Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship
The Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students the opportunity to join voyages of RV Investigator.
CSIRO and the Marine National Facility (MNF) are striving to increase access to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In a new initiative, university students will be given the opportunity to participate in research voyages on research vessel (RV) Investigator through the Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship (ITSS).
ITSS offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students a unique opportunity to gain experience on a world-class marine research vessel, supporting Australia's atmospheric, oceanographic, biological and geoscience research from the tropics to the Antarctic ice-edge.
ITSS brings students on board RV Investigator to work alongside scientists and technicians to assist with research and gain valuable at-sea research experience. The program will support two students on identified voyages, who will work together, as well as with on-board and on-shore mentors. Students will also be provided with ongoing support, mentoring and the potential for employment opportunities to continue their engagement with CSIRO.
Voyages in the ITSS Program
What do ITSS students do?
Working as part of a world class research team, ITSS students will gain unique experience on an ocean research vessel to facilitate skill development and networking, while gaining exposure to methods and techniques applicable to careers in marine science and the maritime industry.
The main costs of participating in the voyage, including travel to and from commencing and terminating points, accommodation and medicals, will be covered by the program.
All ITSS students will receive support while onboard and be assigned a “buddy” while at sea. ITSS students will also have regular check ins with shore-based staff of the ITSS program.
How do I apply?
The ITSS program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at an Australian university. Students must be over the age of 18 and must be studying in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) discipline at the time of their voyage.
Opportunities in the ITSS program will be advertised here and on jobs.csiro.au
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Country
The MNF acknowledges Australia's Traditional Owners and pays respect to the past and present Elders of the nation's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We honour and celebrate the spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to country and its surrounding seas and oceans.