The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research has launched a new grant program to support PhD and Masters by Research students from equity groups who may face additional challenges during their studies.
Lifeboat provides $5,000 per year for up to three years to help students continue their research with greater security and peace of mind.
It was brought to life collaboratively by teams within the Perkins, championed by Perkins Student Committee, supported by the People & Culture team and developed by the Community Engagement Team and the generosity of donors.
Paige Gibbs, Perkins Chief Engagement Officer, said the initiative reflects the Institute’s strong commitment to inclusion and opportunity in research.
“We know that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not,” Ms Gibbs said.
“Lifeboat helps remove some of the barriers that can unfairly impact students from equity groups.”
Applications for the inaugural round are now open, with two full-time students, either PhD or Master of Research, set to receive the $5,000 annual grant. The program will run twice a year, supporting a total of four students annually.
To be eligible, students must identify with one or more equity or diversity groups and be enrolled full-time in a research degree.
In addition to the main grant, the Perkins is also offering a Lifeboat Emergency Fund, which provides up to $1,500 for students facing urgent, unforeseen financial hardship. This emergency support is open year-round, helping students manage unexpected costs without jeopardising their research.
Professor Leedman, Perkins CEO, said the idea was driven by students who had firsthand experience of the challenges faced by their peers.
“This is a student-led solution to a real issue in the research community. I’m incredibly proud of the leadership shown by our Student Committee supported by the Community Engagement team who created the concept and grateful to our incredible donors who have helped bring this vision to life,” he said.
Interested in supporting Lifeboat? Learn more here.
