This grant program is open for you to apply if:

• You are a higher degree research student (including MPhil or PhD) at JCU;
• Your research relates to terrestrial ecology;

You are undertaking a field work activity in northern Australia or PNG.

Successful candidates will receive a grant to assist with their research, up to the value of $1,000.  Funds may be used for, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Purchase of equipment related to the field work activity; and
• Travel and associated field trip expenses (e.g. accommodation, transport).

Funds will be paid in one instalment into a JCU student research account and must be used within 12 months of being received.

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• A copy of your JCU academic record.
• A copy of your curriculum vitae.
• A written statement addressing:
  • Overview of Research Project
    This section should address why the project is important, needed and likely to result in significant advancement in knowledge and understanding of the issue and/or practical improvements in the way the issue/s are managed.
  • Summary of field work activity:
    Outline the field work activity proposed, include when, where, what, the impact the activity will have on the overall project and what other field activities are part of the overall project.
  • Budget:
    Provide a budget of associated costs involved in the field activity and how this grant would support it.
  • Research Outputs:
    Listing any publications or other research outputs that you have.
  • Academic Record:
    Listing qualifications, GPAs and academic awards.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and you will receive an email confirmation it has been received. After the closing date it will be individually assessed and put forward to a selection committee who will rank your application against others who have applied.

Scholarship Rules

Prof Andrew Krockenberger Field Research Grant

Introduction

The Professor Andrew Krockenberger Legacy Fund provides support for research students to undertake vital fieldwork, enabling them to follow in his footsteps and deepen their understanding of ecological systems through practical field research.

Professor Andrew Krockenberger was a respected scholar and leader who made significant academic contributions to the study of Australia’s unique fauna and supported the development of research and research infrastructure at James Cook University.

For more than 20 years, Professor Krockenberger’s dedicated research focused on the physiology and ecology of vertebrates, particularly marsupials and their challenges in a changing climate. His final work explored how climate change affects endemic vertebrates in Australia’s wet tropics, including rainforest ringtail possums and microhylid frogs. His research in the conservation biology of rainforest marsupial folivores continues to inform strategies to protect these species.

Fieldwork was at the heart of Professor Krockenberger’s research. His passion for studying wildlife in their natural habitats inspired generations of students to embrace hands-on, immersive learning. As a creative scientist, generous mentor, and inspiring teacher, his impact will resonate for years to come within the JCU community and far beyond.

Professor Krockenberger passed away in March 2025 following a courageous battle with Motor Neuron Disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2023.

The Legacy Fund continues to receive support from friends, family and colleagues to sustain Professor Krockenberger’s legacy, fostering a new generation of researchers dedicated to protecting our natural world.

This scholarship is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and Payment of the Scholarship

The value of the scholarship $1,000.

Payments are made in a lump sum into your student research account. Upon awarding or establishment of student research account.

Eligibility Criteria

This grant program is open for you to apply if:

• You are a higher degree research student (including MPhil or PhD) at JCU;
• Your research relates to terrestrial ecology; and
• You are undertaking a field work activity in northern Australia or PNG.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall, in the exercise of its absolute discretion, afford consideration to the following ranking criteria:

• Written statement (70 points) assesses the scientific merit as well as the need and impact of research activity on the student’s career and on the research itself. Breakdown of the 70 points is as per the dot points:
  • Overview of Research Project (20 points)
  • Summary of field work activity (30 points)
  • Budget (10 points)
  • Research Outputs (5 points)
  • Academic Record (5 points)
• Other ranking criteria (points are allocated where they are applicable):
  • Using JCU’s DRO field stations for field activity (10 points)
  • Using JCU’s Fletcherview field stations for field activity (5 points)
  • Research related to marsupials (10 points)
  • Research related to terrestrial ecology (5 points)
  • Student is in receipt of any other grants or funding:
    • 0 points – student is in receipt of more than $5,000 research funding.
    • 5 points – student is in receipt of research funding between $1,000-$4,999.
    • 10 points – has no research funding.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• A copy of your JCU academic record.
• A copy of your curriculum vitae.
• A written statement addressing:
  • Overview of Research Project
    This section should address why the project is important, needed and likely to result in significant advancement in knowledge and understanding of the issue and/or practical improvements in the way the issue/s are managed.
  • Summary of field work activity:
    Outline the field work activity proposed, include when, where, what, the impact the activity will have on the overall project and what other field activities are part of the overall project.
  • Budget:
    Provide a budget of associated costs involved in the field activity and how this grant would support it.
  • Research Outputs:
    Listing any publications or other research outputs that you have.
  • Academic Record:
    Listing qualifications, GPAs and academic awards.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquiries as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorisation for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

The award of the scholarship shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Dean GRS, or nominee (Chair)
• Associate Dean Research, College of Science and Engineering, or nominee
• Donor representative

The Selection Committee reserves the right:

Not to award a Scholarship in any year if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no candidate of sufficient merit to warrant an award.

The Selection Committee may require applicants to undertake an interview as part of their application.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the Scholarship awardee.

Conditions of the Scholarship

• Recipient to deliver an end of funding impact report, template provided which includes activity overview, research progress and activities, achievements including publications, conference and awards, impact of funding on activity and future plans.
• Funds need to be utilised within 12months of awarding or returned to awarding fund.

• If a student undertakes an official leave of absence, student is able to have a 12 month extension to utilise the funds associated with this grant.
• A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Complaints Policy and Procedures.

A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Complaints Policy and Procedures.

Administration of the Scholarship

The grant shall be administered by Scholarships Office of the University, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds of the grant shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the Scholarship Office.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants, and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms