Information for Host Institutions

The call for a third round of the ACAMAR Visiting Fellowship scheme followed two successful rounds in 2020-21 and 2022-23. It enabled distinguished Chinese researchers to make extended visits to Australia in 2024 and 2025 to enhance collaborations on areas of common interest within astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to visit Australia for up to three months and are encouraged to visit multiple institutions. ACAMAR will offer the successful applicants financial support for travel and living expenses of up to $15k per applicant. Co-investment from the host institution is highly valued.

Host Institution Responsibilities

It is expected that the Host Institution will benefit from the visit by providing opportunities for host institution staff to interact and collaborate with senior Chinese researchers.

During application process

Host institutions are responsible for assisting the Visiting Fellow to apply for the Fellowship including:

• Work with the applicant to put together a compelling research proposal and appropriate budget.
• Provide the applicant with a letter of support to include with their application.

If the applicant is successful, the Host Institution will then have responsibility for administering Fellowship funds and supporting the Fellow before, during, and after the visit:

Before the visit

• Sign a letter of agreement which outlines each parties’ roles and responsibilities, and funding provided for the Fellowship.
• Agree written terms with the Fellow (and if appropriate, the Fellow’s employing institution) for the conduct of the ACAMAR Fellowship.
• Assist the Fellow with meeting any necessary visa and related requirements to undertake the ACAMAR Fellowship. This is likely to include an invitation letter from the Host Institution and a Visiting Appointment at the Host Institution.
• Provide information and support for the Fellow regarding accommodation and living arrangements in Australia.
• Ensure compliance with Host Institution’s policies to minimise foreign interference risks to teaching, research, engagement, operations and other activities (also applies during and after the visit).

During the visit

• Provide facilities and resources to undertake the Fellowship, including providing a suitable workspace.
• Ensure relevant inductions, training, and introductions are provided.
• Ensure the Fellow complies with the Host Institution’s administrative procedures.
• Reimbursement
  • Advise the Fellow of the Host Institutions’ processes for reimbursement
  • Reimburse the Fellow for expenses incurred as noted in the Letter of Agreement, including obtaining documentation (e.g. receipts) from the Fellow to demonstrate that the funds have been spent for the purpose awarded.
  • Ensure Fellows are reimbursed in a timely manner.
• Support the Fellow to carry out research as described in their application.
• Maintain communications with ACAMAR Australia including alerting the ACAMAR Advisory Committee to any issues that arise, and any successes or notable stories to share.

After the visit

• Acknowledge the support of the Commonwealth, ACAMAR, CSIRO, and ICRAR in any publications or other material published in connection with the ACAMAR Fellowship.

• Provide a statement of the grant funds received and spent and a statement verifying that the funds were spent in accordance with the agreement.

• Provide input into the post-visit Fellowship report (authored by the Visiting Fellow) including:

  • description of milestones and outcomes achieved

  • any highlights, breakthroughs or difficulties encountered

  • conclusions or recommendations (if any) arising from the ACAMAR Fellowships

  • copies of any published reports, promotional material, media publicity, pamphlets or other documentation relevant to the ACAMAR Fellowships.

• Share your experience with colleagues in China and Australia if you wish, for example through conference presentations.

How to apply

Applications are completed by Chinese researchers and must include a letter of support from the proposed Host Institution in Australia.

Applications for Round Three of the Visiting Fellowship program have now closed. 

For more information

Please see the ACAMAR Visiting Fellowships webpage or contact ACAMAR secretariat in Australia or China with any questions:

• Australian contact: Professor Lister Staveley-Smith [email protected]
• Chinese contact: Dr Wei Sun [email protected]

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding ACAMAR Visiting Fellowship should be directed to:

Professor Lister Staveley-Smith, ACAMAR Advisory Committee Chair
[email protected]