1Introduction

1 Introduction

The Australian Research Council’s Federation Fellowships are innovative and highly prestigious awards designed to develop and retain Australian skills. By providing an internationally competitive salary, the Federation Fellowships will support and encourage Australian researchers to stay in, or return to, Australia to conduct research of significant national economic, environmental and social benefit. It is expected that Federation Fellows will make a major contribution to the Australian research effort and national innovation system.

Up to 25 Federation Fellowships with a standard tenure of five years will be awarded for funding commencing in 2003. Applications are invited from outstanding individuals with exceptional, internationally renowned research careers in any discipline. The Fellowships are available for tenure at Australian higher education institutions and Australian research organisations that are funded primarily for research from State or Commonwealth Government sources.