The Mertz Fellowship programme is named after Dr Xavier Mertz, the first Swiss polar explorer to set foot in Antarctica and the only non-Australian/British member of the first Australian scientific expedition in Antarctica (1911-1914). The fellowship aims to intensify collaboration and networking between the polar and high altitude science communities of Switzerland and Australia.
The programme should encourage the mobility of PhD students and early career researchers (see definition below) based in Switzerland or in Australia. It supports their active involvement in polar and high altitude research through short-term exchange visits and joint projects with the aim to develop long-term scientific linkages and partnerships between Switzerland and Australia.
Two AUD 11,000 grants are made available per year. The fellowship grant can be used toward travel and costs of living (including accommodation) in order to reach the project objectives.
Applicants are responsible for finding a host institution as well as clarifying the scope of the proposed research project before submitting their application.
The Mertz Fellowship programme is managed by the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia and implemented and funded in collaboration with the Swiss Polar Institute, the Antarctic Science Foundation, and the Swissnex network, part of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
For eligibility and submission details, read the full call here and apply before/by 31 October 2025.