Don Squires Natural History Bursary 2024

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is delighted to call for expressions of interest for applications to the Don Squires Natural History Research Bursary for 2024. In this round the total value of the award is $5,000 which may be allocated as one grant, or in multiple smaller sums.

Don Squires was an eminent scientist who was TMAG’s Honorary Curator of Palaeontology from 2006 to 2014. This biannual endowment honours Don’s passion for research and continues through the generous support of his wife Marian Steinberg Squires and other kind donors.

About the Fund

  • The Bursary is administered by the Director of TMAG and is to be used to promote research excellence working with TMAG’s collections. The successful applicant will expand interaction with other related scientific organisations and explore ways in which TMAG can contribute in new ways to natural science.
  • A program of natural science research in a specified project area will be undertaken by the awarded recipient at the initiation of the Director.

Who can apply?

  • An established researcher who brings their specialist knowledge to the TMAG natural sciences collection.
  • An early career researcher who will work with relevant TMAG specialist professional staff.
  • TMAG staff, in order to travel and/or gain knowledge and skills that will add value to the TMAG collection.

Project proposals

  • Must relate specifically to the TMAG collections, in the field of natural sciences.
  • Must add value to the collection. For example, it could lead to a particular subset of collections/specimens being identified, curated and made accessible.
  • Result in a publication, a lecture, an exhibition, workshop, online product, catalogue or other tangible product to communicate the research.
  • Must be completed (including reporting) within 24 months of commencement.

Information for applicants

  • Submit a short outline (no more than one A4 page) outlining:
    • Objectives of the research
    • Timeline, including milestones
    • Budget
    • Proposed outputs
  • Submit an academic curriculum vitae.
  • Demonstrate a record of completion of projects within specified time frames.
  • The bursary will be allocated on the basis of the quality of the proposed research, its originality and value to the museum.
  • Enquiries may be directed to Dr Gintaras Kantvilas, Head of Herbarium, gintaras.kantvilas@tmag.tas.gov.au

The selection process

  • Applications are to be made in writing, addressed to the Director, TMAG, and are due by 5:00 pm on 31 October 2024.
  • Please email applications to director@tmag.tas.gov.au
  • Project proposals will be assessed by a panel of TMAG staff and approved by the Director.
  • The assessors may choose to support more than one project and divide the Fund.
  • Applicants may be invited to resubmit in response to panel advice.
  • The successful applicant will be advised by 29 November 2024.

Timeframe

  • Must be completed (including reporting) with 24 months of commencement.
  • The recipient will be required to submit a report to the TMAG Trustees within three months of completion of their tenure, outlining achievements, expenses, and date of outcome delivery. All outcomes of the program will acknowledge the support of the estate of Don Squires.

Exclusions

  • The bursary is not to be used for the purchase of collections, materials, or equipment unless they are required for the completion of a research project. If acquiring specific materials or equipment is deemed necessary, they would remain property of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
  • The bursary is not to be used to fund field trips.