New Futures Mobility Fund 2026: Comprehensive Guide for Applicants in Australia

The New Futures Mobility Fund, delivered by the Australian Academy of Science, is a major national initiative designed to empower humanitarian visa holders living in Australia by supporting their participation in recognised scientific conferences, symposia, workshops, and other STEM‑focused professional events across the country. This program removes financial barriers, strengthens research visibility, and helps emerging and established researchers build meaningful professional networks within Australia’s scientific community.

Overview of the New Futures Mobility Fund

The New Futures Mobility Fund provides competitive mobility grants to eligible applicants who wish to attend structured scientific or professional development events in Australia. These grants are intended to:

• Strengthen research capability
• Expand professional networks
• Enhance career development
• Increase visibility within Australia’s STEM community
• Remove financial barriers that prevent participation in scientific events

The program is made possible through a generous gift from Jaishree Srinivasan and Academy Fellow Emeritus Professor Srini Srinivasan AM FAA FRS.

Key Dates for the 2026 Application Cycle

Applicants must take note of the following timeline:

• 18 May 2026 – Applications open
• 09 July 2026 – Applications close (deadline)
• September 2026 – Notification of outcome
• October 2026 – Funding agreements issued and funded activities may commence

Program Highlights

The New Futures Mobility Fund offers a range of benefits designed to support professional growth:

1. Funding support to attend recognised scientific conferences and similar STEM events in Australia
2. Career development opportunities through networking and visibility
3. Flexible funding to reduce cost barriers and increase accessibility
4. Support for research training, research activity, and professional development
5. Opportunities to engage with Australia’s scientific community and expand research networks

1. Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

To apply, individuals must meet all the following criteria at the time of application:

• Be living in Australia
• Hold an eligible humanitarian visa subclass
• Be engaged in research training or research activity in Australia
• Be seeking funding to attend a recognised STEM scientific conference, symposium, workshop, or similar event within Australia

Eligible Humanitarian Visa Subclasses

• Refugee (subclass 200)
• In-country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201)
• Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)**
• Emergency Rescue (subclass 203)
• Woman at Risk (subclass 204)
• Protection visa (subclass 866)**

Note: As of 29 May 2026, subclasses 866 and 202 have been newly added as eligible visa types.

Eligible Applicant Profiles

• Masters students
• PhD candidates
• Early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) with a Masters or PhD awarded up to 15 years prior to the application deadline
  • Extensions may be considered for significant career interruptions

2. Eligible Activities

Activities must be Australia-based and must clearly demonstrate how participation will strengthen the applicant’s research capability, networks, and career development.

Eligible Activities Include:

• Recognised scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops
• Specialist training courses or masterclasses linked to scientific events
• Professional development opportunities supporting research training or activity
• Research translation or industry engagement forums with a STEM focus
• Other professional opportunities approved by the Academy

The Academy may request clarification if the scientific relevance of an event is unclear.

3. Fields of Research

Applications are welcome from all STEM fields, including:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

4. Eligible Australian Research Organisations (EROs)

Applicants must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible research organisation, such as:

• Australian tertiary education institutions
• Cooperative research centres
• Publicly funded research agencies
• State or territory-funded research organisations
• Public or private Australian research companies
• Australian not-for-profit research organisations
• Other incorporated Australian entities

Note:

• EROs must be registered for GST
• Universities must be income tax exempt
• Non-corporate Commonwealth entities are not eligible

5. Additional Program Information

Terms of Award

Covers funding conditions, allowable expenses, and grant management requirements.

Application Process

Applicants must submit through the Academy’s online portal and provide all required documentation.

Assessment Process

Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, merit, relevance of the event, and potential impact on the applicant’s research career.

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must submit a final report detailing outcomes and benefits gained from the funded activity.