The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science
The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science supports outstanding PhD students in marine science and marine conservation who combine academic excellence with the ability to translate their research into real-world impact. It is designed to back the future leaders of Australian marine research, prioritising outstanding individuals who can communicate clearly, influence outcomes beyond academia, and contribute meaningfully to the protection, restoration and understanding of Australia’s marine environment.
Up to four one-off scholarships of $35,000 are awarded each year, funded by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation.
[Application link will appear here once the application window is open]
Applications open Monday 31st August 2026 and close Friday 9th October 2026, 11:59pm AWST.
Why the Scholarship Exists
As custodians of one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions, the Jock Clough Marine Foundation exists to drive positive, future-focused outcomes so all Australians can continue to enjoy our marine environment.
This scholarship recognises the very best doctoral researchers in marine science, giving them a career-defining uplift needed to maximise their potential as both scientists and exceptional communicators.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for candidates who bring:
Excellence - an outstanding academic performance and demonstrated research capability.
Relevance - a project aligned with one of our priority themes: Marine Conservation & Biodiversity, or Marine Science Research.
Impact orientation - a clear sense of who will use their research, how it will be used, and what will change as a result.
Communication ability - the confidence and ability to clearly explain and engage diverse audiences.
Leadership potential - the initiative and ambition to contribute beyond academia.
What the Scholarship Provides
The Scholarship is a one-off payment of $35,000*, with up to four awarded each year. Recipients can use the funds in however best extends their research and their career, whether that’s uplifting or advancing their research, attending international conferences, undertaking specialist training and technical upskilling, or building their professional network.
*In exceptional cases, the scholarship may be extended into a second year
Eligibility
The Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science is open to high-achieving PhD students enrolled at any Australian university whose research aligns with the Foundation’s marine conservation and science priority themes. This is a competitive scholarship, awarded only to candidates who demonstrate outstanding research ability and the capacity to communicate their work clearly and persuasively. To apply, you must:
be enrolled full-time in a PhD at an Australian university, and have passed confirmation of candidature
already hold base PhD funding (an RTP scholarship or equivalent)
be working on a project aligned with one of our priority themes: Marine Conservation & Biodiversity, or Marine Science Research
be able to clearly articulate who will use your research, how it will be used, and what will change as a result
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are assessed on two core criteria: the impact and relevance of your proposed research, and your ability to communicate it. We look for alignment with our priority themes:
Marine Conservation & Biodiversity
Habitat restoration
Biodiversity protection
Iconic species and ecosystems
Ecosystem resilience
Marine Science Research
Discovery and knowledge
Emerging tools and technologies
We also want to see a strong, well-considered plan for how the scholarship funds will be used to build on that impact.
Equally, we will be assessing how well you communicate: the clarity of your written application, your ability to explain your research and its relevance to a non-specialist audience, and evidence of leadership and initiative.
How to Apply
Application - Submit an online application through our website, including your research background, aims and significance; your proposed use of funds; your CV and academic record; two referees with two letters of support; and evidence of your impact or esteem, such as awards, prizes or other accomplishments. You will also need to provide evidence of your current enrolment (a confirmation of candidature letter is sufficient at this stage).
Assessment - Every application is reviewed by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation’s assessment panel. A shortlist is developed based on alignment with our themes, research capability, and potential for impact.
Interview / Presentation - Shortlisted candidates are invited to deliver a short online presentation, approximately 10 minutes in duration, followed by questions. Candidates should address the immediate impact of their research, the pathway toward that impact, and how their work is expected to drive meaningful change by the project’s conclusion.
What Recipients Gain
Beyond the funding, Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science Scholars become part of the Jock Clough Marine Foundation community. Recipients gain access to the Foundation’s networks and connections, a platform for national visibility and science communication, opportunities to engage with industry, government and philanthropy, and a place within a growing cohort of emerging marine leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science? Apply online via [link provided once application window is open], where you’ll submit your application along with your CV, academic record, referee details and supporting evidence.
When do applications open and close? Applications open Monday 31st August 2026 and close Friday 9th October 2026.
Can I apply if I haven’t secured RTP or base PhD funding yet? No, you must already hold base PhD funding, such as an RTP scholarship or equivalent, before applying.
Who should I ask to be my referees? Choose two referees, such as academic supervisors or colleagues, who can speak directly to your research capability and academic performance; a separate letter of support from each of these referees is required.
Is there preference for particular marine disciplines? No, we welcome applications spanning pure marine science research, and applied marine conservation, provided the project aligns with one of our priority themes.
Can I apply if I haven’t yet passed confirmation of candidature? No, applicants must have passed confirmation of candidature before applying.
Is the scholarship open to international students studying at an Australian university? Yes, provided you are enrolled full-time in a PhD at an Australian university and meet all other eligibility criteria.
Can the scholarship be extended into a second year? In exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the assessment panel, a scholarship may be extended into a second year.
How and when will I receive the funds if successful? The full $35,000 is paid as a single upfront payment to your nominated Australian bank account, once a Recipient Agreement and Recipient Declaration have been completed.
What happens if I withdraw from my PhD candidature during the scholarship period? We ask that you notify us promptly so we can discuss the best path forward together.
Can I hold a Clough Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science alongside other scholarships or top-ups? Yes, the scholarship is designed to complement, not replace, your existing PhD funding.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my application? Contact us at admin@thejockcloughmarinefoundation.com
[link provided once application window is open]
Applications close Friday 9th October, 11:59pm AWST.