The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is proud to support regional travel bursaries for students, early career researchers and natural resource management practitioners to attend the DIG Conference 2026.

Bursaries are $1,000 to cover conference registration, travel (e.g. flights, car hire, fuel) and accommodation costs.

How to apply

1. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements detailed below.
2. Submit a 100 word (approx.) written statement outlining the relevance of attending the conference to your research or early career journey or progression.
3. Include a signed letter of recommendation from a supervisor or other suitable professional referee in your application.
4. Submit your application via email to [email protected].

Applications:

Applications close at 5pm on 3 August 2026.

Successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible to facilitate bursary payments and travel arrangements for attendance at the DIG conference on 8-9 September 2026.

To be eligible for funding, the applicant must:

• Live, work or study outside of the Perth metropolitan area, within the dieback vulnerable zone, corresponding with the DBCA Midwest, South West, Warren and South Coast regions.
• Be (i) a student enrolled in an Honours, Master’s or PhD program on a full-time or part-time basis, (ii) an early career researcher that has been awarded a postgraduate degree within five years, or (iii) a natural resource management practitioner with no more than 10 years’ professional experience. Longer post-study and experience time frames can be accommodated where the applicant can account for periods of significant career interruption.
• Submit a 100-word (approx.) written statement outlining the relevance of attending the conference to their research, early career journey or career progression.
• Include a signed letter of recommendation from a supervisor or other suitable professional referee.
• Provide evidence of the need for funding (i.e. a budget table outlining expected costs and how the bursary funds will be used to support attendance).
• Attend Day 2 of the DIG conference on the 9 September 2026. Attendance on Day 1 (8 September 2026) is at the applicant’s discretion.
• Complete a conference report, including photographs, upon return for inclusion in Dieback Working Group and DBCA communications and newsletters. A webinar to share these experiences and connect with DWG, DBCA and other bursary recipients will also be organised, with attendance strongly encouraged.

NOTE:

• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications will be accepted without confirmation of conference registration, with the understanding that bursary funds may be used to cover this cost.
• Both government and non-government applicants are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants who will be reimbursed in full by an employer, sponsor or Faculty/Institute/Centre for attending the conference are NOT eligible to apply. However, if partial payment is sought, bursary funds can be disbursed to the employing or sponsoring organisation to defray costs. Applicants should identify this payment pathway in their application.