Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) is expanding its national Internship Program, inviting Participant organisations to submit Expressions of Interest to host the next generation of researchers in placements designed to turn academic knowledge into real-world impact.
The Centre continues to work with partners to build opportunities that combine education with work placements – a long-term focus on skills and workforce development, as highlighted in our 10-Year Research Strategy 2022 and rolling Biennial Research Plans.
Program overview
The Centre will deliver the program with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern), the industry engagement arm of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, who will serve as the facilitation partner for the 2026/27 financial year.
- Purpose: To support internships that align with the mission, vision and objectives of Natural Hazards Research Australia by building opportunities that strengthen collaboration between academia and end users by combining education with work placements – a long-term focus on skills and workforce development, as highlighted in our 10-Year Research Strategy 2022 and rolling Biennial Research Plans.
- Quantity: Up to four internships for the 2026/27 financial year.
- Funding support: The Centre will fund each internship up to $29,800 ex GST, comprising $19,800 for the intern and $10,000 to APR.Intern for facilitation.
Objectives for Centre Participant organisations
- Capability development: Gain hands-on experience working alongside a researcher to enhance skills in addressing natural hazard-related challenges. Exposure to applying research methods and approaches to address real-world scenarios and business challenges.
- Collaboration: Strengthen connections with researchers and build longer-term partnerships.
- Knowledge sharing: Assist in the dissemination of research findings, , and innovative approaches to addressing natural hazards, resilience and disaster risk reduction.
- Contribution and impact: Contribute meaningful outputs and practical impact to address your organisations knowledge needs.
Eligibility criteria
- Who can apply:
- Applications are open to Centre Participants.
- Participant end-users do not have to currently be involved in an active research project with the Centre to apply.
- Applicants must identify an industry supervisor and provide information on an appropriate hosting environment for an intern
Key dates
- Expressions of Interest close 5:00pm AEST, 15 May 2026.
Internship guidelines
- Internship scope: Internships must focus on topics relevant to natural hazards research as described by the Centre’s Key research focus and Key capability areas as documented in the Biennial Research Plan 2025-27.
- Timeline: Internships must commence with the Participant organisation within three months of notification of a successful outcome. Internships will be for a full-time six-month period.
- Location: Internships can be conducted in person or conducted as a hybrid experience (in person and virtually) provided the intern meet program objectives and all eligibility criteria.
- Insurances: Applicants will be responsible for ensuring adequate insurance to cover internship related activities.
Application process
- Application submission: Applicants must submit a formal Expression of Interest using the Expression of Interest form.
- Selection criteria:
- Topic is of relevance to Natural Hazards Research Australia’s Biennial Research Plan 2025-27.
- Alignment of the internship plan with the objectives of the internship program.
- Feasibility of the internship project proposed.
- Adequacy of hosting arrangements by Centre Participant (applicant)
Reporting requirements
- Impact statement: Recipients must submit a brief impact statement within 30 days of the internship’s completion. This report should:
- Outline the research project outcomes
- Identify the current and intended use and impact that the internship research will have on the organisation