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Support the next generation of researchers

Early Career Researchers Fund

Groundbreaking ideas often come from early career researchers – but many never get the chance to prove them.

Traditional funding usually goes to established academics, leaving emerging talent without vital resources at the most critical stage. Your support can change that.

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Fuel the future of discovery

Backing the next generation of research

Deakin’s Early Career Researcher Fund gives brilliant emerging researchers the chance to pursue bold questions.

These are the scientists and innovators who will lead the discoveries of tomorrow – from advancing climate science, engineering, medical research or Indigenous Knowledges, Deakin researchers are driving discoveries that shape a better future.

In 2025, only 17.9% of applicants for Australia’s national Discovery Early Career Research Award were funded*. Deakin’s Early Career Researchers Fund helps close this gap – giving emerging researchers the chance to pursue bold ideas and prove their impact.

Together, we can back the people who’ll lead the discoveries of tomorrow.

Support a researcher today

Supporting a Deakin Early Career Researcher means supporting a future leader who is dynamic and creative with their research. Thanks for your support. Dr Katherine Livingstone NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition

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Scientist in lab coat and goggles writes in a notebook at a lab bench with glassware.

Scientist in lab coat and safety glasses uses a pipette in a lab. Test tubes and equipment are visible.

Two smiling scientists in lab coats/goggles examine insects in a clear enclosure.

Why your support matters

From bold ideas to real-world change

With your support, we can help early career researchers turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Philanthropy makes the difference – fueling the bold first steps that spark breakthroughs and attract major grants.

With your generosity, we can:

launch ideas – fund pilot projects that test bold new theories
support careers – give early career researchers a critical first step towards long-term funding
accelerate discoveries – move promising projects from concept to real-world solutions
empower talent – give emerging leaders the confidence and resources to shape the future.

Tomorrow starts today

Every gift unlocks the potential of the next generation of researchers. With your support, we can turn bold ideas into breakthroughs that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Give today

Scientist in lab coat and safety glasses works with vials on a lab instrument. Blue gloves, yellow tool in hand.

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Donor Charter

Deakin University Advancement

At Deakin University, we are driven to create impact by turning bold ideas into discoveries and discoveries into change that touches lives. This is only possible through the generosity, trust and shared vision of our diverse, global community of donors and partners. Together, we amplify what is possible and extend the benefits of our work to reach as many people as we can.

Philanthropy has always been a part of Deakin’s story, shaping who we are today and who we will become tomorrow. Our partnerships with donors are at the heart of creating opportunity, sparking innovation, and fostering excellence in education and research. Together, we make a genuine and lasting difference in the many communities we serve.

At Deakin we celebrate the transformative role of philanthropy and are committed to providing exceptional donor stewardship. We work to ensure that all our donors have fulfilling experiences when giving through Deakin. We are committed to building enduring relationships with those who share our passion for making positive change in the world. The generosity of our community of supporters empowers us to push boundaries, change lives and help create a better world. We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their support and strive to ensure every experience with us in philanthropy is positive and rewarding.

Deakin University’s Donor Charter underpins our promise to fundraise in an ethical manner that promotes public confidence and protects the University and the donors’ interests.

As a donor, and our partner in change, you can expect the following commitments from Deakin:

To be transparent, informative and professional

Deakin University adheres to the Universities of Australia Code of Practice for Australian University Philanthropy and to Deakin University’s Philanthropic Gifts Policy.
A donor can expect to be informed of the University’s mission, the way the University will implement the gift according to the donor’s intent and the identity of key personnel involved in managing the gift.
Individuals representing the University will act in a professional manner and will inform prospective donors if they are volunteers, students or University staff.
No programs, agreement, trust or contract will be pursued with potential donors at the expense of the donor’s or the University’s best interests and motivations.
The University and its staff will actively and positively provide relevant information on the University, and the use of and progress with the gift.

To use gifts effectively and ethically in line with donor wishes

The University is committed to ensuring that philanthropic gifts are managed efficiently, effectively and ethically, and in a way that reflects their intended purpose/s.
Should it become impractical or impossible to carry out the expressed purpose/s, or where the University reasonably believes that the original expressed wishes are no longer a suitable and effective means of using the gift, the University will communicate with the donor or the donor’s nominated representative.
As part of our commitment to responsible management and oversight of philanthropic gifts, the Chief Advancement Officer reports regularly to Council on the overall management and administration of philanthropic income of the University.
The University is committed to use gifts responsibly and ethically.

To respect the privacy of donors

Donors can expect to be treated with the highest level of care and respect.
Donors’ personal information will be treated confidentially in line with the University’s Privacy Policy.
Requests for anonymity will be respected, honoured and confidentially enacted.

To acknowledge and recognise donors and celebrate philanthropy

We will acknowledge and recognise every donor in ways that are timely, personal, and meaningful – celebrating their impact and fostering a genuine, lasting connection with the Deakin community.
We will promptly provide an official receipt suitable for taxation purposes, ensuring donors feel valued and assured that their generosity has been received and recognised.

Amount

$ 200.00

Frequency