Malacological Research Grants

AIM

To assist outstanding graduate students and others in undertaking research in malacology.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be financial members of the MSA at the time of application. There are no other restrictions on who may apply, however the committee granting the awards will generally give preference to candidates who are not employed as professional malacologists.

CONDITIONS

  • Two awards of up to $2500 will be granted.
  • Grants will normally be made to assist with costs associated with field trip or research consumables required for the project.
  • Any project which plans to increase knowledge of Australasian molluscs will be eligible, but preference will be given to projects seeking to resolve problems in molluscan taxonomy or whole animal biology. Projects of a broad physiological or ecological nature in which molluscs are ancillary to the main aim of the project will be given low priority.
  • Successful applicants will be required to provide a popular article for the Society’s newsletter within 12 months of receiving the grant.

TO APPLY

Candidates are to supply:

  • A research proposal (max. 4 pages) including
    1. Project title
    2. Background and significance
    3. Aims and objectives
    4. Approach and methodology
    5. Expected outcomes
    6. References
    7. Budget. The budget should be itemised and briefly justified.
  • A curriculum vitae, including current position, educational qualifications, publications and other relevant information.
  • Names and addresses of two referees to whom the committee may refer.
  • Forward an electronic copy of the application to:

CLOSING DATE: 30th June every year (not running in 2024 and other conference years).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Between 1981 and 1996, the Keith Sutherland Award funded over 40 molluscan research projects undertaken by both amateurs and research students. More than 50 publications in respected international scientific journals were published from these grants, as were a number of books.

Initially funded solely by the Australian Museum, in 1993, the Malacological Society of Australasia became a co-sponsor of the award. Regretfully, in 1996 the Australian Museum decided to discontinue its support for the award.