ASM WA provides summer research scholarships to eligible students to complete short-term projects in a microbiology or related discipline laboratory for 6-8 weeks during the summer vacation period. These projects provide valuable work experience, help students get to know researchers in microbiology in Perth, and kickstart their careers.

Two scholarships are available, worth $1,500 each, and each also provides a free ASM student membership for one year.

Who is eligible: All Undergraduate and Masters students who are majoring in microbiology or who have undertaken a degree with a microbiology component are invited to apply for an ASM Summer Vacation Scholarship. The project must take place in a laboratory under the supervision of an ASM member, in universities, attached to hospitals and/or in research institutes that provide appropriate facilities. More information is provided in the application form.

What is involved: Scholarship recipients will complete a short research project under the guidance of their supervisor over the summer vacation period (6-8 weeks). Once the project is complete a short report must be submitted to the ASM WA Branch (due 31st March 2026), and it will be published in the ASM WA newsletter and on the website. Upon receipt and approval of the report, the $1,500 award will be paid to the recipient.

How to apply: Find a potential supervisor, complete the application form, and forward it with CV and letter of support to august.mikucki@thekids.org.au, and cc nicole.bzdyl@uwa.edu.au.

Applications will close on 31st October 2025.

Successful applicants will be informed by email, and their scholarships will be formally presented to them at the ASM West Australian Microbiology Meeting (WAMM) on 8th December 2025.

Previous Award Winners

2025
Lachlan Schluter Donald Chizuni

2024
Elisavet Mantjani
Justin Castlehow

2023
Benjamin Dumbreck
Angelina Cheng Wei Ting

2022
David Sazbó Vanessa Tenaglia Crystal Young

2021
Merrin M Eapen Jake Cummane Beatrice Panganiban

2020
Coel Garrod Justine Bendo

2019
Sarah Negus Hannah Grieg

2018
Wenna Lee Andrew Vaitekanas Alicia Tan

2017
Claire Moran Leah Rankine-Wilson Katherine Middleton

2016
Mitchell Hedges Clare Tancabel

2015
Marcelina Krysiak

2014
Elin Westergard

2013
Sharon Collins-Feltcher Aashni Shah