Media Release
The Australia-China Council will boost funding for scholarships
next year through sponsoring a Churchill Fellowship in 2007 for an
Australian to undertake a project in mainland China, Hong Kong or
Taiwan.
For outstanding people of their field this will be the
pre-eminent fellowship for China offered by the Australia-China
Council for 2007. The project may be in any area of endeavour
and should aim to enhance people-to-people links and mutual
understanding between Australia and Greater China.
Australia-China Council Chair, Professor Mark Wainwright said,
"There is much to learn in China; whether it is undertaking
advanced materials research or learning about ancient ceramic
glazes, the fellowship will create a wonderful opportunity for the
successful candidate."
The Churchill Trust awards up to one hundred Churchill
Fellowship each year to Australians which provides awardees with
the opportunity to investigate a project overseas. Since the
trust was established over 3000 Australians have been awarded
fellowships.
Churchill Fellowships are usually of eight weeks duration and
have an average value of $25,000 including airfares and an overseas
living allowance. The Australia-China Council may also award
additional funding of up to $15,000 for longer or more complex
projects, bringing the total support of the fellowship up to
$40,000.
All applicants for the inaugural Australia-China Council
Churchill Fellowship will also be automatically considered for the
regular Churchill Fellowships. Full details of the
application process are available on the Churchill Trust website at www.churchilltrust.com.au.
The Australia-China Council plays a crucial role in
cross-cultural and education programs and enjoys strong ties with
Australia's large, diverse and long-standing Chinese
Community.
The Council's biggest single category of spending is
currently on scholarships and youth exchange programmes. The
Council's other major initiatives include funding for
Australian Studies in China, cultural exchanges and residency
programs.
Media Inquiries: DFAT Media Liaison on 02 6261 1555