Richard John Bryant Estate Award for PhD research in Geography

Students undertaking a PhD or Masters by Research in Geography at Monash University have the opportunity to apply for the Richard John Bryant Estate Award of up to $5000*. The application for funding may cover any activities that enhance the quality or the capacity of a research thesis, or assist in the communication of research findings. While priority is given to activities that support student research in Southeast Asia, and to field work over conference travel, the fund is not limited by that focus. Examples of what has been funded previously include: specific fieldwork proposals, conference travel for students wishing to present papers at domestic or international conferences, and specific data or transcription services, not funded from elsewhere.

Students that have passed their confirmation may apply. Students are also eligible to apply near to their confirmation, but a positive outcome will be conditional upon passing confirmation.

Dr Richard John Bryant is a Monash University Geography Alumni. His own PhD work focused on unpacking the maritime fabric of Singapore (1819-1914).

*This amount is subject to change.

How to apply

The next round of applications is currently open. The round will close on Friday 1 May 2026. Please complete the application form and forward to: colette.mortreux@monash.edu

How applications will be assessed

  • Work relating to the Southeast Asia region will be given preference over work relating to other regions
  • Preference will be given to field work and data analysis over conference travel
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received the award
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have passed confirmation

Previous award recipients

2025 (Round 1)

  • Jack Clancy
  • Kira-Lee Gmeiner
  • Rachel Walters

2025 (Round 2)

  • Serena Ford

2024 (Round 1)

  • Kyra Fabianke
  • Maria Daels

2023 (Round 2)

  • Rachel Walters
  • Lachlan Burke

2023 (Round 1)

  • Chamila Weerathunghe Arachchige
  • Hilman Fathoni
  • Grace Rodgerson

2022 (Round 2)

  • Chamila Weerathunghe Arachchige

2022 (Round 1)

  • Kyoko Sasaki

2021 (Round 1)

  • Lakshmin Mudaliar

2020 (Round 2)

  • Rhoda Darkwah
  • Goshu Tefera

2020 (Round 1)

  • Souvik Lal Chakraborty
  • Prahba Arachchige

2019

  • Purdie Sonntag

2018

  • Souvik Lal Chakraborty
  • Delia Paul
  • Lakshmin Mudaliar
  • Kavindra Paranage
  • Gosh Tefera

2017

  • Victoria Radnell
  • Erika Duncan-Horner

2016

  • Tahmina Yasmin
  • Tanya Anstey