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State Library Fellowships and Medals

State Library Fellowships and Medals

State Library Fellowships and Medals 2027 will open later this year. Email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au to add your name to our mailing list and get the latest updates.

Uncover a Queensland story

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

Open to Australian residents in any discipline or form of expression, for projects or research of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, researchers, artists, creatives, filmmakers, digital media practitioners, data scientists, musicians and composers, curators and arts professionals, writers, independent scholars, and other creatives. Applicants from both academic and non-academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Entry is free.

State Library's Fellowships and Medals program is supported by philanthropic gifts through the Queensland Library Foundation. For more information, please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au.

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

2027 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. Explore the tiles below to learn more about the fellowships on offer.

Four synchronized water-skiers in matching red outfits perform a routine together on a lake, holding a rope while skiing in a line.

John Oxley Library Fellowship

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

Vintage photograph of a group of people holding bunches of bananas, posed outdoors among palm trees.

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.

Milk bottles moving along an automated bottling line in a factory, with a worker monitoring the machinery.

Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship

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

Historic two‑storey “School of Arts” building with verandas and a picket fence at the front.

Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about places on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Vintage group photo of people outdoors holding musical instruments and tennis rackets, posed beside a building.

Letty Katts Fellowship

Biennial (every second year) – $5,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's music history.

John Oxley Library Medals

The Medals recognise individuals, organisations and community groups for outstanding contributions to documenting, preserving and sharing Queensland’s cultural heritage. Applications will open later this year. Please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au with any questions about applying.

2026 John Oxley Library Medal recipient, Janeth Deen OAM and Library Board of Queensland Chair, Debbie Best.

John Oxley Library Medal

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

2026 John Oxley Library Community History Medal was awarded to Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society.

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.

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.

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.

Supporters

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