MDHS-Cumming Global Fellows Program-2026-MAY

The Cumming Global Fellows Program will bring high-performing post-doctoral candidates from relevant disciplines into the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics Research Missions. Fostering and building the capacity of a new generation of emerging biomedical research leaders into pandemic therapeutics, research and development and building a global leadership pipeline of researchers and institutions focused on therapeutics for pandemic preparedness.

The Cumming Global Fellows Program will support early to mid-career researchers as they transition toward independent research leadership. Each fellowship provides up to $100,000 per year for three years, which can be allocated toward the research proposal and can support salary for staff and consumables. Up to a maximum of 50% of funding can be used to support the Fellow’s salary.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate a well-articulated vision of their research program that clearly aligns with the goals of The Cumming Global Centre and the host institution. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate they are leading the research proposal separate from their supervisor, and are transitioning to research independence. 

Research proposals will be judged on scientific merit, feasibility and strategic value to the mission of The Cumming Global Centre, as well as the track record of the applicant. Criteria will include significance, innovation, approach as well as supervision and environment.

Please note: The fellowship includes provisions to support fellows based in outstanding institutions globally who work on pandemic science and can provide an excellent scientific environment.

Please ensure that you have read and understood the 2026 Cumming Global Fellows Program Scheme Guidelines before you begin.

All application documents, including the scheme guidelines, FAQ's, templates and certification form, are available on the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics website. Fellows Program Candidate Information Pack can be found HERE

Please save a copy of the Fellows Program Candidate Information Pack to assist with completion of the application.

SAVE AS YOU GO: Manually save your work as you progress through the application. 

How to Submit

1. Fill in this form in SmartyGrants, with the exception of the certification section.
2. Generate a copy of your application and provide it to your Head of Department with the Certification form.
3. Upload the signed certification form into this application and submit.

The deadline for applications is 10am Monday 11th May 2026.

Why we collect your personal information

The collection of personal information by the University of Melbourne (University) is governed by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) (together, Privacy Laws). The University is also considered to be a data controller for the purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) in relation to the collection of personal information from individuals located in the EU. The University is committed to protecting your privacy and processing your personal information fairly and lawfully in compliance with the Privacy Laws and the GDPR, as applicable.

How we process your personal information

We will process your personal information as necessary for our legitimate interests, in accordance with applicable privacy laws, and only under the following circumstances:

• for the purpose for which it was collected; or
• to meet our reporting obligations; or
• a related purpose which you might reasonably expect; or
• where you have consented to the processing; or
• if we are required or permitted to do so by law.

The information in this form is being collected by Research Development & Evaluation in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne and the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (CGCPT). The information you provide is being collected in order to record administrative details of the applicant, and for assessment by the CGCPT Review Panel. The information will be used by authorised staff for the purpose for which it was collected and will be protected against unauthorised access and use. The names of successful applicants and a summary of their projects will be reported to relevant University committees and senior officers. If you do not provide all of the information requested on this form, your application may be deemed ineligible and removed from consideration by the committees.

Further privacy information

We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information we hold is accurate and complete and that it is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access or disclosure. We will only retain your personal information for as long as required for the purpose it was collected and in accordance with our legislative obligation. Your personal information will be securely stored and destroyed in accordance with the University’s retention and disposal authority. We will not disclose your personal information to anybody else unless you have given consent, or we are authorised or required to do so by law. You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information held by the University at any stage. You may exercise data subject rights under the GDPR if applicable. You can contact us at 13 6352.

Contact

For further information about how the University manages personal information, to make an enquiry or complaint, or for contact details of the University’s Privacy and Data Protection Officer, please view the University’s Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Webpage, or contact the University’s Privacy Office at privacy-officer@unimelb.edu.au.

Consent statement

The University of Melbourne is committed to protecting your privacy by fully meeting its responsibilities under applicable privacy laws. By submitting any personal information in this form I consent to it being collected by the University of Melbourne. If the information relates to someone other than me, I am authorised to give this consent for that person.