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UNSW Canberra

Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship

Canberra memorial with flagpole in background

During the Second World War Australian service men and women played a vital role in every theatre of the conflict. These Australians who played such an important role in securing peace in 1945 are among a long line of distinguished Defence Force personnel as strong today as it was in World War II.

Recognising the need to be ever vigilant, the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship (SMDF) was conceived by pilots of 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), including the late AVM Lyndon Compton AO OBE RAAF, the late FLTLT Edward (Ted) Sly DFC, the late FLTLT Peter Watson DFC and the late Lifetime Vice President FLTLT Lysle Roberts, a key committee member right through until his passing in 2019. Their vision for the Fellowship was as an ongoing living memorial rather than a traditional granite and bronze monument. 

The Fellowship, established by the , provides encouragement for the development of advanced knowledge and expertise which will aid in the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia, offering recipients financial support as well as significant public recognition.  The Fellowship Fund provides for the award of an annual Fellowship, which is administered through the University of New South Wales.

The award in 2025

The Fellowship has a value of up to $60,000. The project for which the award is made must be completed by the end of 2025.

Purpose

The Fellowship will provide financial support and public recognition for the development of advanced knowledge and expertise which will result in a step-change difference to the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia. The awarding of a Fellowship will be for innovations and research that contribute to Australia’s sovereign capabilities and that ensure Australia remains resilient.   

The proposed project

The proposed project should make an identifiable and measurable step-change difference to Australia, including the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia, and focus on Australian sovereign capability and industry. The proposal must have a short to medium term impact (1-5 years) and may have medium to long term impacts. 

Eligibility

The Fellowship is open to Australian citizens who have a strong proposal for innovation that can be applied in the military setting, for the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia and that bring us a clear advantage in global conflicts. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in advancing the available knowledge and expertise which will lead to an improvement in the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia, by developing a proposal to undertake a program of study or research or the development of innovations that take us to the highest levels of technology readiness, meaning innovations can be applied more quickly in the field.   

To be considered, applicants must be associated with an organisation who can accept the fellowship funding on their behalf and must submit a proposal that meets the selection criteria set out below.  

Selection criteria

Applications are assessed against the following criteria:

  • sustained academic achievement or significant and relevant work experience
  • detailed description of and rationale for the proposed research, study or further development of an advanced innovation, including the proposed output
  • demonstrated interest in the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳of Australia 

Please note:

  • the Fellowship cannot be used to cover salary. 
  • attention will be paid by the Selection Committee to the quality of the project proposed and the potential outcomes.

Fellow reporting arrangements

At the conclusion of the study or research program, a Fellow will be required to submit a written report to the Deputy Rector, UNSW Canberra and the President, Spitfire Association.

Application process

Applications must include:

  • a completed application form which includes a detailed description of the proposed project and proposed outputs and outcomes
  • a detailed curriculum vitae
  • the names and contact details of four referees qualified to assess the proposed program of research or area of study
  • a detailed description of the proposed project and proposed output 
  • a detailed justified budget for consideration and evaluation (note - the selection committee reserves the right to adjust the budget upwards or downwards following discussion with the prospective candidate)
  • proof of Australian citizenship 
  • a covering letter addressing the selection criteria 

Applications close 11:00pm Sunday 13 October 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Applications must be submitted by completing the . Before completing your application, you can , including all questions and required documentation.

If you wish to discuss the application process, please contact us via spitfire@unsw.edu.au.

No award shall be made in any year in which, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no applicant of sufficient merit.