Applications are now open for the prestigious Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026, one of the cornerstone awards of the Queensland Memory Awards. This annual fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to lead original research into Queensland’s Indigenous histories and cultures.
Established in honor of Monica Clare an influential political activist and the first Indigenous woman in Australia to publish a novel this fellowship offers more than just financial support. It provides a platform for storytelling, knowledge creation, and cultural preservation, using the rich archives and collections of the State Library of Queensland and the John Oxley Library.
If you are a First Nations researcher, writer, historian, or community member passionate about exploring and interpreting Queensland’s First Nations heritage, this fellowship may be your ideal next step.
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What Is the Monica Clare Research Fellowship?
The Monica Clare Research Fellowship is awarded annually as part of the Queensland Memory Awards, which celebrate individuals and organizations working to preserve and share Queensland’s history.
Specifically designed to support people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, this fellowship enables the recipient to use the resources of the State Library to create, research, and develop new narratives around Indigenous history and culture.
Purpose of the Fellowship:
• Encourage ethical and inclusive storytelling aligned with the State Library of Queensland’s Content Strategy• Support original research projects that reinterpret or uncover new insights into Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories
• Create a platform for First Nations voices to be heard and shared in Queensland’s academic, artistic, and cultural communities
Fellowship Benefits:
The Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026 offers a generous support package designed to empower research, promote storytelling, and foster community engagement.
· Research Stipend – $20,000
A financial grant to support your research, travel, or production costs associated with your project.
· Dedicated Workspace – Neil Roberts Research Lounge
A personal research desk and access to facilities within the State Library’s dedicated research environment for 12 months.
· Premium Library Access
Priority use of the John Oxley Library and the State Library’s extensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections. Support from expert library staff, including specialists in Indigenous content and archival research.
· Public Recognition and Exposure
Opportunities to present, publish, or exhibit your research to Queensland’s academic, cultural, and creative networks. Enhance your professional profile and contribute meaningfully to the documentation of Queensland’s First Nations stories.
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Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to a broad range of individuals with a strong interest in Indigenous history, including researchers, creatives, academics, and community members. You do not need to have formal academic credentials to apply what matters most is your project’s merit, purpose, and alignment with the Library’s goals.
Eligibility Criteria:
Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Be able to undertake a project that:
• Explores Queensland’s First Nations history and culture.• Utilizes the John Oxley Library and State Library’s collections.
• Aligns with the State Library’s Indigenous Collection Strategy.
Ideal Applicants:
• Emerging or established researchers.
• Writers, authors, or historians seeking access to resources for in-depth storytelling.
• Artists, curators, or creatives working on cultural projects related to Indigenous identity, history, or heritage.
• Community knowledge holders with a desire to share inter-generational stories using academic or creative mediums.
Whether you're writing a novel, producing a documentary, preparing a community archive, or designing an exhibition, the Monica Clare Research Fellowship is structured to support and elevate your vision.
Why the Monica Clare Fellowship Matters?
This fellowship is more than just a research grant it’s a powerful step toward amplifying First Nations voices in Queensland's historical and cultural record.
Named in Honor of Monica Clare
The fellowship is named after Monica Clare, a proud Indigenous woman, activist, and author of Karobran, the first novel published by an Indigenous Australian woman. Her life’s work was rooted in social justice, empowerment, and advocacy for Indigenous Australians.
Through this fellowship, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of First Nations researchers and storytellers to engage critically and creatively with Queensland’s complex history.
Also Check: AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship 2026 in USA
How to apply for Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026?
To apply for the Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026, you’ll need to submit a detailed proposal that outlines:
• Your research or creative project idea
• How the project relates to Queensland’s Indigenous history or culture
• How you intend to use the State Library’s collections and resources
• Your background and qualifications (formal or informal) relevant to the project
Monica Clare Research Fellowship Applications Deadline:
Applications closes 1 August 2025. We strongly encourage applicants to begin preparing their proposals well in advance to ensure they align with the fellowship's goals and the State Library’s Indigenous collection strategy.
Conclusion:
The Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026 is a unique, fully supported opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to investigate, re-imagine, and share Indigenous stories that matter. From academic research to creative exploration, this fellowship allows you to work in an environment rich with archival material and community support, while being recognized for your contribution to the cultural landscape of Queensland. If you’re passionate about storytelling, cultural heritage, and historical truth, now is the time to step forward and apply. So to apply and know more visit the Monica Clare Research Fellowship 2026 official link here.