FUNDING

France–Tasmania Antarctic Research Mobility Fund 2026

Overview

The Embassy of France in Australia and the University of Tasmania (UTAS) are pleased to announce the inaugural France–Tasmania Antarctic Research Mobility Fund. This program supports Franco-Tasmanian collaboration in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research by funding UTAS early-career researchers and students to travel to France. The grants are designed to strengthen scientific cooperation between UTAS and French universities and research institutions working in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

In 2026, the Embassy of France in Australia will support the mobility of two young researchers from Australia to France by providing funding of up to AUD $2,500 to each recipient towards return airfare for students undertaking a placement, internship or traineeship at a French university, research centre, laboratory or other recognised research institution. The proposed mobility project must involve a minimum stay of eight weeks in France and should primarily focus on research, training or academic collaboration at the host institution. Attendance at conferences, workshops or other scientific meetings during the visit is encouraged where relevant, but these activities should complement, rather than constitute, the primary purpose of the mobility project.

The program forms part of the Australia–France Roadmap and its Antarctica Chapter that aims to strengthen long-term scientific partnerships between France and Tasmania while supporting the next generation of Antarctic researchers.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be affiliated with the University of Tasmania.
  • Applicants must be either Bachelor students, Honours students, Masters students, PhD candidates or Postdoctoral researchers within 5 years of PhD completion.
  • Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed visit will contribute to Antarctic and or Southern Ocean research, and strengthen cooperation between France and Australia, for example through a collaboration with a French host institution.

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  1. Alignment of the proposed project with the objectives of the France–Tasmania Antarctic Research Mobility Fund program.
  2. Scientific merit and anticipated outcomes of the proposed collaboration.
  3. Potential to strengthen long-term collaboration between UTAS and French research institutions.
  4. Benefits to the applicant's research, training, and career development.
  5. Feasibility of completing the proposed activities within the funding period.

 Terms of funding

  • Funded projects need to be completed by 31 December 2027.
  • Funds for the project must be spent by 31 December 2026.
  • Communications and outreach: Grant recipients will be asked to support the Embassy of France in Australia's communication and outreach activities by providing photographs, short videos and/or written updates about their funded project for use in the Embassy's communication channels before, during or after the funded visit.
  • Acknowledgement of funding: Grant recipients must acknowledge the support of the Embassy of France in Australia in any presentations, publications, posters, reports, websites, social media posts or other public communications arising wholly or partly from activities supported by this grant. Acknowledgement should include appropriate wording and the Embassy's logo, together with the logos of any other funding partners where applicable and in accordance with the relevant branding guidelines.

Application process
Applications must be submitted using the online application form here:

➡️ APPLICATION FORM

Applications will be reviewed jointly by UTAS and the Embassy of France, with a shortlist developed collaboratively.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Key dates

  1. Call for projects opens: 22 July 2026
  2. Deadline for applications: 31 August 2026
  3. Results announced: September 2026

Further information:

UTAS
Dr. Amelie Meyer
Senior Research Fellow
University of Tasmania
Amelie.Meyer@utas.edu.au

Embassy of France
Carine Borel
Attaché for Science and Higher Education
carine.borel@diplomatie.gouv.fr

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