Moderna has opened applications for the 2026 Moderna Australia Fellowship, a program that will fund and mentor early-career Australian scientists for two years as they pursue mRNA research and innovation.
Applications are open from May 4 to June 26 2026. Successful candidates will receive funding for salary and research costs, along with mentorship and training from Moderna’s global research and development teams.
The fellowship targets research that advances mRNA science and its application to human health, with priority areas including infectious diseases, health security, oncology, and enabling technologies such as data and computational science.
Eligible applicants are Australian-based researchers within ten years of completing a doctoral degree, working across disciplines, including basic science, clinical research, engineering, and computational sciences.
Interested applicants are invited to attend an information webinar on May 20, 2026. Applications and further information are available online.
Moderna frames the program as part of an effort to nurture the country’s scientific talent. “The strength of Australia’s research ecosystem lies in its people. Through the Moderna Australia Fellowship, we’re proud to support emerging scientific leaders working on innovative solutions that have the potential to improve health outcomes both locally and globally,” said Dr Felicia Pradera, Director of Moderna Regional Research Centre.
The fellowship combines funding with experiential learning, formal training through Moderna University, and opportunities to collaborate with Moderna scientists to provide recipients with industry exposure and practical skills.
Professor Vihandha Wickramasinghe, a 2023 Moderna Australia Fellow from the Walter and Eliza Hall Medical Research Institute, described the opportunity to bridge academia and industry. “The Moderna Fellowship has given me the opportunity to broaden my RNA-based research while gaining insight into how scientific discoveries are translated into real-world medicines. The access to global expertise and industry perspectives is incredibly valuable for any researcher looking to make a meaningful impact.”