SmartSat CRC Dr Peter Woodgate Scholarships for Earth Observation

The late Dr Peter Woodgate was instrumental in setting up SmartSat CRC’s structure and governance framework and was the inaugural SmartSat Chair, serving from August 2019 until his sudden unexpected passing in December 2022. Dr Woodgate was heavily involved with the space and geospatial industries for over 30 years.  To honour Peter’s significant contribution, passion, vision and tireless commitment to the advancement of these industries in Australia and around the world, the SmartSat CRC Dr Peter Woodgate Scholarships for Earth Observation will be awarded on an annual basis each year, commencing from 2024 – 2026.   

Applications are invited from current or potential Masters by Reseach or PhD students seeking to undertake study in the field of Earth Observation. 

All SmartSat scholarship recipients within the SmartSat education and training program become valuable members of SmartSat, benefiting from their inclusion in its graduate network, as well as an extensive professional development program that includes opportunities to participate in the SmartSat conference series and networking events.   

Our students also benefit from being part of an organisation that links research and industry. SmartSat actively encourages students to undertake periods of placement with industry and end-user partners so they have both academic and industry-based research experience. 

The successful recipient will receive a scholarship valued at $35,000 per year.  Masters by Research Scholarships are available for up to 2 years; PhD for up to 3 years.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.  Special consideration will be given to eligible Australians with an Indigenous background, female applicants and/or applicants from rural or regional areas.

2. Applicants must complete online application form and provide the additional supportive information.

3. Applicants must be enrolled at, or intending to enrol at, a SmartSat partner university (Flinders is one of their partners).

4. Applicants must have discussed their research with their relevant academic supervisors and secured their support in the form of a letter of support to be provided with their application.

5. Where SmartSat funds the primary scholarship the default position will be that SmartSat owns the intellectual property (IP). The scholarship recipient will be required to assign their IP to the host University to support this.  If there are opportunities to commercially exploit the IP then SmartSat will take a generous position in relation to helping the student share in the commercialisation activities and any benefits.