Stirling Awards Program in Nematology

Background
APPS established the Plant and Soil Nematodes Fund, supported by Dr Graham Stirling and Dr Marcelle Stirling. The fund is designed to advance knowledge and expertise in plant and soil nematology by supporting students, early-career scientists, and professionals working in rural communities.

Purpose
The Stirling Awards Program provides Fellowships, Sub-doctoral Student Awards, Research Awards, Rural Awards and Travel Grants. These awards encourage new generations of researchers to undertake studies on plant-parasitic nematodes and their management, build capacity in rural advisory networks, and broaden nematological expertise across the APPS membership.

Award categories

  • Fellowships (up to $10,000): For PhD students and early career researchers conducting nematology research.

  • Sub-doctoral Student Awards (up to $3,000): For undergraduate, honours or master’s students undertaking nematode-related projects.

  • Research Awards (up to $5,000): For early career scientists to gain experience working in nematology research groups.

  • Rural Awards (up to $5,000): To support nematologists working in rural locations or consultants/extension personnel seeking to broaden their nematological expertise.

  • Travel Grants (up to $5,000): To enable early career nematologists to attend conferences or workshops.

Eligibility
Applicants must be financial members of both APPS and the Australasian Association of Nematologists (AAN) at the time the award is conferred. Applications from non-members will be considered; however, membership fees will be deducted from successful awards to provide two years of membership.

Application process

  • Fellowships & Sub-doctoral Student Awards: Applications due 31 October (for the following calendar year) or 30 April (for the following financial year).

  • Research Awards, Rural Awards & Travel Grants: Applications due 31 October.

Applications (max. 2 pages) should outline the proposed project and budget. Completed forms should be emailed to Dr Graham Stirling (graham.stirling@biolcrop.com.au).

Reporting
Award recipients are required to provide a short report or scientific publication to be shared with APPS members.