Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship 2026

In 1988, the University of Melbourne and Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific (‘SISWP’) conducted an appeal to establish the Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship at the University. The scholarship commemorates Dame Margaret's contribution to the international soroptimist community and celebrates her academic achievements. Dame Margaret died in 1986. She was one of the earliest members of the Soroptimist Club of Melbourne, founded in 1948, and was president from 1957 to 1959. She was well known and widely respected throughout the international soroptimist world.

The Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship is offered to students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy – Science, identify as female and are undertaking substantial research in a discipline that aligns to plant, animal or viral genetics.

To be considered for this scholarship, students must:

• Identify as a woman (cis-gender and transwomen)
• Be enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Science
• Be completing a substantial research project that aligns to plant, animal or viral genetics

Important:

Existing scholarship holders are welcome to re-apply as long as they remain eligible.  

The scholarship is offered to the student(s) ranked highest by the selection panel based on academic merit and their personal statement. Preference will be given to students ranked highest according to the approved Student Financial Assessment process if ranked tenth or higher.

You must submit a Student Financial Assessment Form and an application, including a personal statement addressing:

• Details of awards, distinctions and publications and conference attendance
• Potential benefit of the research to the University and broader community
• Impact of the financial assistance on the research project
• Extracurricular activities

Applicants  also need to provide:

• Their CV
• Supervisor support statement

All scholarship outcomes will be sent via SmartyGrants.

Please see outcome timing below:

• Round 1 (Jan-March applications): May-July
• Round 2 (June-August applications): September-October

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