Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program

About the scholarship program

Recognising the critical need to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing in research, policy and practice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and practitioners have been identified as the priority group for the AIFS Conference Scholarship Program. This focus reflects our belief that Indigenous research, grounded in the priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, is essential to shaping evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for all families. 

By supporting both researchers and practitioners, the program aims to build networks, foster collaboration, and ensure diverse perspectives inform national conversations on family wellbeing.

The AIFS Conference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program also works to advance our organisational commitment to equity and inclusion, in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Scholarship inclusions

All scholarships include full registration for the 3-day conference and conference dinner celebration (Thursday, 10 September 2026). If required, full travel and accommodation will be provided.

In addition to supporting conference participation, the program offers recipients opportunities to advance their professional development, gain visibility, and build connections.

• build professional connections with researchers, policymakers, sector leaders
• increase the visibility of their work, research, practice or lived experience through AIFS communication channels
• share conference learnings and insights with their community, organisation or professional networks
• contribute to national conversations on research, policy and practice that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

The program is designed to support recipients not only in attending the conference but also in gaining lasting value from participation, in ways that align with their professional pathways, community connections, and personal goals.

Availability of scholarships

A limited number of partial or full scholarships are available for eligible applicants. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of financial support offered will depend on sponsorship funds available.

Selection criteria

Scholarship applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and community connection – Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Connection to their work/study Applicants must provide evidence of current or recent involvement in research or work relevant to families, and clear articulation of how their work contributes to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• Impact potential – Applicants must show potential to influence research, policy, or practice through leadership or advocacy, and demonstrated plans for applying conference insights to benefit their community or professional network.

Experience, promotion and reporting

The scholarship program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors. To sustain and grow this initiative, AIFS aims to showcase the scholarship experience, as well as the recipients’ work, lived experiences and professional contributions. 

As part of the program, scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in a meet-and-greet with sponsors during the conference. This provides a networking opportunity and a chance to acknowledge the support that makes the program possible. Photographs may be taken at this event for media and promotional purposes.

Scholarship recipients will also be asked to submit a short-written reflection (up to 500 words) on their conference experience. AIFS will provide a template to support the preparation of this report, which must be submitted within 2 months following the conference.

With recipients’ consent, AIFS may:

• publish excerpts from the reflection report on its website
• promote recipients, their work and key learnings through AIFS social media and communication channels
• use event photography and reflections to highlight the value and impact of the Scholarship Program.

AIFS is committed to using recipients’ stories, reflections and images respectfully and in ways that celebrate their experiences, knowledge and contributions. Recipients will not be asked to share information they are uncomfortable with, and participation in promotional activities will not affect scholarship eligibility or future opportunities.

Written reflections and event photography may be retained by AIFS for reporting and promotional purposes, with a focus on recognising recipients’ experiences and demonstrating the ongoing value of the Scholarship Program.

Sponsor

The scholarship program is sponsored by the Social Research Centre.