Vice-Chancellor’s Research & Impact Fellowship scheme

FAQs - VCRIF scheme 2026

What is considered a career interruption?

A career interruption refers to any period during which your academic work was impacted due to personal, professional, or external circumstances. It is not about seeking special consideration or lowering performance standards but rather providing context for your achievements. Career interruptions can include:

Personal circumstances such as:

• Living with a disability
• Caring responsibilities (e.g., for children or family members)
• Illness or injury

Professional circumstances such as:

• Working part-time or flexibly
• Taking long-term leave
• Working in a different field temporarily

Cultural or societal factors, including:

• Cultural expectations or obligations
• Impact of global events (e.g. pandemics)

Natural disasters (e.g. bushfires)

I have worked in industry and academia. Is this considered a career interruption?

Potentially yes. See above on what is considered a career interruption.

Will career interruptions be considered?

Yes. Eligible career interruptions and achievements relative to opportunity will be taken into consideration upon application. Applicants may submit a separate statement outlining any career interruptions or eligibility- related considerations that may have impacted their opportunity to undertake or produce research. Please see Appendix 1 in the VCRIF 2026 Guidelines for more details. 

I am an early academic researcher and have not had the opportunity to supervise HDRs. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply.

The Level B Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research and Impact Fellowship is specifically designed for early career researchers (ECRs)—typically within five years post-PhD (or longer if adjusted for career interruptions). At this stage, it is understood that applicants may not yet have had the opportunity to supervise HDR students.

While HDR supervision experience is one of the selection criteria, it is assessed relative to your career stage. For Level B applicants, the emphasis is placed on your research potential, quality of outputs, and alignment with VU’s research priorities, rather than an expectation of an extensive supervision record.

You are encouraged to highlight:

• Any mentoring or co-supervision experience (if applicable)
  Your readiness and enthusiasm to supervise HDR students in the future.
• How your research environment or proposed project could support HDR involvement.
• Any relevant training or development you’ve undertaken to prepare for supervision.

VU values diverse research pathways and supports the development of emerging researchers. The Fellowship is an opportunity to build your supervision experience as part of your academic growth.

Can my eligibility be assessed by the VCRIF program team before I apply?

For general queries about eligibility and career interruptions, applicants can contact the program team at [email protected] . However, the VCRIF program team cannot provide individual eligibility determinations prior to your EOI submission.

I'm not sure which level to apply for - Level B or Level C given that classifications are slightly different in the university I work for. Should I apply to both?

If your current university uses different academic classifications, focus on your research track record, leadership experience, and alignment with the selection criteria and position description rather than your current title. 

Please note: You may only submit one application per round.

Can current VU staff apply?

Yes, if employed on a fixed-term or casual/sessional contract at the time of application.VU staff on ongoing continuing appointments are not eligible. 

Can I apply for the VCRIF 2026 Round if I applied in the previous VCRIF 2025 round?

Yes. Applicants from previous rounds are welcome to apply again if they meet the eligibility requirements. You may reuse elements of a previous application (such as your CV or research plan), noting that the 2026 round includes a shorter Expression of Interest (EOI) stage.

How do the six VCRIF research thematic areas relate to the five key themes in VU's Research and Impact Plan?

The six VCRIF areas build on the five themes in the Research and Impact Plan 2023-2028. They reflect the areas in which VU is currently engaged in significant research endeavours.

What are the six research thematic areas?

1. Innovating education & future-proofing Australia’s workforce
2. Sport that inspires elite performance, community participation & healthy living
3. Health & wellbeing solutions
4. Transforming communities through policy, practice & governance
5. Smart, sustainable & liveable cities
6. By community, for community First Nations Knowledge

Can international candidates apply?

Yes. Applications are welcomed from both domestic and international candidates.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for successful applicants in accordance with Victoria University policy. Relocation and immigration assistance may also be available in line with VU policy.

Are flexible work arrangements available?

Yes. Hybrid work options are available, though Fellows are primarily based at one of VUs Melbourne campuses. 

Can VCRIF Fellows supervise HDR/PhD students or teach?

Yes, some HDR supervision or teaching may be negotiated where it directly relates to the Fellows research program and based on previous supervisory experience.

Do I need to nominate a VU academic contact?

It is encouraged but not required that applicants indicate a potential VU academic contact or research unit they are interested in collaborating or working with. See a listing of academics at VU. 

Is multidisciplinary research encouraged?

Yes. VU values interdisciplinary research that bridges disciplines and engages partners in government, industry, and community.

Can I apply for more than one fellowship level in the same round?

No. Applicants may only submit one application per round, aligned to the level that best matches their research experience and career stage (Level B, C, D or E). Multiple applications across levels will not be accepted.

Can I apply if I currently hold another research fellowship?

Yes. Applicants currently holding another research fellowship are eligible to apply, but must clearly list the details including funding body, duration, and any research allocation in their CV.

What research allowances are included in the Fellowship, and are they ongoing?

Each VCRIF Fellow receives an annual research support allowance for the duration of the Fellowship.

This allowance can be used to support research-related costs such as:

• research assistance
• travel and fieldwork
• conference attendance
• consumables and equipment
• engagement and collaboration activities
• knowledge translation and publication costs

Funds are allocated annually and managed through the host college or institute in line with VU's research expenditure policies.

Can the role be open to part time?

All of the fellowship roles are full time and fixed-term positions. 

Is there an Expression of Interest (EOI) process?

Yes. The VCRIF 2026 round includes a three-stage application process, beginning with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through the VCRIF SmartyGrants portal.

Only shortlisted applicants from the EOI stage will be invited to submit a full application and progress through the remaining selection stages.

Please refer to the VCRIF scheme 2026 applicant guidelines for detailed information about each stage of the application process.

I have not completed my PhD yet. Can I apply?

You must have been awarded a PhD by the EOI closing date.

How many Fellowships will be awarded?

The number of Fellowships awarded is dependent on the quality and alignment of applications. In the inaugural round, five Fellowships were awarded.

What should I include in my two-page CV?

Your two-page CV should provide a concise summary of your relevant academic track record and experience. This includes:

• Academic qualifications 
• Employment history and current position
• Research track record, including selected outputs
• Research funding and fellowships (if applicable) 
• Evidence of research impact and engagement (if applicable) 

Applicants are also required to provide their ORCID iD as part of the EOI.

The two-page CV is intended as a high-level summary. Applicants invited to submit a full application will be asked to provide more detailed information on their track record.

Applicants should focus on the most relevant and significant information in line with the Fellowship and avoid including a full publication list. Career interruptions will be taken into account in the assessment process.