About the Margaret Cameron Residency

Deakin University Library is the vibrant virtual and physical heart of the University. It is home to innovative services, resources and spaces, and we are continuously striving to create new connections with the Deakin community.

Drawing on the trove of rare and unique materials held in Deakin University Archives and Deakin Library’s Special Collections, the Residency aims to share the rich stories captured within these collections, which document over a century of history, research and collecting at Deakin, along with its predecessor institutions and the regions in which the University has operated. This Residency is funded by a generous bequest from the late Professor Margaret Cameron AM, Deakin’s first Chief Librarian. Learn more about Professor Margaret Cameron AM.

Key dates

Expressions of interest open: 17 March 2025

Expressions of interest close: 23 April 2025

Successful candidate(s) informed: The week of 26 May 2025

Residency completed: No later than 28 November 2025

What does the residency offer?

During the residency, you will receive:

• access to Deakin University Archives and Deakin Library's Special Collections
• expert support from University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian
• an award of up to A$10,000 to assist with living expenses, travel and research
• a dedicated workspace within Deakin Library at the campus most relevant to your research.

What are the objectives of the residency?

The successful resident will work in situ with Deakin's Archives and Special Collections to research the history of Deakin or the stories that expand our understanding of the industries, disciplines and communities reflected in the University’s extensive collections. Learn more about our collections.

The projects resulting from the residency will engage the Deakin community and local audiences by contributing new perspectives on our past and sharing the stories that can be told through the unique material in the University’s collections.

What kind of outcomes are possible?

The outcomes of the residency can be multi-format and shared in any combination of written or creative research output, including:

• scholarly article
• journalistic research
• exhibition
• video or podcast
• lecture or lecture series
• workshop
• creative works
• oral history
• any other output that shares your research.

The outcome of the residency will be agreed with the library prior to commencing. During the residency, you will conduct research using Deakin's Archives and Special Collections collections for your proposed project. A significant part of your research will take place in person at Deakin Archives or Deakin Library's Special Collections at Deakin Burwood Campus or Deakin Waterfront Campus as appropriate.

About the grant

The $10,000 grant is intended for a duration of at least three months, subject to negotiation. We welcome full-time and part-time residencies.

More than one residency may be awarded.

What are your responsibilities during the Margaret Cameron Residency?

• Complete deliverables as agreed upon at the beginning of your residency, which may include:
  • lectures
  • seminars
  • exhibitions
  • public events
  • and the final scholarly or creative output
• Provide regular progress updates.
• Contribute content for use in library and University communication channels.
• Attend residency-related events as required
• Submit a short report at the conclusion of the residency detailing the outcomes and benefits of the experience.
• Acknowledge the library's support in all works derived from the research undertaken as part of the residency. Residents maintain full copyright of their work.

Upon notification, the successful candidate will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deakin University Library, which outlines responsibilities of both parties, a proposed breakdown of costs up to $10,000 and a payment schedule. The successful candidate will be required to invoice Deakin University Library at regular intervals, as per the MoU.

Who is eligible?

Applications are open to current Deakin research students at honours or postgraduate level and Deakin staff.

We especially encourage applications for graduate researcher projects.

How to apply

We strongly encourage reaching out to Deakin’s University Archivist and/or Special Collections Librarian to discuss your research project before completing your application to ensure feasibility of the project and intended timelines.

Please complete your application using the form linked below. You will be asked to provide the following information:

• applicant details, including a current CV and academic history
• details about the proposed project, including project timelines
• a letter of recommendation or professional references.

Complete your application online

Selection criteria

The selection panel will take into consideration the following selection criteria:

• relevance of the proposed project to Deakin University’s history and/or collection strengths
• viability of the proposed project, timeline, and expected outcomes
• aims, significance, plan, and methodology of the proposed project.

The selection panel will also consider previous achievements, academic record, research performance, and awards.

Selection process

A selection panel comprised of Deakin Library and academic staff will assess applications. Library Executive will make the final decision based on the recommendations of the selection panel.

More than one residency may be awarded.