Summary
Applications are invited for The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science, funded by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation. This prestigious award is designed to support outstanding full-time PhD researchers in marine science and conservation who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong potential to translate scientific discovery into tangible, real-world impact. The award offers a single, upfront supplementary payment of $35,000 to successful candidates.
Overview Table
| Scholarship Name | The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postgraduate Research / PhD Scholarship (Supplementary) |
| Funding Body | Jock Clough Marine Foundation |
| Host Institutions | Australian Universities (including Edith Cowan University) |
| Award Value | $35,000 (one-off, upfront direct payment) |
| Number of Awards | Up to 4 scholarships awarded annually |
| Eligible Nationalities | Domestic and International Students |
| Application Opens | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 9 October 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Research Scholar / Supplementary PhD Award (Postgraduate Research).
Research Area
The scholarship specifically supports doctoral projects aligned with the Foundation’s core priority themes in Marine Science:
- Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: Habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, iconic species and ecosystems, and ecosystem resilience.
- Marine Science Research: Discovery and fundamental knowledge, emerging scientific tools, and innovative technologies.
Location
Australia — Open to doctoral candidates enrolled full-time at any recognised Australian university, including Edith Cowan University (ECU).
Eligibility / Qualifications
To be considered eligible for the Clough Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolment: Currently enrolled full-time in a PhD degree at an Australian university (open to both domestic and international candidates studying in Australia).
- Candidature Milestone: Must have successfully passed the formal confirmation of candidature.
- Existing Base Funding: Must hold an existing base PhD stipend/scholarship, such as an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or an institutional equivalent.
- Project Alignment: Research must directly address one of the Jock Clough Marine Foundation’s priority themes in marine conservation, biodiversity, or marine science research.
- Commitment: Maintain full-time enrolment throughout the tenure of the scholarship and fulfill reporting/engagement expectations.
Scholarship Description
The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science identifies and empowers the future leaders of Australian marine research. It prioritises researchers who combine high academic rigour with strong science communication skills, aiming to influence conservation outcomes beyond academia and contribute to the understanding, protection, and restoration of Australia’s marine environments.
The award delivers a career-defining financial boost through a one-off payment of $35,000 directly to the recipient. This funding is purely supplementary, complementing existing base stipends to maximize the candidate’s research output, outreach, and professional development.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official application portal via the Jock Clough Marine Foundation website during the open application window.
- Submit the completed online application form along with required documentation detailing research progress, confirmation of candidature, and project impact alignment.
- Applicants unable to use Google forms may request an alternative submission template from the foundation.
- Direct any queries regarding the application process to: admin@thejockcloughmarinefoundation.com.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit applications is 9 October 2026 (Applications open on 31 August 2026).
Official Link
For more details and application instructions, visit the official listing: ECU Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science.
