Lumley Surgical Research Scholarship

Open for applications 2 March to 13 April 2027

Value: AUD $63,000 (Stipend: $61,000 (inclusive of travel allowance) + Dept maintenance: $2,000)

The Lumley Surgical Research Scholarship enables RACS Fellows and Trainees to spend a year undertaking research in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship, offered in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, was first awarded in 1962 following a donation by Mr Edward Lumley, director of insurance firms of the same name, for the support of research in surgery. The funding incorporates the Edward Lumley Fellowship Fund and is supported by the Henry Lumley Charitable Trust.

  • Policy and guideline
    Before applying, please refer to the:
    - Research Scholarships policy (PDF 286.52KB)
    - Lumley Surgical Research Scholarship guideline (PDF 128.43KB)
  • Who can apply?

    To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to be:

    - a RACS Fellow or SET Trainee

    - intending to undertake research for one year in the United Kingdom.

    Please note that this scholarship is not available for SET applicants or SIMGs.

  • Activity

    Your activity needs to focus on a surgical research project undertaken over one year at an approved institution in the United Kingdom.

    Unless otherwise negotiated or stipulated in the respective guideline, the commencement date for scholarships is 1 January in the year follow application.

  • Tenure
    1 year
  • Application requirements

    Your application is to include:

    - your career and employment details
    - your research proposal 
    - a statement of support from the head of department or a senior representative of the host institution advising that you are acceptable for the program.

  • Selection and awarding

    Selection

    Assessment is via written application with shortlisted applicants invited to interview. The selection panel is comprised of representatives of the Scholarship and Grant Committee.

    Payment

    This scholarship is paid directly to the recipient following receipt of a valid tax invoice. Payment will be made in one instalment prior to 1 March in the scholarship year.

    The cost of a return economy fare to the United Kingdom may be reimbursed (maximum AUD $3000). Air ticket receipts/invoices are to be provided as requested at the conclusion of the scholarship period.

  • Recipient obligations

    Recipients are required to:

    - uphold the good fellowship between the two Colleges by presenting their learnings at the London College of Surgeons during their scholarship period if invited by the Lumley Trustees

    - submit an abstract and if successful, present their research at the annual meeting of the Surgical Research Society of Australasia (or an agreed equivalent) at least once during, or in the 12 months following, the scholarship period. Recipients must advise the RACS Scholarships and Grants team via email at [email protected] if accepted to present. 

    For all recipient obligations, please refer to the Research Scholarships Policy document and the Lumley Surgical Research Scholarship guideline. 

  • To apply

    Application is via the Scholarships and Grants Program online platform, RACS Unlock, hosted by Survey Monkey Apply.

    You may register as an applicant on RACS Unlock at any time, however applications will not display on your dashboard until the Scholarships and Grants Program application opening date. There is no need to re-register if you already have a RACS Unlock registration.

     Please note: emailed applications are not accepted.

     Visit RACS Unlock

  • Contact
    Scholarships and Grants Team
    Email: [email protected]