers
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Research
Our research
Centres and collaborations
Partnerships
Research degrees
Find researchers
Research contacts
Partner
Workforce development
Staff development and training
Research partnerships
Facilities and equipment services
Giving
About
Our strategy
Governance and management
Values
Sustainability
Schools and colleges
Our locations and facilities
Copyright © 2026 RMIT University
|
Terms
|
Privacy
|
Accessibility
|
Website feedback
|
Complaints
|
ABN 49 781 030 034
|
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
|
TEQSA provider number: PRV12145
|
RTO Code: 3046
|
Open Universities Australia
|
RMIT Training Pty Ltd, trading as RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), CRICOS Provider Code: 01912G
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
SKIP TO CONTENT
Search field
Search
Search
RMIT Australia
RMIT Europe
RMIT Global
RMIT Vietnam
RMIT UP
RMIT Online
Students
Alumni
Staff
Library
RMIT Online
Courses
Courses by study area
Undergraduate courses
Postgraduate courses
Vocational studies
Pre-university studies
Online courses and degrees
Entry pathways
Single courses
Short courses and microcredentials
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Study with us
How to apply
Fees
Scholarships
School leaver information
Student services
Student experience
Key dates
Indigenous students
Parents
Career advisers
Contact Study@RMIT
Frequently asked questions
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Contact Study@RMIT
About
News
Events
Maps
Careers
Contact us
Our strategy
Governance & management
Schools & colleges
Respect for Australian Indigenous cultures
Our locations and facilities
Our heritage
Regenerative Futures
Research
Our research
Impact
Research degrees
Facilities
Partnerships
Find researchers
Centres and collaborations
Contact
Partner
Recruit students and graduates
Workforce development
Collaborate with RMIT
Research partnerships
Facilities, equipment and services
Contact Industry Engagement
Giving to RMIT
International
Study in Australia
Apply to RMIT as an international student
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Fees and scholarships for international students
International student services
Key dates and intake information for international students
Frequently asked questions
RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
Great minds. Real world impact.
Learn more about VCIRF
Home
/
Careers
/
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships
Each year, RMIT brings on the world’s best and brightest researchers and teams to undertake transdisciplinary applied research that creates positive impact for society, the economy and the environment.
For this round, our focus is on building a supportive, embracing, and safe environment for researchers, and transdisciplinary capability in Regenerative Futures, MedTech Innovation, and Digital Innovation. Positions are available for Indigenous Principal Research Fellows, Indigenous Senior Research Fellows, Indigenous Research Fellows, and Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellows.
Great minds. Real-world impact.
Applications for RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships Program are now
CLOSED
.
Learn more about VCIRF
Global challenges
The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to flourish and make a difference in areas that matter for our communities and our future. If you are ambitious and enjoy working in team environments to achieve impact from your excellent research, we invite you to apply to become an RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow.
Acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s care for Country over millennia, we live in a world that is undergoing great change and uncertainty. Over the coming decades, we will live and work through complex challenges in climate, security, inequality, health and wellbeing, technological evolutions, and emerging social movements. RMIT University is committed to work with our partners and communities to find new solutions and apply transdisciplinary approaches to help society navigate through these complex challenges.
Applications are now open at Academic levels A-D in three Strategic Research Priority Areas, as follows:
Regenerative futures
Going beyond ‘sustainable’ practices to restore, renew and revitalise social, economic, and environmental systems.
MedTech innovation
Revolutionising health outcomes and health expectations through innovation in medical technologies.
Digital innovation
Advancing world-leading and multidisciplinary digital innovation research for a prosperous and secure digital future.
Learn about the Strategic Priority Research Areas
Fellowships and benefits
A four-year, prestigious RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowship available across four categories covering academic levels A to D with generous research support funding
Access to research support funding of $10,000-$40,000 per annum, dependent on Fellowship category
Access to RMIT’s research facilities and interdisciplinary networks including the
Indigenous Research Network
Mentoring
Access to researcher development programs to discover new pathways to impact
Supported and flexible workplace – RMIT is a recognised employer of choice.
Who is RMIT?
University Values
Our values are the heart of RMIT. They guide what we do, how we make decisions, and how we treat each other.
Learn about our values
RMIT Indigenous Research Plan 2023-2025
Our Knowledge with Action strategy commits RMIT to developing a research and innovation ecosystem that recognises and integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, world views and lifeways as important knowledge systems for driving impact.
Download RMIT Indigenous Research Plan (PDF 9.4 MB)
RMIT Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment Plan
The plan strengthens our commitment to providing a safe work environment that is equitable and inclusive of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees and prospective employees.
Download Indigenous Employment Plan (PDF 6.9 MB)
Who can apply?
RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers who are outstanding in their field and who meet the eligibility and selection criteria.
Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowships are not available to RMIT employees with current ongoing academic appointments.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD/Doctorate qualification
Must identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Additional eligibility criteria may apply. Please refer to the specific eligibility criteria under each of the Fellowship categories.
Applications close
Applications closed on
2 September 2025 at 12:00 pm
.
Apply now
Applications for the RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellows are now
CLOSED
.
Meet some of our existing fellows
Dr Eugenia Flynn
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Eugenia Flynn
Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Eugenia Flynn: I wanted a postdoc position somewhere that was research only and I think in terms of my research, it's interdisciplinary and it could go in two different directions. So I could either be very firmly ensconced in the discipline of critical Indigenous studies, or I could be in writing and publishing and one of the things that really attracted me to RMIT was the kind of renowned program for writing and publishing, particularly because I am a creative writer and I wanted to get back to that practice post PhD.
Have conversations. Don't be shy. Talk to people.
I spoke to people. I reached out to people that I knew were working in the area that I wanted to go into the discipline of writing and publishing in the School of Media and Communication. So I reached out to them when I was applying. I reached out because I'm indigenous and I have an Indigenous postdoctoral fellowship here.
I spoke to other Indigenous staff, academic staff who are working at RMIT, so the VCRF has supported my research journey through being in lots of ways a very free program. I get to direct that myself, and I really wanted that freedom coming out of my work experience and coming out of my PhD in my doctoral research. I wanted that freedom to be able to think things through.
You know, when you are doing a PhD, you have that time allocated to to be able to really think deeply about your research area. But I wanted that to be extended. I wanted more time and now that I had been well, once I had been through the training of a PhD and sort of felt a bit more certain as a researcher, I really wanted more time to explore.
I think also the funding that you get to, you know, that supports that exploration has been incredibly important for me and my research.
I just came back from a research trip to North America and was able to connect with other people who are working in indigenous literature and creative writing, and I would not have been able to do that without this fellowship. So that's been really important to me and community, I think as well, being able to connect with, you know, Indigenous people who are working in creative writing, literature and publishing, definitely.
You know, my role here at RMIT has opened up doors in that regard.
Dr Erica Kuligowski
Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Erica Kuligowski
Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Nasir Mahmood
Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Dr Nasir Mahmood
Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Engineering.
Speaker 1
The motivation to apply for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship is my ambition to change the world. Automated provides all the facilities and support that is required. RMIT provides the intellectual environment and leadership and mentorship that is that no other institute provides. RMIT university provides freedom to work. It provides the freedom to lead so you can lead big projects. So you can hire staff.
Speaker 1
You can lead PHDs as well as you can initiate new research areas which have an impact beyond academia. If someone is competitive and they want to establish their own research area to change the world, I would recommend them to applying for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship as it provide all those components which are required to fulfill their research needs, as well as to improve their skills and to be considered as tomorrow's leaders.
Dr Simone De Luca
Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.
Dr Simone De Luca
Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.
Find out more about our research fellows
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fellowship or application process, please contact the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships Coordinator using the email below.
:
researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au
.
Learn more about VCIRF
About RMIT University
RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise. The University’s mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work. For more information on RMIT University explore the links below.
Our three main campuses in Melbourne are located in the heart of the City, Brunswick and Bundoora. Other locations include Point Cook, Hamilton and Bendigo, two campuses in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and a centre in Barcelona, Spain. RMIT is a truly global university.
We are also committed to redefining our relationship in working with, and supporting, Indigenous self-determination. Our goal is to achieve lasting transformation by maturing our values, culture, policy and structures in a way that embeds reconciliation in everything we do. We are changing our ways of knowing, working and being to support sustainable reconciliation and activate a relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, students and community. Our three campuses in Melbourne (City, Brunswick and Bundoora campuses) are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation.
This initiative supports the
HR Excellence in Research Award
, which is recognised by the European Commission for institutions that make progress in aligning their human resources policies to the European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The standards support researchers and includes general principles on the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers, employers and funders, and a commitment to the advancement of research.
Explore more
About RMIT
Indigenous Education Engagement
Universities Australia - RMIT
RMIT Reputation and Rankings
Research Impact
RMIT Locations and Facilities
Explore more
About RMIT
Indigenous Education Engagement
Universities Australia - RMIT
RMIT Reputation and Rankings
Research Impact
RMIT Locations and Facilities
To learn more about RMIT, our programs, and the inspiring people we're investing in, follow us on
,
,
and
.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
News
Events
Library
Maps
Careers
Contacts
Study with Us
Levels of study
Online courses and degrees
Single courses
Applying to RMIT
International students
Parents
Careers advisers
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Research
Our research
Centres and collaborations
Partnerships
Research degrees
Find researchers
Research contacts
Partner
Workforce development
Staff development and training
Research partnerships
Facilities and equipment services
Giving
About
Our strategy
Governance and management
Values
Sustainability
Schools and colleges
Our locations and facilities
Copyright © 2026 RMIT University
|
Terms
|
Privacy
|
Accessibility
|
Website feedback
|
Complaints
|
ABN 49 781 030 034
|
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
|
TEQSA provider number: PRV12145
|
RTO Code: 3046
|
Open Universities Australia
|
RMIT Training Pty Ltd, trading as RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), CRICOS Provider Code: 01912G