auDA has announced a three-year funding arrangement with The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to support internet-focused research and development in Australia.
Two new Churchill Fellowships will be funded annually from 2025 through 2027, with this initiative set to be administered by the Churchill Trust. These fellowships will enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to engage in overseas study over a period of four to eight weeks, allowing them to delve deeper into topics of personal and professional interest. The auDA Churchill Fellowships are specifically aimed at those with a commitment to generating public benefits, particularly through projects that explore the digital and internet landscape.
"auDA is pleased to sponsor fellowships with the Churchill Trust," said Sandra Davey, Chair of auDA's Public Benefit Program Committee. "The auDA Churchill Fellows will be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to research and connect with global experts and bring their newfound knowledge home to drive positive change for Australians through the internet and digital technologies."
Bruce Tonkin, CEO of auDA, reflected on the organisation's history of fostering community projects with positive social and economic impacts for internet users in Australia. "For almost 20 years, auDA has provided grants for community projects to deliver positive social and economic outcomes for Australian internet users," he stated. "Working with the Churchill Trust enables auDA to extend this support, and we look forward to the learnings that the auDA Churchill Fellows will share and the impact their research will deliver. We encourage individuals from the internet community to apply, including .au members and those from industry, not-for-profits, small business and education providers."
Applications for the auDA Churchill Fellowships for 2025 will be managed by the Churchill Trust as a component of its annual Fellowship Program. The application process will commence on 28 February and will remain open until 1 May 2025, with successful applicants being announced later in September of the same year. Eligibility extends to Australian citizens and permanent residents, and guidelines along with additional information are available on the Trust's website.
This new fellowship programme complements auDA's ongoing efforts through its annual Community Grant Program, which supports research, education, and community-based initiatives. Additionally, auDA's Research and Development Grant Program provides multi-year funding for extensive research and development projects.
