CSIRO boost for post-grad students

CSIRO will provide funds for up to 60 post-graduate students around Australia, from 2002, in a program to encourage young science graduates to train for a career in research

Winners of this award will get a top-up of at least $7,000 per annum, as a supplement to their primary award for a maximum of three years, and at least $6,000 per annum to help cover travel and operating costs of their project.

Dr Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis, chair of CSIRO's science forum, says that this program builds on the existing CSIRO activity, where almost 500 PhD students are currently being supervised and/or sponsored by CSIRO.

"We aim to build up this number to 700 by the year 2006, in partnership with universities," Dr Braach-Maksvytis says.

Dr Braach-Maksvytis says the purpose is to make it more attractive for students to do PhDs. "Working together with Australian Universities we want to make sure we attract students into areas critical to Australia's future success.

To be considered for one of these awards students must: have, or expect to gain in 2001, first class honours or equivalent in a relevant area; expect to receive an Australian Postgraduate Award ('Primary') or equivalent University scholarship commencing in 2002; and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

For more information visit CSIRO.