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2026 State Library Fellowships and Medals recipients.

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State Library Fellowships and Medals

State Library Fellowships and Medals

State Library Fellowships and Medals 2027 are now open for applications. Entries will close at 11:59 AEST on 15 October 2026. Read the application guide.

Uncover a Queensland story

Applications are now open, and will close on 15 October 2026.

The State Library Fellowships and Medals program supports the documentation, preservation and sharing of Queensland’s memory – past and present.

Fellowships are offered to attract researchers and creatives to explore, interpret and contribute to the significant collections of the John Oxley Library.

John Oxley Library Medals are offered to recognise individuals, organisations and community groups for outstanding contributions to preserving and sharing Queensland’s cultural heritage.

Please read the Application Guide for the 2027 program. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information, please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au.

Fellowship categories in 2027

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 for a project about Queensland’s rich and diverse history.

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

Monica Clare Research Fellowship

$20,000 for a project about Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Young woman at a dance party surounded by green beams of light

Rainbow Research Fellowship

$20,000 for a project about Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ / Queer histories and communities.

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

Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship

$20,000 for a project about lesser-known sites listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

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 for a project that uncovers and creates new knowledge about Queensland’s business and economic history.

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

Letty Katts Fellowship

$5,000 for a project about Queensland’s music history.

Medal categories in 2027

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

John Oxley Library Medal

Offered annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the appreciation of Queensland history.

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

John Oxley Library Community History Medal

Offered annually for outstanding contributions by community organisations or groups to the preservation, recording and sharing of Queensland history.

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

State Library of Queensland Medal

Awarded by the Library Board of Queensland to recognise distinguished, outstanding and meritorious contributions to the strategic vision of State Library of Queensland.

More information

Dr Indigo Willing. We Skate QLD co-founder. West End Skatepark in 2023. Photography by Peter Sondergaarde.

Past fellows and their research projects

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

Lugger Bort: Research Reveals with Nerelle Nicol, 2025 Monica Clare Fellow in conversation with Olivia Robinson. State Library of Queensland, 7th July 2026. Photo by Darcie Sexton.

Fellowships FAQs

Read frequently asked questions about State Library Fellowships and Medals.

Image of a giant strawberry ice cream in front of a neon sign saying "Strawberry Sundae Lane"

Read blogs by our fellows

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

Research Reveals

Watch talks from Research Reveals events that showcase fellows' research projects on Queensland's stories.

2025 Letty Katts Fellow, Dr Carl Anacin singing and playing a guitar at Research Reveals

Supporters

State Library Fellowships and Medals are supported by philanthropic gifts and partnerships through the Queensland Library Foundation.