Student Research Awards

Applications for the 2024 award are now closed.

In 2024, the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS) will support the research of up to five students by the provision of Student Awards. The most outstanding proposals (which meet the eligibility criteria) will be awarded the Terry Walker Prize of $4,000 or the Danielle Simmons Prize of $4,000. Up to three ACRS research awards 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.

For the Dannielle Simmons Award, named in honour of Danielle Simmons commitment to field work at Heron Island, successful applicants will need to spend some time at Heron Island working in the field.

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

Successful applicants will be notified by mid-April, with the formal announcement of award recipients to be made as part of the proceedings of the ACRS Annual General Meeting 2024 that this year will be held during the ACRS Conference in Perth, WA (6-8 May).

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.

Information on funding for applicant’s university

See grant recipients page for past awardees.