The Michael St John Warne (1962–2024) Memorial Scholarship is named in honour of a highly influential figure in environmental sciences.

Michael St John Warne passed away in his sleep on 19 February 2024 at home in Brisbane, aged 61. He was an Associate Professor at The University of Queensland’s School of the Environment and served as Director of the Reef Catchments Science Partnership.

He held 2 honorary positions: Adjunct Professor of Ecotoxicology and Water Quality at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience at Coventry University in the UK, and Honorary Research Associate (Water Quality) at the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

Michael's contributions to science, especially in ecotoxicology and water quality management for the Great Barrier Reef catchments, along with his role in developing national water quality guidelines, have made a profound and lasting impact. His remarkable professional achievements are widely acknowledged, and his dedication to environmental science and ecotoxicology truly made the world a better place.

About the scholarship

  • The Michael St John Warne (1962 – 2024) Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Reef Catchments Science Partnership in the School of the Environment.
  • The purpose of the scholarship is to support UQ honours students.
  • Three (3) scholarships will be awarded.
  • Each scholarship is worth $5,000 (half paid in February 2025 and half paid on submission of thesis).
  • A top up writing scholarship of $1,000 is available to publish one (1) journal paper from your thesis research after submission.

Eligibility

  • You’re eligible if you a prospective honours student for 2025.
  • You must be enrolled, or enrolling, in one of the School of the Environment Honours programs.

How to apply

Send an email to rcsp.info@uq.edu.au with the subject line: Michael St John Warne Memorial Scholarship Application – [Your Full Name].

In your email, include:

  • a summary outlining the scope of your proposed project and supervisory team
  • your academic transcript
  • a short statement (300 words maximum) explaining:
    • the skills and experiences you bring to the RCSP
    • why you believe you are a deserving candidate for the scholarship
    • how your research will enhance the understanding of pollution science in one or more of the following areas (particularly within the Great Barrier Reef catchment area):
      • aquatic environments
      • ecotoxicology
      • catchment and water quality management
      • water quality chemistry
      • hydrology
      • environmental modelling
      • environmental risk assessment.

Applications close Saturday 30 November 2024 with interviews planned for Friday 13 December 2024.