Submissions open for Captain Courageous Fellowship Program (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Nov-2026

The Captain Courageous Fellowship Program is inviting applications from early-career, laboratory-based non-clinician postdoctoral scientists in Australia to conduct research on inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS). The fellowship provides up to AUD $100,000 per year for a maximum of three years to support research that advances the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of inherited BMFS.

About the Captain Courageous Fellowship

The fellowship aims to support the next generation of laboratory-based researchers working to improve knowledge and outcomes related to inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. Supported research can range from fundamental biology to pre-clinical and translational studies. Projects should have the potential to contribute to future diagnostic approaches, therapeutic development, or improved outcomes for people affected by inherited BMFS. Funding Available Successful fellows can receive up to AUD $100,000 per annum for a maximum period of three years. Funding may be used for reasonable costs associated with conducting the approved research, including: - Researcher salary. - Laboratory consumables. - Other reasonable research costs. Funding is provided through milestone-based instalments. What Research Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship supports laboratory-based research focused specifically on inherited BMFS.

Eligible projects may involve:

- Fundamental biological research. - Research into the causes and mechanisms of inherited BMFS. - Development of improved diagnostic approaches. - Pre-clinical research. - Translational research. - Research supporting future therapeutic development. - Research with potential to improve patient outcomes. The proposed research should demonstrate a clear connection to inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and have the potential for meaningful future impact. Eligible Research Costs Funding can support reasonable expenses necessary to carry out the approved research project.

Eligible costs may include:

- Salary. - Laboratory consumables. - Other reasonable research expenses directly related to the project. The fellowship does not cover every research-related expense. Applicants should ensure their proposed budget follows the program’s eligible-cost requirements. What Costs Are Not Eligible? Certain expenses are excluded from fellowship funding, including: - Publication fees. - Equipment. - Support staff. - Indirect costs. - Institutional overheads. Applicants should carefully distinguish eligible research expenses from excluded costs when preparing their budgets. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is intended for early-career, laboratory-based non-clinician postdoctoral researchers based in Australia.

Applicants must:

- Be laboratory-based non-clinician researchers. - Be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid visa allowing them to reside and work in Australia for the full funding period. - Hold a PhD or equivalent research doctorate before the fellowship commences. - Be within five years of receiving their doctorate, excluding eligible career disruptions. - Have relevant research experience. - Propose a research project focused on inherited BMFS. - Be based at an eligible Australian institution for the duration of the fellowship. Supervisor Requirement Applicants must nominate at least one supervisor from their administering institution. The nominated supervisor must have a proven track record in research related to inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. This requirement is intended to ensure that fellows receive appropriate scientific guidance and have access to an experienced research environment throughout the fellowship. Institutional Requirements Fellows must remain based at an eligible Australian institution for the entire duration of the fellowship. The administering institution should provide an appropriate laboratory-based research environment and support the proposed BMFS research project. What Makes a Strong Research Proposal? A strong proposal should clearly explain how the research will contribute to the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of inherited BMFS.

Applicants should demonstrate:

- A clear and focused BMFS research question. - Relevant laboratory-based research experience. - Scientific significance of the proposed work. - Potential to contribute to diagnosis or therapeutic development. - Potential for improved patient outcomes. - A suitable research environment. - Appropriate supervision from an experienced BMFS researcher. - A realistic research plan and budget. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Captain Courageous Fellowship? The Captain Courageous Fellowship is a research fellowship for early-career, laboratory-based non-clinician postdoctoral scientists conducting research on inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. How much funding is available? The fellowship provides up to AUD $100,000 per year for a maximum of three years. What can the fellowship funding cover? Funding can support salary, laboratory consumables, and other reasonable research costs associated with the approved project. What research areas are supported? The fellowship supports laboratory-based research ranging from fundamental biology to pre-clinical and translational studies, provided the research focuses on inherited BMFS and has potential to inform diagnosis, therapeutic development, or improved patient outcomes. Who is eligible to apply? Early-career, laboratory-based non-clinician postdoctoral researchers who meet the Australian citizenship, residency or visa, doctoral qualification, career-stage, research experience, and institutional requirements can apply. How recent must my PhD be? Applicants must be within five years post-award at the time the fellowship commences, excluding eligible career disruptions. Can clinicians apply? The fellowship is specifically intended for laboratory-based non-clinician researchers. Is a supervisor required? Yes. Applicants must nominate