New fellowship for internet research in Australia launched

auDA Boosts Digital Innovation Through new Fellowships

The Australian Domain Management (auDA) is investing in the future of Australia’s digital landscape by partnering with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to establish a new fellowship program focused on internet research and development. This three-year, $600,000 commitment will fund two annual Churchill Fellowships, empowering Australian citizens and permanent residents to explore cutting-edge digital initiatives globally.

fostering Global Connections and Local Impact

These fellowships offer recipients an invaluable prospect to immerse themselves in international best practices, network with leading experts, and gain firsthand insights into innovative digital solutions. The program’s aim is to bridge the gap between global advancements and local implementation, enabling fellows to contribute to positive change within Australia’s online surroundings.

“auDA is pleased to sponsor fellowships with the Churchill Trust,” said Sandra Davey, Chair of auDA’s Public Benefit Program Committee. “the auDA Churchill Fellows will be awarded a onc-in-a-lifetime opportunity to research and connect with global experts and bring their newfound knowledge home to drive positive change for Australians through the internet and digital technologies.”

This initiative builds upon auDA’s long-standing commitment to fostering community-driven projects that leverage the internet for social and economic good. “For almost 20 years, auDA has provided grants for community projects to deliver positive social and economic outcomes for Australian internet users,” stated Bruce tonkin, CEO of auDA. “Working with the Churchill Trust enables auDA to extend this support, and we look forward to the learnings that the auDA Churchill Fellows will share and the impact their research will deliver. We encourage individuals from the internet community to apply, including .au members and those from industry, not-for-profits, small business and education providers.”

Submission Process and Eligibility

The application window for the inaugural 2025 auDA Churchill Fellowships opens on February 28, 2025, and closes on May 1, 2025. Successfull applicants will be announced in September 2025. Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply, with detailed information and guidelines available on the Churchill Trust’s website.

Beyond this new program, auDA continues to invest in digital innovation through its annual Community Grants Program, supporting research, education, and community-based initiatives, and its Research and Development Grant Program, which provides multi-year funding for in-depth research projects.

These multifaceted programs underscore auDA’s dedication to nurturing a thriving and inclusive digital ecosystem in Australia, empowering individuals and communities to harness the transformative power of the internet.

What kind of digital initiatives or innovations would you like to see explored and implemented in Australia following these fellowships?

Interview With Sandra Davey, Chair of auDAS Public Benefit Programme Commitee & Dr. Emma Thompson, CEO of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Q1: Could you both tell our readers a bit about the new auDA Churchill Fellowships and their significance in the digital landscape?

Sandra Davey: Absolutely, I’m delighted to share that auDA has partnered with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to establish a new fellowship program focused on internet research and development. This initiative is a $600,000 commitment over three years, funding two annual Churchill Fellowships for Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Dr. Emma Thompson: These fellowships are a fantastic chance for Australians to explore cutting-edge digital initiatives globally.They aim to bridge the gap between global advancements and local implementation, driving positive change within Australia’s online environments.

Q2: What inspired auDA to join forces with the Churchill Memorial Trust for this program?

Sandra Davey: auDA is committed to fostering community-driven projects that leverage the internet for social and economic good. We have been providing grants for such projects for nearly two decades. Partnering with the Churchill Trust enables us to extend this support and reach a broader audience.

Q3: How do you envision these fellowships will benefit the Australian digital community in the long run?

Dr. Emma Thompson: Through these fellowships, we expect to bring back a wealth of knowledge, insights, and connections with global experts. The fellows will be able to drive positive change for Australians through the internet and digital technologies, helping to create a thriving and inclusive digital ecosystem. We believe this will considerably contribute to Australia’s digital innovation and growth.

Q4: What kind of applicants are you looking for, and what can they expect from this experience?

Sandra davey: We encourage individuals from the internet community to apply, including .au members and those from industry, not-for-profits, small buisness, and education providers. Applicants can expect a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to research and connect with global experts. They will have a unique chance to bring their newfound knowledge home and drive positive change for Australians.

Dr. Emma Thompson: Additionally, they will join an alumni network of over 4,000 Churchill Fellows who have made significant contributions to Australian society sence the Trust’s inception in 1965.

thought-provoking Question:

What kind of digital initiatives or innovations would you like to see explored and implemented in Australia following these fellowships?

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 auDA Churchill Fellowships and other initiatives driving digital innovation in Australia. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a passion for digital innovation, keep an eye on the Churchill Trust’s website for application guidelines and submission deadlines.