Researcher Development Hub

Research Excellence and Inclusion Prizes

A tailored support scheme for selected cohorts of researchers

Who is it for?

The Research Excellence and Inclusion Prizes are designed to support the University of Sydney's commitment to developing excellent researchers relative to opportunity across all disciplines.

Following a competitive selection process, winners receive funding for research and/or teaching buyout, a tailored leadership program, and mentoring. 

The program has three application streams:

  • Laffan (for colleagues with disabilities)
  • Brown (for colleagues with significant carer’s responsibilities) and
  • Thompson (for high-performing women seeking promotion to levels D and E).

At least one Prize will be specifically designated to supporting an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant. 

Program overview

Following a competitive selection process, awardees will receive: 

  • An academic mentor who will work with them over the course of their prize
  • Access to a tailored research development program, which may include topics such as having difficult conversations, powerful external engagement, or how to lead teams effectively. 
  • Up to $55,000 in research funding and/or teaching relief (where applicable).

Places available and selection

Each year we award up to 10 Research Excellence and Inclusion Prizes.

Eligibility

Scheme guidelines outline full eligibility criteria, but key criteria include:

  • Academic at levels B to D (who have not applied for level E yet)
  • Fulfill the requirements of one of the three streams: Brown, Laffan, Thompson
  • Employed at least 0.5FTE (0.4FTE for the Laffan stream only) at the University of Sydney
  • Having a valid employment contract spanning the entire length of the program

Assessment criteria and process

Awards in each category will be decided by a a panel chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Researcher Training). 

The key selection criteria for all streams are research excellence and the transformative potential of the award for each applicant, as outlined in the application. 

Testimonials from past awardees

  • Fantastic program and cohort that I felt honoured to be part of. (2023 Brown recipient)
  • It is a great program and gives confidence, which is needed a lot in the current environment. THANK YOU (2020 Thompson recipient)
  • Another amazing outcome of this whole program was having access to a network of high achievers in all areas at the university and opening up opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams in the future. I am very grateful to that! (2021 Brown).
  • Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am so immensely grateful for the Equity prize and it has made the world of difference in my research trajectory. (2023 Brown recipient)

Application process

  1. Read the Research Excellence and Inclusion Prizes Guidelines (pdf 192kb)
  2. Contact your Head of the School (or equivalent) before applying to establish support for the application. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a signed letter of support. An e-signature is acceptable. Unsigned letters of support will not be considered. Refer to the guidelines for further details.
  3. Complete the online application for the Prize and attach all required supporting documents in pdf format.
  4. The supporting documents consist of:
    • a letter of support from Head of School (or equivalent) (maximum 2 pages)
    • two referee reports (Thompson applicants only, using the referee report template)
  5. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Incomplete and/or late applications/supporting documents will not be accepted.

At the end of their term Research Excellence and Inclusion Prize, awardees are required to provide a final report of no more than two pages including activities, research outcomes and achievements to the Research Portfolio. 

For information regarding application process, eligibility and the training that supports the award, contact researcher.development@sydney.edu.au.

Application documents