Applications for the 2013-14 Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) Summer Scholarships are now open. Applications will close at 5pm (AEST) on 30 September 2013.

Focus of the research and scholarship program

The research and scholarship program at the Museum of Australian Democracy was established in 2007 to:

• provide a national focus for prime ministerial research and scholarship
• raise public awareness of the lives and achievements of former prime ministers
• support access to prime ministerial material held by other collecting institutions

From its origins in the Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC), the research program now also contributes to the broader work of the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) to present the journey of Australian democracy—past, present and future.

Who can apply?

Applications are sought from postgraduate and Honours students who are based in Australia during the year of the summer scholarship (2013-14) and interested in the history and contemporary practice of Australian democracy, with special reference to Australian prime ministers. Relevant fields in which applicants may be studying include history, social sciences, politics, museum studies, librarianship, the performing arts, literature and art.

Applicants for Summer Scholarships may propose a research project which is relevant to the focus of the Museum’s research and scholarship program (see above) or put forward a proposal developed around one of the topics nominated by the Museum below:

• an examination of the political activism of a national, historically significant organisation in Australia, for example the Country Womens’ Association
• the role of key political leaders in the immigration debates which characterised a particular decade in Australia
• a study of the Freedom Rides of 1965, 2005 and 2011 including detailed research into their histories and possible identification of objects relating to them

Summer Scholarship terms

Summer scholars will be required to work on a project specified by the Museum of Australian Democracy or complete an independent research project. This can be an academic paper, bibliography or creative project.

Summer scholars will be required to spend 6 weeks based at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra during the summer academic break (January to mid-February) to complete their project.

Scholars are to present one seminar to Museum of Australian Democracy staff and invited guests. Scholars are also required to prepare a brief report at the conclusion of the Summer Scholarship.

Summer scholars are to be available for publicity purposes including interviews with the media in order to promote the benefits of the research and scholarship program or the results of their research.

Scholars are to acknowledge the support of the Museum of Australian Democracy in any publication or other material resulting from the research.

Participants in the Summer Scholarship program will receive a return domestic economy fare to Canberra, share accommodation in a self-catering apartment and a stipend of up to $2,400.

The Centre will also provide fully-equipped office accommodation, out-of-hours access to the Research Library and a mentor who will provide advice during the research project.

Preparing your application

Each application must include an application form curriculum vitae, research proposal for independent project and two references. Applications close on 30 September 2013.

Application form

Download the application form, complete the form and attach the following supporting documentation:

• Research proposal (note that the Museum reserves the right to negotiate minor changes to the research proposal to ensure its relevance to the Museum’s objectives)
• Curriculum vitae
• Two written references (download the referee report).

References should be signed by both the applicant and the referee, or include the email trail. References should also include contact details for referees (telephone and email address).

Assessment of applications

Applications will be assessed during October 2013, with applicants advised of the outcome in November 2013. The selection panel consists of representatives from relevant professional bodies and collecting institutions.

In assessing each application the selection panel will take into account the quality of the application, the potential of the applicant to contribute to the field in future years and the ability of the applicant to meet the intended outcomes of their project.

Where to send your application

David Jolliffe
The Australian Prime Ministers Centre Coordinator Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
PO Box 7088
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Australia

An electronic copy should also be sent to apmc@moadoph.gov.au