Malcolm Fraser Research Grant

Archives and Special Collections invites applications for the Malcolm Fraser Research Grant, supporting original research that interrogates, reframes, and advances understanding of liberal traditions in Australia. This grant seeks scholars willing to move beyond inherited narratives—to examine liberalism not as a fixed doctrine, but as a living, contrary drive embedded in policy, practice, and power.

The grant promotes research that advances rigorous, contemporary scholarship on liberal traditions in Australia, contributes meaningfully to public debate and historical understanding, and engages deeply with archival collections held by the University of Melbourne Archives and Special Collections.

The Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser designated the University of Melbourne as the official custodian of his personal papers. The Malcolm Fraser Collection at the University of Melbourne Archives now consists of over 200m of records, making it one of the most significant prime ministerial collections in Australia. The collection documents Fraser’s life and interests, especially:

  • Political life and party politics
  • Immigration and multiculturalism
  • Rural economy and Wannon local history
  • Human rights and racial equality
  • The rule of law
  • Reconciliation and relations with Aboriginal Australia
  • The environment
  • Economic policy

The Malcolm Fraser Research Grant recipient will be offered $25,000, which will be used to support the successful project for up to 12 months. The recipients will receive access to the Malcolm Fraser Collection and other relevant collections at the University of Melbourne Archives. The recipients will have access to desk space at the University of Melbourne Archives/Reading Room and will receive research and promotional support.

All Australian researchers are eligible to apply for the grant and affiliation with the University of Melbourne is not required.

The Grant was launched at the symposium marking the 50th anniversary of the Fraser government: True Liberal? The Record and Legacy of the Fraser Government held on 12-13 December 2025. The first round of applications close on 12 April 2026. The successful project will be announced in April 2026.

Grant Information

Learn more about access to the Collection, applicant requirements, the grant's selection criteria, information required for the application form and the membership of the Selection Committee.

  • The online catalogue, including digitised items, is available here. The catalogue also contains other relevant collections, including:

    Research guides relating to many of the themes listed above are available online. Under the Archives Act 1983 Commonwealth records generated by Mr Fraser as a Minister of the Crown remain at the National Archives of Australia.

    For more information, questions or to discuss access, please contact the Archives at um-archives@unimelb.edu.au.

  • Complete the online form available here.

    The form requires:

    • a 500-word statement describing how the project will contribute to public knowledge, discuss liberalism and the relevance to contemporary Australia with particular reference to public education and debate,
    • a 500-word synopsis of the project and proposed work to be undertaken for the duration of the grant with reference to the contribution to and use of the Malcolm Fraser Collection at the University of Melbourne,
    • details of the project status, i.e., has the project commenced, support from other funding bodies, if any, or publishing contracts in place, if any,
    • proposed dates for when the project will be undertaken, up to 12 months,
    • two referees familiar with the applicants’ work,
    • any other information to support the application that may assist the committee in making its decision.

    Applicants may be requested to attend an interview.

  • The recipients will be determined after considering the quality and merit of the submitted project as assessed by the selection committee. The grant will be awarded to the applicants who make the most compelling case for support after considering the following:

    • the statement outlining the positive impact of the award and proposed activities with particular reference to the contribution to public knowledge and discussion of liberalism, its relevance to contemporary Australia with particular reference to public education and debate,
    • the quality and feasibility of the submitted proposal, and,
    • the skills, experience and aptitude required to carry out the proposed project as evidenced by the application.

    Projects that have received no prior funding will be given preferential consideration. Conflict of interest considerations:

    • If the proposed project is part of another paid opportunity at the University of Melbourne, it will not be considered,
    • University of Melbourne staff members are welcome to apply provided they are not already receiving funding or payment from the university for the proposed project,
    • Candidates must declare any concurrent applications for funding.

  • Eligible projects will be selected against the purposes of the fellowship by an independent selection panel including:

    • the Vice Chancellor (or their nominee),
    • two University of Melbourne scholars with appropriate expertise,
    • two members of the broader community with relevant experience or expertise OR two members of the Malcolm Fraser Collection Steering Committee,
    • a representative of the Fraser family,
    • the University Archivist or Deputy Archivist, as a representative of Archives and Special Collections.

Apply Now

Contact information

For questions regarding the grant or the application process, please contact the Archives at um-archives@unimelb.edu.au.