Undergraduate Research Scholarship in Environmental Microbiology

Establishment

This scholarship is available to support a program of supervised research in the field of Environmental Microbiology with the School of Science (Environmental Science and Management) during Semester 2 2026.

The scholarship includes a financial benefit of $4000 in addition to a research project in marine microbiology.

Applicable to academic achievement, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biotechnology, field research, undergraduate.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biotechnology degree (including Combined and Advanced programs).
• Have completed a minimum of 80 units in your current degree, including completion of first year core courses.
• Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 or higher.
• Be available and interested in participating in the research experience offered with this scholarship.
• Be willing to work on campus in Ourimbah and in the field on rock platforms and boats on the Central Coast.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

• A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how a scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are applying for.

• A 300-word statement outlining your experience and/or interest in environmental microbiology and availability to participate in a research project during Semester 2.

The research project will be aimed at understanding the accumulation of the bacterium Escherichia coli in cunjevoi (sea squirts) and fish with proximity to ocean outfalls.

The project will also evaluate the applicability of Australian Standard food safety protocols to cunjevoi and wild fish as an indicator of accumulation of E. coli from their environment.

Benefit

The scholarship provides a benefit of $4000. This will be paid in two instalments of $2000 on acceptance of the scholarship offer and at the conclusion of the scholarship.

The scholarship offers the opportunity to undertake supervised, non-compulsory research during Semester 2. This will be for the equivalent of 15 full-time days and will conclude before the end of Semester 2. The schedule details can be arranged in consultation with your supervisor to accommodate your other commitments.

Although participation is not compulsory, it is the intention of this scholarship to support a student genuinely interested in and committed to making the most of this opportunity.

Selection

Selection shall be based on:

• A review of all eligibility criteria

• Your interest in the research experience as demonstrated in your personal statement

• Academic Merit (Cumulative Grade Point Average)

Selection will be made by a panel of three members of University of Newcastle Academic staff, including Associate Professor Megan Huggett.

College

College of Engineering Science and Environment

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au