Powerhouse Research Scholars Program 2026
Information Pack Powerhouse is the largest museum group in Australia, situated at the intersection of arts, design, science, and technology. It plays a vital role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. Powerhouse is currently undertaking significant renewal, including the creation of Powerhouse Parramatta, the digitisation of the Powerhouse Collection, and the revitalisation of Powerhouse Ultimo. Powerhouse Collection: The Powerhouse Collection comprises over half a million objects of national and international significance, recognised as one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. Key collecting areas include: Image Description: A collage of diverse objects from the Powerhouse Collection, showcasing a wide range of historical and cultural items. Examples include vacuum tubes, decorative plates, a bull figurine, a vase, jars, a doll, industrial machinery, a vintage car, a taxidermied animal, a harp, a typewriter, a tin, a knife, a red tassel-like object, a bottle, a human anatomical model, high-heeled shoes, a patterned rug, a folding fan, a mechanical sculpture, and a ring. Image Description: Two individuals, one wearing glasses and a dark top, the other a hat and patterned shirt, are examining an old, bound book. They are both wearing blue gloves, suggesting a careful handling of historical artifacts. The Powerhouse Research Scholars Program offers a supportive environment for research related to the museum's collection or areas of professional museum practice, such as education, curation, and conservation. The program enables researchers to access Powerhouse resources to support their research over a 12-month period from March 2026 to March 2027. Scholars will initiate and develop collaborative research in interaction with Powerhouse staff. Research scholars are expected to make a tangible contribution to the museum through participation in the annual Powerhouse Research Scholars Symposium, held in March each year. Additional contributions may include presentations at staff meetings, involvement in public programs and exhibitions (venue dependent), amendments to object documentation, publications (written, film, audio), performance works, or other contributions as agreed upon. Powerhouse provides a fee of $5000 to fund material or travel expenses. Applicants from outside Australia must arrange their own visas; Powerhouse may assist by providing written documentation about the research commitment. Image Description: Two people, identified as Research Scholars, are engaged in a collection access visit, looking closely at items. The image is credited to Powerhouse Studio. The Research Scholars program is an open platform designed to support a broad range of disciplines and research approaches. Applications are encouraged from all sectors, including academic and independent research, as well as established creative practice-based research, that engage with the Powerhouse Collection areas of art, design, science, and technology. Please refer to page 2 for subject examples within the Powerhouse Collection. Powerhouse advocates for research involving First Nations knowledges and cultural material, both tangible and intangible. Such research should be led by relevant First Nations community members and involve First Nations communities and academics in decision-making processes, knowledge sharing, and outcomes. For adjustments to the application process or alternative pathways due to disability, please contact research@powerhouse.com.au. Your application must include the following: Please submit your application via the following form by 5pm 29 September 2025: https://maas.tfaforms.net/wf7xakl To discuss your project before submission, please contact research@powerhouse.com.au. 1.1 The Applicant wishes to participate in the Research Scholars Program as detailed in the Application. 1.2 These Terms and Conditions apply to the Applicant. By submitting an Application, the Applicant agrees to these Terms and Conditions, which are effective from the date of submission of the Expression of Interest until December of the application year. 1.3 These Terms and Conditions are between the Applicant and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (the Powerhouse), ABN 59 354 516 818. The Powerhouse includes Powerhouse Ultimo, Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Castle Hill, and Powerhouse Parramatta (under construction). The Powerhouse is a statutory non-profit body under the administration of the New South Wales State Government and is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Minister for the Arts under the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Act 1945. Application or Expression of Interest: The proposal for event(s) or program(s) submitted via the website. Applicant: The organisation(s) or individual(s) submitting the Application. Current employees of the Powerhouse are not eligible. The Research Scholars Program: Refers to the Powerhouse Research Scholars Program Name as shown on the Application or Expression of Interest. The Powerhouse: Refers to the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. The Research Scholar: Refers to the approved person/entity occupying the space as part of the Powerhouse Research Scholars Program. 3.1 Applicants must provide all necessary detail in a timely manner. The Powerhouse may exclude an Applicant for providing incorrect information. 3.2 The Powerhouse assumes no responsibility for lost or late applications or corrupted digital files. 3.3 Applicants confirm they are not current paid employees of the Powerhouse. 3.4 Applicants grant permission for the Powerhouse to use submitted images in publicity campaigns and promotional material for the Research Scholars Program at no cost. 3.5 Applicants warrant that their Application does not infringe any intellectual property rights of others. By submitting an Expression of Interest, the Applicant agrees to indemnify the Powerhouse from any breach of this warranty. 3.6 Successful applicants may be required to hold necessary insurances, including Public Liability Insurance. 3.7 Successful applicants will be required to enter a Research Scholars Agreement with the Powerhouse. 3.8 Applications not complying with these Terms and Conditions will not be considered. 4.1 The Powerhouse is responsible for selecting Research Scholars based on defined criteria. 4.2 The Powerhouse is responsible for all publicity and promotion regarding the Application process. 5.1 The Powerhouse will take reasonable steps, in accordance with section 54 of the GIPA Act, to consult with Applicants before providing any person with access to information relating to the Application process in response to an access application under the GIPA Act. 6.1 The Powerhouse will manage the Applicant's personal information in accordance with the Powerhouse Privacy Management Plan. 7.1 Applicants must keep confidential all information related to the Research Scholars Program and shall not publicise it without prior consultation with the Powerhouse, including via any media without written permission. 8.1 Attention is drawn to the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocols document (https://powerhouse.com.au/governance#policies-and-plans) and the Caring for Country Principles (https://powerhouse.com.au/stories/country-always), which detail guiding principles for working with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultural material. 8.2 All Applicants are expected to operate in compliance with these key policy documents. 9.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, and parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the Courts of that State. 10.1 By lodging an Application, the Applicant agrees that they have read, understood, and accept these Terms and Conditions.About Powerhouse
Opportunity
In-kind Support and Resources:
Remuneration:
Eligibility
Application Process
Key Dates
Event Date Applications Open 7 August 2025 Applications Close 5pm 29 September 2025 Applicants Notified December 2025 Project Start-up Meeting February 2026 Contact
Terms and Conditions – Application Process
1. Aims
2. Definitions and Interpretations
3. Responsibility of Applicants
4. Responsibilities of the Powerhouse
5. Information (Public Access) (GIPA Act, S. 54)
6. Privacy
7. Confidentiality
8. Indigenous Cultural Material
9. Governing Law
10. Terms and Conditions Acceptance
Research ScholaR
Powerhouse Museum
