Student Scholarships
Applications for the second round of Friends scholarships open on 3 August 2026. The research of the three successful scholars will aim either to enhance knowledge about or protect Australia’s natural environment.
The Friends had occasionally provided scholarships, including in 2019 for Leah Dann, then a PhD student at the University of Queensland; and in 2022 for Alex McLachlan, an honours student at the University of Canberra. Notwithstanding these scholarships and support for some other research projects, there was concern that scientific research was underrepresented in the overall Friends project program, given its importance in the Gardens’ mission.
In 2023 Council established a scholarship program whereby three scholars receive $7,500 per annum to supplement their stipend. Earlier this year Council agreed to continue the program thereby locking in a minimum annual commitment of $22,500 for scientific research which represents around a sixth of our overall projects program.
One of the three scholarships is designated the Don Beer Memorial Scholarship which in large part has been funded by an annual donation of $5,000 from Ella Beer in memory of her husband. This generous gift commenced in 2022-23 and extends for five years to 2026-27. Don Beer was a long and active member of Friends, perhaps best known as the author of Miracle on Black Mountain: A history of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
The guidelines for the next round of scholarships are little changed from those developed in 2023, with scholarships only being awarded to students (Honours, Masters, or PhD) enrolled in an Australian university. They will be for multiple years, and subject to satisfactory annual progress (for PhD and master’s students). PhD and master’s applicants will also need to be recipients of a stipend scholarship (for example an Australian Research Training Program Scholarship). They are intended to support students in their research, to attend conferences, undertake fieldwork or as a personal stipend.
The panel selecting the successful candidates and managing the program comprises Dr Veronica Briceno Rodriguez, Conservation Horticulture Manager; Dr Alyssa Weinstein, National Seed Bank Manager; and Dr Rosemary Purdie, representing Friends of the ANBG.
The second round should help establish Friends of the ANBG Scholarships firmly in the purview of relevant departments of Australian universities. Over time it will be pleasing to build an expanding alumni of Friends scholars, some of whom might seek employment at the ANBG.
Further information and the application forms will be available here by 3 August. Applications close on Monday 12 October 2026 at 5.00 pm AEST.
First round of Friends Scholarship holders
This is the final year for the three PhD students selected in 2023 in the first round of the scholarship program.
Jay Nicholson is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University analysing how climate change is impacting culturally important plants at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. He has worked with the Anangu, the traditional owners of the park, to design studies and learn together how these plants cope with heat and water stress. The August 2025 edition of Fronds included a profile of Jay.
Jay presented Thursday Talks in August 2024 and November 2025 reporting progress with his research,
Shelley Rowntree is a PhD candidate at the University of New England. Chrysocephalum Walp is a medium-sized genus occurring across all states in Australia. Shelley’s research aims to answer several questions: Does Chrysocephalum represent a cohesive genus? What are the limits of species within Chrysocephalum? What are the dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of Chrysocephalum?
Shelley presented a Thursday Talk in November 2024 reporting progress with her research.
Tasha James is a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra and recipient of the Don Beer Memorial Scholarship. , Tasha is exploring if and how endemic species on Mt Imlay might persist in situ in the face of different threats, including climate change, Phytophthora dieback and intense fire, to build knowledge to inform effective in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. The December 2025 edition of Fronds included a profile of Tasha.
Tasha presented Thursday Talks in November 2024 and the Don Beer Memorial Lecture on 16 October 2025 reporting progress with her research. Each scholarship holder will deliver a further Thursday Talk later this year.