Westpac Research Fellowship
Letter of Support

The Letter of Support is to be completed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent.
Please use File Name: “APPLICANT SURNAME Letter of Support” and save as PDF.

Applicant Name		
Research Project Title
(per the application)		
Full Name of University Referee		
Position		
Institution Name		
Phone 		
Email		

Section 1:  Support of applicant and Research Budget

I confirm that this university supports the Research Budget detailed in the application.	

Section 2:  Demonstration of research excellence and impact.

Please provide a statement about the university’s capability and excellence in the proposed field of research. Explain why the University is best placed to support this research and how it fosters research innovation, excellence, and impact. In your response, provide specific examples such as the University's research excellence, world rankings, access to infrastructure and facilities, collaborative networks, senior academic staff graduate outcomes, notable research impact, plans for future investment etc.	

Section 3:  Eligibility Criteria

I confirm that the Westpac Research Fellowship application meets the following Eligibility Criteria (detail available in section 3.1 Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines, available on the Westpac Scholars Trust website):
•	Applicant is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
•	Applicant has been awarded a PhD between 1 Jan 2018 and 31 Dec 2021; or has obtained an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent.
•	Applicant‘s proposed area of research is not medical research as defined in the ARC Medical Research Policy.
•	Applicant is able to take up the Research Fellowship by 30 June 2025.
•	Applicant’s proposed research contributes to the future of Australia in at least one of the Trust’s priority funding areas: Sustainable Futures, Australia in Asia, an Inclusive Country and Thriving Tech Sector	

Section 4:  Eligibility Exemption
Answer this section only if the applicant has requested an Eligibility Exemption - refer section 3.2 Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines. Can delete if not required.

I confirm that the applicant has been granted an Eligibility Exemption for the following reason (please circle):
•	carer’s responsibility;
•	illness;
•	maternity or parental leave and/or
•	non-research employment not concurrent with research employment.	

Signature

Date