Australian Indigenous Astronomy: A Call for Students

The Aboriginal Astronomy Project is seeking students who wish to undertake a PhD in Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University in Sydney. The university has several MQRES scholarships specifically dedicated to Indigenous Australians who wish to undertake a PhD in any field - including Aboriginal Astronomy. The MQRES stands for the "Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship" and includes a stipend, research funds, and all associated costs for up to 3.5 years. For international students, the scholarship also covers tuition and health insurance (and some relocation costs).

We are actively trying to increase Indigenous membership and researchers in our project. The university also has MQRES scholarships available for non-Indigenous students, both domestic and international.

Our project is seeking students to undertake research projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy. Projects include ethnographic, archaeological, historical, and linguistic approaches. Students with degrees in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities are ideal. Students are not required to have an astronomy background, but it is very useful. Those with no formal background or training in astronomy will be recommended to audit a first year course in the subject.

Candidates will need a bachelor's degree with honours or a research masters degree to be eligible for the MQRES. Evidence of research experience (i.e. publications) may meet this requirement if you don't have an honours or masters degree. A senior thesis for international students may count towards this requirement.

Students may also opt to complete an Honours degree or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Indigenous Studies working on a topic in Aboriginal Astronomy. Some scholarships may be available, but the MQRES is for PhD students only. Additional funding is available in the form of ITAS tutoring, planetarium and observatory work, and public outreach.