Theo Murphy Initiative: Participation Support in Australia

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) Participation Support Grants provide up to $5,000 to help early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) in Australia overcome financial and practical barriers to participating in conferences, workshops, symposia, training and other professional development activities. The funding can support eligible additional costs such as childcare, accessibility requirements, mobility assistance and travel for an accompanying carer where there is a demonstrated need. What Are the Theo Murphy Initiative Participation Support Grants? The Theo Murphy Initiative Participation Support Grants are designed to improve equitable access to professional development opportunities for Australia’s STEM early- and mid-career researchers. The programme recognizes that researchers may face additional costs that make it difficult to attend important professional or scientific activities.

These barriers can include:

Caring responsibilities. Accessibility requirements. Mobility-related needs. Additional travel expenses. Costs associated with an accompanying carer. Other documented participation barriers. The grant helps eligible researchers participate in opportunities that can strengthen their professional networks, research careers, skills and collaborations. What Does the Grant Support? Each successful applicant can receive up to: $5,000 Funding may be used for eligible additional costs directly related to participation in an approved event or professional development activity. Have not received a Participation Support Grant within the previous 12 months.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Provide the required information and supporting documentation through the designated application process. The application should clearly connect the requested funding to the participation barrier. How Are Applications Selected? Eligible applications may be selected using a computer-generated random selection process when demand exceeds available funding. This means that meeting the eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee an award if the programme receives more eligible applications than available funding. Applicants should therefore make sure their application is complete and includes all required evidence. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for costs unrelated to participation in the event. Failing to explain the specific participation barrier. Requesting more than $5,000. Providing insufficient evidence of the event. Applying without confirming employment eligibility. Ignoring the 12-month previous-grant restriction. Failing to provide supporting documentation for additional costs. Assuming that ordinary event attendance costs automatically qualify. Providing vague explanations of accessibility or caring needs. Tips for a Strong Application

A clear application should:

Identify the event and its professional relevance. Explain the specific barrier preventing or limiting participation. Quantify the additional costs. Explain why the requested support is necessary. Provide appropriate supporting documentation. Keep the requested amount within the $5,000 maximum. Clearly demonstrate the professional or research benefit of attending. Key Facts at a Glance

Programme: Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) Participation Support Grants

Maximum grant: $5,000

Target applicants: Early- and mid-career STEM researchers

Career requirement: Less than 15 years post-PhD, excluding eligible career disruptions

Citizenship/residency: Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible Special Category Visa holders

Employment: Ongoing employment with an eligible Australian research organisation

Supported activities: Conferences, workshops, symposia, training and professional development

Eligible support: Travel, childcare, accessibility and mobility-related costs, including eligible accompanying-carer travel

Previous grant restriction: No Participation Support Grant received within the previous 12 months

Selection when oversubscribed: Computer-generated random selection among eligible applications

Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can researchers receive? Researchers can receive up to $5,000 through the Theo Murphy Initiative Participation Support Grants. Who can apply for the Participation Support Grant? The programme is open to eligible early- and mid-career STEM researchers in Australia who are less than 15 years post-PhD, meet the residency and employment requirements, and demonstrate a participation barrier requiring additional support. What costs can the grant cover? Eligible costs can include travel, childcare, accessibility-related support, mobility assistance and travel for an accompanying carer where there is a demonstrated need. Can the grant support childcare costs? Yes. Childcare expenses may be eligible when they are directly connected to overcoming a caring responsibility that would otherwise create a barrier to participating in the approved event or activity. Can funding cover travel for an accompanying carer? Travel for an accompanying carer may be supported where there is a clear demonstrated need and the expense meets the programme’s eligibility requirements. Can someone who received a Participation Support Grant last year apply again? Applicants must not have received a Participation Support Grant within the 12 months before the application date. How are applications selected if there are too many eligible applicants? When demand exceeds available funding, eligible applications are selected through a computer-generated random selection process. Meeting the eligibility criteria therefore does not automatically guarantee funding. Conclusion The Theo Murphy Initiative Participation Support Grants help Australian STEM early- and mid-career researchers overcome additional financial and practical barriers to professional participation. With funding of up to $5,000, the programme can support eligible childcare, accessib