Welcoming new Executive Committee Members

At the start of this year, the Network welcomed a range of new Executive Committee Members.

Dr Alexandra Ridgway has stepped in as our new Chairperson, having previously served as Co-Deputy Chairperson for the past two years.

Alexa takes over from previous Chairperson Assoc Prof Sarah Midford who is staying on as Outgoing Chairperson to assist with the transition. We would like to thank Sarah for her leadership of the Network over the past two years and her dedication to championing the interests of those working in SHAPE disciplines.

New Executive Committee roles also include:

• Assoc Prof Thu Phuong Pham, Ordinary Executive Member
• Dr Emily Fitzgerald, Deputy Chairperson
• Dr Christina Allen, Secretary
• Dr Huda Syyed, Policy Officer
• Dr Habib Moghimi, Officer for Insecure Employment

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SHAPE Futures 2025 Annual Convention

The SHAPE Futures EMCR Network Annual Convention was held on 27 November 2025 in Melbourne.

The event was well attended with lots of excellent advice shared by the panellists on how to secure funding (both big and small), while also providing an opportunity for discussion about the challenges currently faced by EMCRs in the SHAPE disciplines, particularly those who are precariously placed.

Three of the attendees (and travel bursary recipients) have shared their perspectives on attending the Convention:

“With just the right number of EMCRs gathered around the table, the convention was an ideal forum to compile and consolidate the voices of researchers in humanities and social sciences” – Dr Christina Allen | Senior Lecturer, Curtin University

“Everyone had a story to tell about opportunities gained or lost: every single person there had some wisdom to impart to another” – Dr Imogen Wegman | Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania

“Hearing how other researchers strategically build their portfolios from small grants to larger funding opportunities was very insightful” – Dr Suneha Seetahul | Senior Research Fellow, The University of Sydney

Read the full takeaways from bursary recipients here.

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Shape Shifters

The Network has launched our new Shape Shifters interview series where we hear about the exciting work being undertaken by EMCRs, Senior Researchers, and sector influencers across SHAPE disciplines.

So far, we’ve profiled six researchers who’ve shared a range of insights, from what they love most about their work, to the best advice they’ve received, and how their work is going to change the world. Check out our Shape Shifters profiles here.

Know someone we should profile? Email us at: info@shapefutures.com.au

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Job Ready Graduates

Consultation is currently underway for a new bill proposed by the Greens which aims to reverse the Job-Ready Graduates scheme. Submissions in response to the bill close 10 April.

Further information can be found here.

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Current opportunities

Rechnitz Fund Grant Program

Applications are currently open for the Rechnitz Fund Grant Program, closing 17 April. This research funding program is intended to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop their careers as researchers across the social sciences. Applicants must identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and must be working or studying in a field of social science research.

Further information can be found here.

Pacific Social Science Academic Grants

The deadline for Pacific Social Science Academic Grants has been extended until 30 April. The Grants provide seed funding of up to $5,000 per annum to support collaborative research (joint projects and exchanges) in and on the Pacific, including challenges around climate change, food, and resources. The program particularly encourages applications from early- and mid-career researchers and aims to strengthen scholarly networks and long-term partnerships across the region.

Further information can be found here.

Paul Bourke Awards

The Paul Bourke Awards for Early Career Research honour Australians in the early part of their career who have achieved excellence in scholarship in one or more fields of the social sciences. Nominations are now open, closing 12 June.

Further information can be found here. 

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Connect with us
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Do you know other EMCRs working in SHAPE who would like to join our network?
They are welcome to join, it is free, and they can sign up here.