A unique opportunity for a senior Indigenous Knowledge Holder, Traditional Owner and/or Ceremonial Leader to be employed as a Professor with the Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne and receive additional research project funding of up to $20,000 per year, for two years.
STATUS: Applications open 8 April and close 8 June 2026.
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne works to recognise the expertise of Indigenous knowledge holders, and the knowledge systems in which they are a part. We advance research, build connections and develop engagement opportunities with Indigenous knowledge holders across Australia and throughout the world. Read more about us.
About the grant
Senior Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Traditional Owners and/or Ceremonial Leader s are invited to apply for this fellowship and grant opportunity.
As an Indigenous Knowledge Fellow, you will be employed as a Professor of the Indigenous Knowledge Institute at 0.2 FTE and receive additional research project funding of up to $20,000 per annum for two years.
Fellows are supported to undertake a focused two-year program of research to realise your vision for advancing Indigenous Knowledge scholarship and exchanges. The Institute will invite successful applicants to outline their anticipated project budget for approval.
Responsibilities include:
- Communicating and presenting on your research at internal and public events, meetings, and gatherings.
- Publishing and disseminating your research findings as ‘traditional’ (written and refereed) and/or ‘non-traditional’ (creative and public audience) academic outputs.
- Supporting the development of effective research collaborations in Indigenous Knowledge across the University.
- Contributing to developing a pipeline of research projects and partnerships focused on Indigenous Knowledge.
This position is located within the Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University and reports to its Director. The Institute aims to work in partnership with Indigenous communities and invests in research initiatives guided by four priority areas:
- Country — Indigenous knowledge of sustaining environments and ecologies
- Law — Indigenous knowledge in maintaining law, governance, and social cohesion
- Culture — Indigenous knowledge as applied through culture and creative expressions
- Futures — translating Indigenous knowledge for new applications
All research funded by the Institute is guided by the University's Charter for Research with Indigenous Knowledge Holders.
Eligibility and selection criteria
You will have a strong background in maintaining and/or revitalising in Indigenous Knowledge through your own activities and networks. You will also have a passion for advancing Indigenous Knowledge research within the university sector and want to contribute to promoting a working environment that supports this growth.
You will also have:
- Extensive experience maintaining and/or revitalising Indigenous knowledge and related cultural and/or environmental practice. This may include comprehensive ceremonial and/or community leadership capabilities.
- Established leadership and influence within Indigenous community contexts and related organisations.
- Excellent ability to establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders and translate Indigenous Knowledge into research project and communication contexts.
- Excellent ability to co-create and participate in research projects and contribute to publishing findings as ‘traditional’ (written and refereed) and/or ‘non-traditional’ (creative and public audience) academic outputs.
- Excellent ability to present on Indigenous Knowledge and related research at internal and public events, meetings, and gatherings, including conferences and public lectures.
This opportunity is only open to domestic Indigenous applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Successful past fellows
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute has awarded Indigenous Knowledge Fellowships since 2022. Find out more about our previous Indigenous Knowledge Fellows.
Key dates
Number of fellowships available this round | Three |
Applications open | Mid April |
Applications close | Early June |
Assessor reviews by | End June |
Shortlisted applicant interviews | Early July |
University approval processes | TBC prior to funding outcomes being announced |
Eligibility | Domestic Indigenous applicants only. 'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. |
*Timing is indicative only, subject to confirmation in 2026.
How to apply
You can find further information about this funding by downloading the Position Description and FAQ below.
Download the Position Description
Download the Fellowship FAQ
To apply, please download the application form below (available in either PDF or Word format).
Download the Application Form (PDF 198.7 KB)
Download the Application Form (DOCX 194.9 KB)
Send your completed application form and CV/resume to Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au by the closing date.
For more information, please contact us at Indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au. Appointments to discuss applications with the Institute's Director are available on request.