Dr Jim Desmarchelier Scholarships 2025

Dr Jim Desmarchelier was awarded a BSc (Hons) in 1967 and a PhD in Chemistry in 1971 from the University of Melbourne. Following post-doctoral studies at the University of California at Riverside, he worked for CSIRO Stored Grain Research Laboratory for the remainder of his career, with a focus on applying physical chemical insights into post-harvest grain protection. He was resourceful and innovate, and his methods were eccentric and unique, informed by a penetrating scientific insight. He was awarded a Humboldt Fellowship to work in Berlin. Throughout his international career he supervised and was especially supportive of post-graduate students, particularly those from overseas, and remained in contact to support many of his former students. Jim died on 19 January 2019, and through his estate provided support for post-graduates, reflecting what he held so dear in his lifetime.

This Scholarship is open to domestic and international students.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to be:

• Enrolled in a graduate research degree in the School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, and
• Undertaking a period of research of not less than three months at an international institution;

or

• Enrolled in a graduate research degree or equivalent at an international university and
• intending to undertake a period of research of not less than three months in the School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne; 

You must be confirmed (or equivalent if enrolled at an international university) at closing date of applications. Preference will be given to students at the end of their first year/early in their second year, post confirmation.

Multiple students may be awarded this scholarship.

A final report must be submitted to the committee within 6 weeks of the completion of the project / travel, summarising outcomes against the three bullet points noted in the application process.

Any publications resulting from the research should acknowledge the Dr Jim Desmarchelier Scholarship.

Eligible candidates will be ranked based on:

• The potential impact on the student’s research program and future career development;
• The scientific significance of the project;
• Strength of the international collaboration;
• Clearly articulated objectives supported by a detailed budget justifying costs for the proposed program to be undertaken; evidence of other sources of funding must be included;
• Letters of endorsement from the supervisor and from the host institution laboratory/supervisor.

A final report must be submitted to the committee within 6 weeks of the completion of the project / travel, summarising outcomes against the three bullet points noted in the application process.

Any publications resulting from the research should acknowledge the Dr Jim Desmarchelier Scholarship.

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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