Call for EOIs: Roderick Visiting Fellowships (Australian Literature and Creative Writing)

The Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing seeks expressions of interest (EOIs) from researchers in the field of Australian literary studies and creative writing to participate in a series of Roderick Visiting Fellowships. The Roderick Visiting Fellowship Program aims to attract outstanding researchers in the field of Australian literary studies and creative writing to make a positive contribution to the research culture of the James Cook University. This contribution should include holding regular office hours, conducting one postgraduate masterclass, as well as presenting seminars or delivering public-facing guest lectures. A report on the outcomes of the visiting fellowship is required within two months after the visit concludes.

Expressions of interest should align with research themes that acknowledge JCU’s position in the tropical world by addressing one or more of the following topics: ecosystems, conservation and climate change; industry and economy; peoples and societies; health, medicine and biosecurity. Within these broad themes, the Roderick Centre has a particular interest in the Environment (e.g. Reef, Rainforest, Tropics); Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People; and Health - Mental Health/ Wellbeing.

The Roderick Visiting Fellow award offers up to $12,500 for a thirty (30) day residency. The award provides funding support to assist with airfares, accommodation and incidentals whilst staying at JCU. Payments can only be made to applicants with an institutional research account or a valid ABN.

Eligibility

The fellowships are available to any scholar from Australia who is actively working in the field of Australian literary studies or creative writing.

Your expression of interest should include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including details of degrees and qualifications; relevant positions held in the past five years; a list of publications, presentations, and achievements relevant to the application.

• Fellowship Proposal: In no more than two pages, indicate the ways in which you will contribute to the University research culture by drawing on your experience and track record. The proposal should also indicate a schedule for the visit to JCU. We are initially seeking to appoint visiting fellows in 2026–2027, but will consider applications for subsequent years in early 2027.

• Two referee reports: The referee reports should address your experience and research capabilities, and an assessment of the value and viability of the fellowship proposal.

How do I apply?

Please email your EOI to us at RCALC@jcu.edu.au before 31 July 2026 5pm AEST.  You can also let us know whether you would like discuss your idea by reaching out to us by email.  If you might consider a visiting fellowship application for a further year but don’t have the capacity right now, you are welcome to email us anytime.

If you would like to discuss your EOI before submission, please contact Associate Professor Roger Osborne: roger.osborne@jcu.edu.au.

Selection

• EOIs will be considered by the Head and leaders of the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, as well as independent assessors.

• EOIs will be assessed against your track record (relative to opportunity) and standing in the field, and also the strength of the proposal.

• Preference will be given to EOIs that clearly align with JCU’s research themes.

Selection criteria:

• Clearly articulated EOI with a link to one of the Roderick themes

• A clear way of linking this visit and any research aims with the aims of the Centre

• At least two proposed impact-generating activities to linked with the agenda of capacity building for the Centre, such as community event, HDR masterclass, seminar, or other hosted activity

Terms and Conditions

The scheduling of the visit will be negotiated with RCALC

A short report on outcomes and outputs must be submitted within two months after the end of the project. Presentations and publications should acknowledge funding by RCALC. Research and researchers funded through this round shall agree to list their affiliated research profile and activities with the RCALC via our website.