In honour of CPAS stalwart and founder of Questacon, Professor Mike Gore, CPAS are providing an opportunity for students from low- and middle-income countries to study an ANU Graduate Certificate of Science Communication – including visiting Australia. The award aims to continue Mike’s impact in knowledge exchange, capacity building and international friendship. CPAS has partnered with philanthropic donors to make this possible. In 2024, this will cover course fees for the graduate certificate and travel costs for a 1-2 week intensive learning experience at CPAS. It is anticipated the rest of the Graduate Certificate will be completed online, however applicants are welcome to explore taking the whole degree in-person if their circumstances allow.

CPAS is currently seeking philanthropic donors to continue this opportunity for other students in future years.  To donate to the Mike Gore Fund, please contact us or visit this webpage to donate directly. ANU is a registered Australian charity and all gifts and bequests are tax deductable.

About Professor Mike Gore
Mike taught physics at ANU for 25 years prior to establishing Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre and the Questacon Science Circus – a program that produced over 500 science communication graduates through a partnership with CPAS. Alongside Professor Chris Bryant, Mike also helped establish CPAS. He was known globally for his infectious passion for science centres, hands-on workshops and science shows. Mike was generous with his time, networks and expertise, helping many emerging science communicators and science centres in Australia and abroad – and this fund will continue that mission. Click here to learn more about his remarkable life and impact.

How to apply

Please email cpas@anu.edu.au with the below:

• A pdf copy of your completed application for the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication from the ANU application portal.
• An up-to-date CV highlighting your science communication activity and experience.
• A statement addressing the following criteria (maximum two A4 pages):
  1. Motivation – what is your personal and professional motivation to take the Graduate Certificate; why are you inspired to communicate science?
  2. Impact – tell us how the program will increase your science communication impact. How would you use the new skills and knowledge to benefit communities you work with? Who would benefit? What concrete plans do you have? Who will you work with to amplify your impact?
  3. Equity – please describe your current situation, resources, background, etc. and any barriers or disadvantages you face.
  4. Eligibility – please list which of the Admission Requirements you meet on the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication ‘Admissions & Fees’ tab and where relevant attach evidence (degree, letter from employer, etc.)

Applications close October 31 for study the following year. For inquiries, contact cpas@anu.edu.au.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

• Meet the degree admission requirements, see Graduate Certificate of Science Communication ‘Admissions & Fees’ tab.
• Apply to ANU and be accepted into the Graduate Certificate of Science Communication – applicants must apply for program entry separate to their scholarship application.
• Be a citizen from and currently reside in a low- and middle-income country, as per countries listed by the Organisation for Economic and Co-operation and Development. Please click here for the full list. Exceptions may apply to residential location in some circumstances, please contact us.
• Have a laptop and/or other devices and internet connection that allows online study (if needed, an allowance for internet access costs may be available by negotiation).
• Be willing to visit Australia for a 1-2 week intensive learning experience (subject to visa approval) and have or be willing to obtain a valid passport.