Student Grants

Post-graduate students can apply for grants through the Ernest Jackson Memorial Grants made available by the RBMS. These are small, supplemental grants but these are keenly sought after by students undertaking innovative aspects of catchment management research.

Applications for these grants are now being called with applications due on 30 June 2008.

Ernest Jackson Memorial Research Grants

The Society has been making grants to students to assist them carry out aspects of their studies since 1987. Full time students can apply for a grant of up to $2000 to assist them in undertaking research in aspects of catchment and natural resource management.

Ernest Jackson worked for the better understanding of the relationships between land and water for over 50 years and was one of the first people to call this relationship Integrated Catchment Management. He had worked for both the Department of Agriculture and the then State Rivers & Water Supply Commission (in Victoria) as an information and education officer for nearly 20 years prior to his retirement in 1966. He had continued this involvement after retirement in many voluntary capacities in the natural resource management fields to foster his ideals in what then was a less concerned community. He joined this Society at its inception and was made the Society's first Honourary Member in 1988 when his health started to fail.

In 1992, these grants were renamed the Ernest Jackson Memorial Research Grants in his honour after his death in 1991 aged 90.

Applying for a grant

The Society may provide grants of up to $2000 to assist tertiary students undertaking research in the field of catchment and natural resource management. Ph.D. and Masters level students undertaking relevant research are encouraged to apply. Previous projects which have been funded include:

• The role of snags in the biology of streams and rivers
• Systems and scales in sustainable development: views on catchment management and landcare districts
• Channel morphology in relation to hydrological and geomorphic characteristics
• Modelling of nutrient dynamics in rivers and streams

Projects should be of demonstrable relevance to catchment and natural resource management. Please note that capital expenditure will not be supported, nor will overseas travel or conference costs. Preference may be given to members or student members of the River Basin Management Society.

Applications must be made using the attached Application Form. Five copies should be submitted (plus an electronic copy in MS Word compatible format).

Applications must be accompanied by a brief statement of support from the student's supervisor or head of department.

The Society reserves the right to place whatever conditions it sees fit on a Grant. Normally successful applicants will be expected to:

1. acknowledge the assistance of the RBMS in publications and presentations;
2. provide for the Society's library one copy of any thesis/report/paper arising from the project;
3. submit a brief article outlining the outcomes of their project for publication in River Basin News; and,
4. present a talk to a RBMS event (or one approved by the RBMS) outlining the outcomes of their research.

A sub committee who assess each application on its merits currently administers these grants. The recommendations are then passed to the Society's Committee for ratification. Payments are made following acceptance subject to conditions both by the student and their University to accept the grant and pay the student on receipt of evidence that the money has been spent for the purpose designated.

This financial assistance, although relatively small, is keenly sought and assists full time students in undertaking much needed research in aspects of catchment management.

Application Form

For further information contact

RBMS committee
Email: rbms@rbms.com.au