2027 Fellowship Application

2027 FIREFLY CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP

The Firefly Children's Foundation (formerly Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation) is offering a mid-career Research Fellowship to support researchers pursuing ground-breaking advances in childhood health, education or welfare, and to build research capability in South Australia.

We are seeking mid-career researchers focusing on research that addresses the Firefly theme of: 

“Improving Children’s Health, Development and Wellbeing” 

Applicants from clinicians, allied health practitioners and researchers in related disciplines are encouraged to apply. 

As part of Firefly's move to a rolling annual fellowship program, one Fellowship will be awarded in this round, commencing in early 2027. 

The Firefly Fellowship provides a highly flexible research support package, enabling collaboration with others to achieve the aims of the proposed research program.

The innovations resulting from this program are expected to translate into improved health, development, wellbeing and quality of life for children and their families.

Your commitment, innovation and ability to collaborate will build capability and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives and partnerships, ensuring your research outputs have national and international impact.

Co-funding and hosting support from a South Australian university or recognised research organisation is required.

KEY DATES

•  Applications open: 1 September 2026
•  Applications close: 20 October 2026
•  Fellowship commencement: Early 2027 (exact start date negotiated with the host institution)

Applications must be submitted via Submittable.

FIREFLY SUPPORT

In this round, Firefly will award:

•  One fixed-term, full-time Fellowship for three years, with the option for a further two years, valued at $150,000 per annum to cover salary and research costs.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be eligible, applicants must:

•  Hold a PhD and typically have 5–12 years of postdoctoral research experience (relative to opportunity) in an area relevant to improving children's health, development and wellbeing.
•  Be eligible and willing to reside and work in South Australia for the duration of the Fellowship.
•  Undertake research that clearly and substantively aligns with the Fellowship theme.
•  Have a strong track record in child-focused research in one or more of: biomedical, clinical, public health, education, social and behavioural sciences, health or social policy, or related fields.
•  Have experience in applied, translational and/or implementation research that can lead to improved outcomes for children and families.
•  Have demonstrated success in supervising, mentoring and coaching trainee researchers.
•  Show a clear and strengthening trajectory of leadership capability.
•  Secure additional funding support from, and be hosted by, a reputable research institution with the capacity to support the proposed research program.
•  Demonstrate potential to attract additional national and/or international research funding and build research capability in South Australia.
•  Be willing to work with Firefly to promote the Fellowship, their research and the Foundation.

Selection will be based on academic achievements, research experience relative to opportunity, academic references and interview performance.

FURTHER INFORMATION

An application form template is available for download here.

Enquiries: Angelique Pasalidis, Grants Officer – angelique@firefly.org.au