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State Library Fellowships and Medals

State Library Fellowships and Medals

About the program

State Library's Fellowships and Medals program supports research, preservation and sharing of Queensland’s history through fellowships and recognition Medals.

Fellowships
Our Fellowships support researchers and creatives to explore, interpret and contribute to the significant collections of John Oxley Library. By deeply engaging with the collections, fellows generate fresh insights into Queensland’s history. Applications usually open annually between June and July.

John Oxley Library Medals
The Medals recognise individuals, organisations and community groups for outstanding contributions to documenting, preserving and sharing Queensland’s cultural heritage. Nominations are accepted year-round. Visit the Medal pages for the nomination form.

For more information, please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3840 7887.

State Library's Fellowships and Medals program is supported by philanthropic gifts through the Queensland Library Foundation.

A message from State Librarian and CEO, Vicki McDonald AM FALIA.

Fellowships

Click on the tiles below to learn more about the fellowships on offer.

Michael Waldron sitting next to his skateboard, Hynes Street, Fortitude Valley, 1992-1993

John Oxley Library Fellowship

$25,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland’s history.

Pound, C. J. Young boy standing on the back of a horse, Bulloo River, Queensland, 1897.

Monica Clare Research Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's First Nations history and culture.

Gay & lesbian Brisbane map show your strength / design & artwork by Hardy Graphics.

Rainbow Research Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's LGBTIQA+ histories.

Young sideshow dancers at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1948.

Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's favourite event, the EKKA.

Sarah Jenyns

Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship

$15,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland’s business and economic history.

Hunstanton, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.

Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about places on the Queensland Heritage Register. Not offered in 2026.

Interior view of a sitting room in Toorak House, Brisbane, ca. 1895

Digital collections catalyst

$15,000 to use AI, tech and digital tools to reimagine our collections. Not offered in 2026.

Wilma Reading and the Chet Clark Trio at the Primitif Coffee Lounge.

Letty Katts Fellowship

Biannual - $5,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's music history. Not offered in 2026.

John Oxley Library Medals

Marianne Taylor, The House Detective, 2025 John Oxley Library Award recipient.

John Oxley Library Medal

Recognises an individual for outstanding contribution to preserving, documenting, or sharing Queensland’s history.

Ann Kruger and Tiffany Turnour from the Cairns & District Chinese Association, recipients of the 2025 John Oxley Library Community History Award.

John Oxley Library Community History Medal

Recognises an organisation for outstanding contribution to preserving, documenting, or sharing Queensland’s history.

2024 State Library Medal winner Grant Collins with Library Board of Queensland Chair, Debbie Best.

State Library of Queensland Medal

Recognises the valuable contribution and dedication of former staff and their work at the Library.

Read blogs by our fellows

Discover the latest research from our fellows on the John Oxley Library Blog.

A collection of early Radio Times magazines held at the John Oxley Library.

Research Reveals

Watch talks by our fellows at Research Reveals, an annual event showcasing their discoveries on Queensland's history.

Dr John Willsteed, 2024 John Oxley Library Fellow at Research Reveals 2025.

More information

Dr Leah Cotterell's Sunday Nights at the Primitif. Research Reveals 2024.

Previous fellows and their research projects

Get inspired! Learn about previous fellows and their research projects.

Woman accepting a framed award on stage.

Fellowships FAQs

Read frequently asked questions about our fellowship program.

Man accepting an award on stage.

Read frequently asked questions about our John Oxley Library Medals.

Row of people seated in an auditorium smiling and clapping.

Find out information about the judging processes and how applications are assessed.

Man in a suit sitting and gesturing with hands.

Tips for applying for a fellowship or residency

Gain insights from past State Library fellows as they share their invaluable experiences.

Woman sitting at home using a laptop.

Where your fellowship can take you

Find out how researchers and creatives contribute new knowledge about Queensland’s history.

Supporters

State Library's Fellowships and Medals program is supported by philanthropic gifts through the Queensland Library Foundation.