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Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award

BirdLife Australia

This Grant was established in 1997 by Mr Stuart Leslie AM, who was then one of Birds Australia’s long-time major donors and a keen birdwatcher. Aware of the crucial importance of ongoing ornithological research and the financial challenges facing Australian students, Mr Leslie generously committed to awarding $15,000 per year to support postgraduate fieldwork and travel to scientific conferences. In late 2004, he was awarded Fellowship of Birds Australia.

There are two Stuart Leslie Grants:

Stuart Leslie Bird Research Grant
Stuart Leslie Conference Travel Grant

The Stuart Leslie Bird Research Grant supports bird-focused or ornithological research that aligns with BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategy and contributes to Birdlife Australia’s conservation and science programs, recognising the importance of birds as bioindicators of environmental health.

The Stuart Leslie Travel Grant is given to individuals attending conferences with a significant focus on avian research or bird-related topics.

Since its establishment, the Grant has provided over $1million, supporting more than 500 students/projects (267 research projects, 262 travel grants), including studies on threatened species such as the Powerful Owl, Regent Honeyeater and Hooded Plover. Each year, the number of applications received has increased, highlighting the vital need for award schemes such as this.

Mr Leslie chose to fund bird research because birds are excellent indicators of the overall health of the environment, and he also encouraged other individuals and corporations to consider donating to research organisations.

The Stuart Leslie Grant will continue to support ornithological research into the future thanks to a generous bequest from Mr Leslie, who passed away in 2005, as well as ongoing support from Mrs Leslie and the Stuart Leslie Foundation.

Benefits of the Stuart Leslie Bird Research and Travel Grant

Typically, grants of between $500 and $5000 are awarded for research projects and up to $1000 for attending conferences.

Successful applicants are eligible to reapply annually, provided satisfactory progress has been made and reporting requirements have been met.

Preference is given to supporting researchers at an early stage of their research program.

How to apply for this grant

Applications close on March 31 annually. Results will be announced in June.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Successful applications to BirdLife Australia grants and awards typically share the following attributes:

✔ 1. Strong Alignment With BirdLife Australia’s Strategy

Both research and community grants are assessed heavily on how well the project supports BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategy — particularly in areas such as species conservation, habitat protection, citizen science evidence building, policy-relevant applied research and community engagement. BirdLife Australia

Tip: Explicitly map your aims to specific conservation priorities in the strategy.

✔ 2. Clear, Measurable Outcomes and Impact

Whether for student research or community grants, reviewers look for project plans with specific, measurable outcomes (e.g., data collection, population trend analysis, habitat restoration metrics, volunteer participation rates). BirdLife Australia

✔ 3. Feasible Execution Within Budget and Timeframe

Given the limited size of most BirdLife Australia grants (often under ~$10,000 for community projects, ~$5,000 for students), realistic methodologies and scoped objectives that can be delivered within one year significantly improve competitiveness. BirdLife Australia

✔ 4. Demonstrated Conservation Relevance

In student research grants, projects that tackle pressing conservation questions (e.g., species at risk, habitat fragmentation, behaviour-based conservation responses) are more likely to succeed. Having preliminary data or a clear link to ongoing monitoring can help. aoc.org.au

✔ 5. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

For community and conservation grants, proposals that involve local communities, volunteer groups, First Nations stakeholders, or other partner organisations demonstrate broader buy-in and resilience, which reviewers appreciate. BirdLife Australia

✔ 6. Clear Budget and Reporting Plan

Applicants should provide a transparent, itemised budget showing value for money and clear justifications for all expenses, and outline how outcomes will be reported or communicated at project completion. BirdLife Australia

🛠 Practical Tips for Applicants

✔ Become a member early: Many student research awards require BirdLife Australia membership. aoc.org.au
✔ Engage with strategy staff: For community grants, contact BirdLife Australia’s science and conservation planning team before applying to align project design with strategic needs. BirdLife Australia
✔ Leverage existing data or partnerships: Demonstrating existing relationships with local bird monitoring groups, land managers or researchers strengthens proposals. BirdLife Australia
✔ Plan for dissemination: For student research funding, include plans for publication, conference presentations, or contribution to Birdata and scientific communication. BirdLife Australia

📌 Summary: BirdLife Australia Funding & Awards

Opportunity	Audience	Focus	Typical Support
Student Research & Travel Grants	Honours, Masters, PhD students	Ornithology research and conference participation	~$500–$5,000; ~$1,000 travel aoc.org.au
Community & Applied Conservation Grants	Community groups/volunteers	Bird conservation and capacity building	Up to ~$10,000 BirdLife Australia
Professional Awards	Researchers, Indigenous scientists	Recognition and targeted research funding	Variable (honorific/award) Wikipedia

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Applications are open to Honours, Masters and PhD students.
Students are only eligible for funding toward current research being undertaken at an Australian tertiary institution or for travel to a conference to present current original research.
Grants are awarded on the strict understanding that funds will be exempt from institutional administration charges.
Previous funding will be taken into consideration.
Funds are limited and not all applications may be funded.
Applicants must be members of BirdLife Australia to be eligible to apply. Memberships are available here.
Applications unrelated to native Australian birds are not eligible to apply for this grant.
Students are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits to undertake their research.
Students are strongly encouraged to publish their research in Emu- Austral Ornithology or Australian Field Ornithology.
Applications by students Identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged.

Eligible Countries:

Australia

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: BirdLife Australia

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Level 2 Main Building, 54 Wellington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066.

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