Research continues to be a growing interest amongst medical students both locally and around the country. In modern evidence-based healthcare, there is an inescapable need to be 'research literate' and to be able to write, interpret and clinically apply research papers and their, sometimes controversial, conclusions.
Research can be deeply engaging and rewarding, but its real value lies in the quality of the work and the genuine curiosity and commitment behind it. Research during medical school should sit alongside and complement the core clinical and professional learning you undertake to become a capable and flourishing doctor. Meaningful research is ultimately directed toward improving patient outcomes, strengthening the broader healthcare system, and advancing our collective understanding so we can practise better medicine.
Other motivations for undertaking research as a medical student include:
- Developing strong skills in critical appraisal, study design, and data collection.
- Becoming acquainted with consultants and registrars working in one's area of interest, plus other research roles.
- The opportunity to present at local or overseas conferences.
It is for these reasons that the AMSS Research Officer is here to assist.
Our 2026 Research Officer, Edward Mickan, is here to assist you with all your research questions. The roles of the Research Officer are to help engage medical students in research, and advocate for and represent medical students in discussions regarding the research components of our course. If you have any of the questions listed below or others, then please do not hesitate to contact Edward at research@amss.org.au.
- Do you feel like you know nothing about research, but want to get involved? Do you want some help in finding an interesting clinical/lab-based project to become a part of?
- Are you unsure where you can find financial assistance or scholarships to support you whilst you undertake research?
- Do you want to find out about research scholarships, prizes and awards available to students?
- Do you want advice regarding your MD-related research assessment?
- What are the non-clinical pathways you can pursue following medical school?
Research Scholarships #
There are a number of scholarships available to medical students to support those undertaking research. When considering whether to apply it is important to keep in mind the opening dates and deadlines for application and eligibility criteria for each scholarship. If the stars do align, do not let yourself be dissuaded by the limited number of scholarships to be handed out. There's no harm in applying!
https://scholarships.adelaide....
Please contact the AMSS Research officer at research@amss.org.au if you have any questions regarding the below scholarships or if there are any other scholarships that you think should be listed on this website.
Vacation scholarships
ADELAIDE SUMMER RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: All undergraduate students (though generally at least completed MBBS II), >6 week duration, no other vacation scholarships.
Amount: $200 per week
Click here for more information
BASIL HETZEL INSTITUTE (BHI) VACATION SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP
Restricted to: At least completed MBBS II, undertaking a project at the BHI, >6 week duration, no other vacation scholarships.
Amount: $200 per week
Click here for more information
Honours Scholarships
ADELAIDE MEDICAL SCHOOL HONOURS SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: Prospective MBBS(Hons) students
Amount: $4000 pa
Email Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Education Team at fhsresed@adelaide.edu.au for the current application form.
BASIL HETZEL INSTITUTE (BHI) HONOURS SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: Prospective Honours students
Amount: $4000-8000 pa
Click here for more information
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE HONOURS SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: Prospective Honours students, demonstrable financial need, Commonwealth supported student.
Amount: $5000 pa
Click here for more information
ROBINSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE HONOURS SCHOLARSHIP (AKA JEFFREY ROBINSON HONOURS SCHOLARSHIP)
Restricted to: Prospective Honours students undertaking human/animal reproductive health research within the Robinson institute.
Amount: $4000 ($1000 of which goes towards research department)
Click here for more information
REPROMED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
Restricted to: Prospective Honours students, at least completed MBBS IV, undertaking human/animal reproductive health research.
Amount: $3000 pa
Click here for more information
FREEMASONS FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR MEN'S HEALTH HONOURS SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: Prospective honours students undertaking research with the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health.
Amount: To be confirmed (applications currently open for 2019)
Click here for more information
PADDY O'ROURKE HONOURS SCHOLARSHIP FOR PROSTATE CANCER RESEARCH
Restricted to: Prospective honours students undertaking research in the field of prostate cancer research
Amount: $5000, as well as support to attend a national meeting to present your research (applications currently open for 2019)
Click here for more information
JEMIMA LENDRUM HONOURS GRANT FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Restricted to: Students enrolled in a full-time honours program within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, project relevant to cancer research.
Amount: $750 + $250 top-up
Email Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Education Team at fhsresed@adelaide.edu.au for the current application form.
AR RIDDLE GRANTS
Restricted to: Honours and postgraduate researchers undertaking the last semester of their Honours/postgraduate course, demonstrable financial need, funds must go towards expenses of research.
Amount: Variable
Click here for more information
PLAYFORD TRUST HONOURS SCHOLARSHIPS
Restricted to: Certain fields of honours (including Health Sciences), Australian citizen/holder of permanent resident visa.
Amount: $5000
Click here for more information
Research Conference scholarships #
ADELAIDE MEDICAL STUDENTS' FOUNDATION (AMSF) RESEARCH CONFERENCE GRANT
Restricted to: Adelaide medical students
Amount: $250 for domestic conferences, up to $1000 for international conferences
Click here for more information
TREVOR PRESCOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Restricted to: All Australians aged 20-30 years wishing to receive funding for a worthwhile endeavour
Amount: Variable
Click here for more information
WALTER & DOROTHY DUNCAN TRUST
Restricted to: University of Adelaide student, demonstrable financial need and academic aptitude
Amount: Variable
Click here for more information
If there is a specific conference you intend to present at then consider also searching the conference website for travel grants and other scholarships available to speakers.