Applications are now open for the RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2026, a prestigious programme designed to attract outstanding local and international researchers who want to conduct applied, transdisciplinary research with measurable benefits for society, the economy and the environment.

Each year, RMIT University appoints talented researchers and research teams to work on complex real-world challenges. The fellowship programme provides successful applicants with the institutional support, professional development opportunities and research environment needed to build influential academic careers and translate research into practical impact.

For the 2026 recruitment round, RMIT is seeking applicants whose work aligns with three strategic research areas:

Regenerative and Sustainable Futures
MedTech Innovation
Digital Innovation

The fellowships are available across four categories covering academic levels A to D. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification and satisfy the specific eligibility requirements for their chosen fellowship category.

Applications close at 11:59 a.m. AEST on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

About the RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships Program

The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships Program is part of the university’s long-term strategy to strengthen research and innovation with real-world impact.

The programme seeks researchers who can work across traditional academic boundaries and collaborate with industry, government, communities and other research partners. Fellows are expected to contribute not only to academic knowledge but also to solutions that address major social, environmental, technological and economic challenges.

RMIT is particularly interested in researchers who demonstrate:

Excellence within their academic or professional field
Creativity and imagination in research design
Strong potential for interdisciplinary collaboration
A commitment to producing impact beyond academia
Alignment with RMIT’s strategic research priorities
An ability to build connections across disciplines, organisations and communities

Appointments will be made on merit, with particular attention given to the applicant’s alignment with the nominated research focus area and its associated high-priority topics.

Research Priority Areas for the 2026 Recruitment Round

The 2026 fellowships focus on three broad areas intended to support RMIT’s research and innovation ambitions.

Regenerative and Sustainable Futures

This research area focuses on advancing regenerative and sustainable approaches that restore, renew and revitalise environmental, economic and social systems.

Research may contribute to the development of new ways of responding to challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, resource pressures, social inequality and unsustainable production or consumption.

Applicants working in this area should demonstrate how their research could contribute to more resilient and sustainable futures.

Relevant approaches may involve collaboration across fields such as:

Environmental science
Sustainability
Engineering
Architecture and urban development
Social sciences
Economics
Design
Policy
Climate research
Circular and regenerative systems

Applicants should consult the official fellowship information for the specific high-priority topics accepted under this research area.

MedTech Innovation

The MedTech Innovation priority seeks research that can transform health outcomes through advances in medical technologies.

The focus is on innovation that improves the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of health conditions and strengthens the wider healthcare system.

Potential research may involve areas such as:

Medical devices
Health technologies
Biomedical engineering
Diagnostics
Digital health
Therapeutic innovation
Health data
Patient-centred technology
Translational medical research

Applicants should explain how their research can move beyond theory and contribute to improved health outcomes, healthcare delivery or medical practice.

Digital Innovation

The Digital Innovation priority supports multidisciplinary research that contributes to a prosperous, secure and responsible digital future.

RMIT is seeking research that responds to the opportunities and risks created by rapid technological development.

Relevant work may relate to:

Artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity
Digital systems
Data science
Emerging technologies
Digital economies
Human-computer interaction
Responsible technology
Digital inclusion
Technology governance

Successful proposals should demonstrate strong research quality while addressing the broader social, economic, ethical or security implications of digital transformation.

Fellowship Categories and Academic Levels

The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships are available through four categories covering academic levels A to D.

These levels represent different stages of an academic research career. The programme may therefore include opportunities for researchers ranging from early-career scholars to highly experienced research leaders.

The exact eligibility rules, expected achievements and research experience requirements differ by fellowship category.

Applicants should carefully review the relevant category before applying, particularly in relation to:

Years since completion of the PhD
Academic level
Research track record
Publication record
Leadership experience
Industry or community engagement
Evidence of research impact
Ability to attract research funding
Career interruptions or special circumstances

Applicants should not assume that holding a PhD alone guarantees eligibility for every category.

Benefits of the RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships

Successful fellows will receive access to a supportive research environment designed to help them build strong and sustainable careers.

The programme offers:

Prestigious Research Fellowship Appointments

Fellowships are available across academic levels A to D, allowing researchers at different career stages to compete within an appropriate category.

Research Support Funding

Successful fellows may receive generous research support funding.

The amount and conditions depend on the selected fellowship category. Applicants should consult the category-specific information for exact details.

Access to RMIT Research Facilities

Fellows will be able to use RMIT’s research facilities, institutional resources and specialist infrastructure relevant to their work.

Interdisciplinary Networks

RMIT has more than 40 interdisciplinary networks developed through its eight Enabling Impact Platforms.

These networks create opportunities for fellows to:

Collaborate across academic disciplines
Connect with researchers working on related challenges
Build industry and community partnerships
Develop joint research projects
Increase the reach and relevance of their research

Mentoring

Fellows will receive mentoring to support their research development, career planning and integration into the RMIT research environment.

Researcher Development Programmes

Successful applicants will have access to professional development programmes designed to help researchers identify new pathways to impact.

These programmes may support skills related to research leadership, collaboration, communication, knowledge translation and engagement beyond academia.

Flexible and Supportive Workplace

RMIT describes itself as a recognised employer of choice with a progressive, inclusive and values-based culture.

The university emphasises flexibility, ethical research, diversity and a supportive working environment.

Why Conduct Research at RMIT?

RMIT University places strong emphasis on research that produces meaningful outcomes outside the university.

The institution’s research environment is characterised by:

A focus on excellence and impact
Strong industry and community engagement
A commitment to translating research into practical outcomes
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
A global outlook
Civic responsibility
Support for diverse research topics and impact pathways
A progressive and inclusive institutional culture

RMIT’s approach may be particularly attractive to researchers who want to collaborate with partners outside academia and apply their expertise to practical challenges.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowships are open to both:

Australian researchers
International researchers

Applicants may apply from any country, provided they meet the required academic and category-specific criteria.

The programme is intended for outstanding researchers whose work aligns with the 2026 research priorities and who can demonstrate the potential to make a positive real-world contribution.

General Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

Hold a PhD, doctorate or equivalent doctoral qualification.
Complete and submit the application form before the 2026 deadline.
Meet the additional eligibility criteria for the selected fellowship category.
Demonstrate strong alignment with one of the three strategic research areas.
Show evidence of research excellence and potential impact.

RMIT employees who currently hold ongoing academic appointments are not eligible for the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships.

Applicants holding other forms of employment or association with RMIT should review the official eligibility rules to confirm whether they may apply.

Selection Considerations

Appointments will be made on merit.

Applications are expected to be assessed according to factors such as:

Research quality
Academic achievements
Alignment with RMIT’s strategic research priorities
Potential for societal, environmental or economic impact
Creativity and originality
Interdisciplinary potential
Career stage and fellowship category
Ability to collaborate with external partners
Evidence of research translation
Potential contribution to RMIT’s research environment

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed research fits the selected priority area rather than relying on a broad or indirect connection.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

A competitive application should clearly explain:

1. The Research Problem

Identify the specific challenge or research gap the proposed work will address.

2. Alignment With the Priority Area

Explain how the proposal fits Regenerative and Sustainable Futures, MedTech Innovation or Digital Innovation.

3. Research Approach

Describe the methods, theoretical framework and interdisciplinary elements of the proposed work.

4. Expected Impact

Show how the research could create benefits beyond academic publication.

These benefits may relate to:

Society
Public policy
Communities
Industry
Healthcare
Technology
The environment
Economic development

5. Applicant’s Track Record

Provide evidence of relevant research achievements, publications, collaborations, leadership and engagement.

6. Contribution to RMIT

Explain how the applicant will contribute to RMIT’s research culture, interdisciplinary networks and strategic goals.

7. Career Development

Describe how the fellowship will support the applicant’s development and future research leadership.

Applicants should also ensure that their materials address the requirements of the correct academic category.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 round must be submitted through the official RMIT application process.

Before applying, candidates should:

Review the four fellowship categories
Confirm their eligibility
Select the most appropriate research priority
Read the high-priority topics under that research area
Prepare all required documents
Complete every section of the application form
Submit before the stated deadline

Applicants should rely on the official application page for the complete list of required documents and any instructions concerning references, research proposals, CVs or supporting materials.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

Applications close at:

11:59 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, 29 July 2026

International applicants should convert the deadline into their local time zone and submit early. The closing time is in the morning under AEST, not at the end of the calendar day.

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Conclusion

The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2026 offer an important opportunity for talented researchers seeking to build influential careers while addressing major global challenges.

Through generous research support, access to facilities, mentoring, interdisciplinary networks and professional development, the programme provides an environment in which fellows can pursue ambitious applied research.

Researchers working in Regenerative and Sustainable Futures, MedTech Innovation or Digital Innovation are encouraged to review the category-specific requirements and prepare applications that clearly demonstrate excellence, alignment and real-world impact.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 a.m. AEST on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

For further information and application requirements, CLICK HERE.

To discover more fellowship opportunities, VISIT HERE.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2026: Apply for Prestigious Research Positions in Australia ·Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2026: Apply for Prestigious Research Positions in Australia