Please read these FAQ alongside the eligibility criteria and conditions of the prize.
We can't write criteria that cover every eventuality. If you don’t precisely meet the criteria, but feel that your particular circumstances merit consideration, you are invited to nominate and to explain your circumstances in the personal statement – the last question on the online form.
The jury and prize organisers will assess every application – but the jury’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Questions about the application process
Q. Where can I explain my special circumstances?
A. The last question on the online form is a personal statement, which allows you to outline your particular circumstances more fully.
Q. Should I include my work or home address on the application form?
A. Use the address where you are happy to receive mail.
Q. Will I get a confirmation email after submitting the online form?
A. Yes you will receive an email once your application has been received.
Q. How should I format my CV?
A. Your CV should be no more than five pages and will include a full list of publications, either included in your CV or attached as a separate document. The jury will consider these alongside the application that you have already submitted.
A CV in a similar format to NHMRC/ARC guidelines would be fine. It should include the following details:
- Personal details: name, address, contact details
- Qualifications, awards and prizes: all tertiary degrees or diplomas, and relevant certificates, prizes and awards
- Employment history: starting with your current role and continuing in reverse chronological order
- Appointments, leadership roles and professional memberships: please list any relevant activities including seats on committees, memberships of professional societies and editorial roles, etc.
- Conferences, seminars, talks and lectures: please list any relevant presentations and seminars
- Patents and other achievements: details of any relevant patent applications, software packages developed etc.
- Grants and funding: for projects in which you have played a significant role
- Full publication list: including impact factors and citation scores. Papers in press should also be included.
We would prefer you to name these files using the format “lastname_firstname_CV.ext” – for example, Smith_Jane_CV.pdf
Questions about eligibility for the Prizes
Q. I don’t meet the eligibility criteria to the letter; can I still apply?
A. Yes, you can still apply. Make note of why you believe your application should still be considered in the personal statement – the last question on the form – and the jury will take it into account.
Q. I received my PhD or MD more than ten years ago, but I have less than ten years post-doctoral experience. May I still apply?
A. We are looking for mid-career scientists, with 5–10 years post-doctoral experience.
You should have received notice of approval of your PhD or MD (research-based) between August 2013 and August 2018 to be eligible.
Exceptions will be made for research career breaks including:
- Maternity, carer or family leave. Note: applicants can claim 1.5 years per child for maternity/parental leave. This applies to parents of any gender.
- Periods of part-time work
- Time spent on non-research related clinical work.
You should outline your circumstances in the personal statement section of the application form.
Q. I am currently working part-time. Am I still eligible?
A. Yes. Indicate your circumstances and it will be taken into account by the judges.
Q. Do I need to be employed by a university or a research institution?
A. You must be employed as a stem cell researcher, but you may have associations with more than one employer. Your main employer should be an Australian institution.
Q. I am not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Am I still eligible?
A. The Metcalf Prizes are intended to support Australian citizens and permanent residents who are carrying out research at Australian research institutions.
The jury will consider exceptions to this rule on a case-by-case basis. If you feel your situation merits special consideration, outline your circumstances in the personal statement section of the application form.
Q. What counts as stem cell research?
A. The Prizes support the Foundation’s mission to promote the study and use of stem cells in the prevention or control of disease in human beings and to enhance stem cell public education.
If you feel that it’s a stretch to claim your work is truly ‘stem cell research’, it’s likely the jury will also feel that way.
That said, if your work pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between stem cell research and another field in novel and exciting ways, the jury will certainly consider your application. However, the prize aims to recognised sustained research focused on stem cell science.
Q. I've got a different question
A. send us an email - [email protected]