Peter "Smithy" Memorial Bursary
Purpose
The Peter Smith Memorial Bursary supports Royal Flying Doctor Service staff in undertaking research that contributes to improving health and well-being in rural and remote Australia.
Honouring the legacy of Peter “Smithy” Smith, this bursary recognises the vital role all RFDS employees play, across clinical, aviation, engineering, operations and support functions, in delivering impact through research and innovation.
The bursary funding totals $250K – with a $25,000 grant available for RFDS staff on an annual basis, for 10 years. The bursary supports research projects into significant issues affecting the health and well-being of communities in remote and rural Australia, including education and professional development of the selected recipient to create real and lasting benefit to the RFDS.
Activities the Bursary can be used for
There is a vast range of projects that the Peter 'Smithy' Smith Bursary can be applied towards. These include but are not limited to:
- Existing RFDS research projects already in train that may be partially funded from external sources or Sections/Operations
- RFDS research projects planned but not yet funded
- Attending an international conference to gather new knowledge/learnings and then return to disseminate that knowledge across the RFDS federation
- Professional development that can then be used to inform the RFDS federation and improve operations
Research Impact
Impact reflects the benefits of the work we undertake and the improved health outcomes of the people in each community we are delivering health services to.
Research impact is the contribution that RFDS research makes to the economy, society, environment or culture, beyond the contribution to academic research.
Individual research projects can have one or more impact categories and RFDS research impact categories include cultural, economic, environmental, social impacts; impact on health and wellbeing; policy influence and change; legal or governance impact; and technological developments.
The bursary funding is for projects that will have research impact in one or more impact category.
Funding Considerations & Expectations
The bursary is designed to support new or enhanced opportunities that contribute meaningfully to rural and remote health outcomes.
Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate:
- Why it requires support through this bursary
- What additional value, innovation and impact it brings to their local communities, regional, state or RFDS as a whole
Eligibility
Open to all RFDS employees across the federation (clinical, aviation, engineering, operational, administrative, etc.)
Applicants must propose a research-based project that improves rural and remote health outcomes (directly or indirectly).
Educational activities are eligible if they are clearly linked to a research or improvement outcome.
A CEO Letter of Support must be included (with any staffing/FTE approval noted).
Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply with revised or new proposals.
Applications Open
Applications are now open for the 2025 Bursary and can be sent to Melissa Perkins (details below).
Applications close on 1st of June 2025 and the successful bursary application announcement is on the 15th of July 2025.
For further information on the Peter Smith Bursary, please see:
Peter Smith Bursary Submission Guidelines
Peter Smith Bursary Application Form
Peter Smith Bursary CEO Letter of Support Template
If you have further questions, please email lara.bishop@rfds.org.au
