Student Research Awards

Applications for the 2026 Student Research Awards are open

In 2026, the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS) will support the research of up to five students through our Student Awards. The most outstanding proposals (which meet the eligibility criteria) will be awarded the Terry Walker Prize ($4,000), or the new Capricorn Award ($2,500). Up to three ACRS Research Grants of $2,500 will also be awarded. Awards may not be used to fund conference attendance or travel not related to field studies. 

The Terry Walker Award, named in honour of Terry Walker’s commitment to field studies on Australian coral reefs and cays, is intended to be predominantly utilized for field studies on Australian coral reefs. 

The Capricorn Award supports research on the ecology of Australian coral reefs, preferably in the Capricorn-Bunker Group/One Tree Island Research Station.  

The ACRS Research Grants (up to three), each valued at $2,500, are to be used for laboratory and/or field studies relevant to Australian coral reefs. 

To apply, please read our guidelines and complete the Application Form: 

1. Guidelines 
2. Information on funding for applicant’s university  
3. Application Form 
4. Budget Report  (due mid-October the following year) 

To submit your application, please email your completed application as a  single WORD file  (lastname_firstname.docx) to the following email address: Patrick Buerger (patrick.buerger@mq.edu.au). The closing date for research grant applications for 2026 will be Monday 31st August 2026 COB. Successful applicants will be notified at the end of September, with the formal announcement of award recipients to be made as part of the proceedings of the ACRS Annual General Meeting 2026.  

Incomplete applications, or applications not submitted in the format requested, as well as applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Successful applicants will be required to submit a budget report the following year and outline their spending and outcomes of the project: planned publication and social media message with photos to promote your project on ACRS website and social media.