Awards
Early Career eResearch Excellence Prize
AeRO are proud to establish their Early career excellence prize, recognising the outstanding early-career professionals who are building the future of digital research infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand.
Why this matters
Behind every major research breakthrough is a team of professionals who build, maintain, and evolve the digital infrastructure that makes it possible. This prize exists to name and celebrate those people — early in their careers, exceptional in their contribution.
The Early Career eResearch Excellence Prize is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding technical contribution, a genuine commitment to enabling research, and the kind of community leadership that lifts the entire sector.
Eligibility
Nominations are open to individuals and AeRO member organisations. Each member organisation may submit up to four nominations per year.
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Affiliation: Employed by, deployed to, or strongly affiliated with an AeRO member organisation.
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Location: Based in Australia or New Zealand at the time of nomination.
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Career Stage: Within 10 years of first entering the eResearch workforce.
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Or within 10 years of completing their highest relevant qualification.
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Eligibility
Nominations open!
Nominations are now open, closing June 19, 2026.
Check our latest Newsletter and LinkedIn for updates
Nature of the Prize
The prize supports a diverse and sustainable eResearch workforce; it is:
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Recognition of non-linear and technical career pathways
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Inclusive consideration of enabling, service, and operational roles
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Bias-aware judging guidance
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Supportive of regional, distributed, and virtual eResearch contributions
The prize supports professional development and sector capability, including:
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Full access to the eResearch 2026 (eRA26) conference and workshops
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Return economy airfares to eRA26 (<5 nights at the conference recommended hotel)
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$500 debit card for expenses
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Secured speaking position at eRA26 (20 minutes)
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$2,000 stipend to support further education OR $2,000 voucher to obtain a new laptop or similar relevant tool
The Prize selection panel can award up to 3 highly commended awards who will receive $1,000 gift card
What the prize recognises
Applications are assessed holistically across six areas. Nominees must demonstrate sustained contribution over at least two years.
Demonstrable depth and quality in technical work — whether in software, infrastructure, data management, or research platforms.
Evidence that the nominee's work has meaningfully improved research outcomes, enabled new capabilities, or expanded researcher access.
Novel approaches, efficiency gains, or improvements to eResearch practice — including sustainability of systems, teams, or methods.
Contribution to the broader eResearch community — mentorship, knowledge sharing, cross-institutional collaboration, or sector-building activity.
Demonstrated awareness of and alignment with national or institutional research strategies and priorities.
Contributions reflect consistent, meaningful engagement over time — not a single project or event.