The Elizabeth Wood Research Fellowship in Musicology
There shall be two fellowships awarded by the University of Adelaide to be known as the Elizabeth Wood Research Fellowship in Musicology, named in honour of world-renowned musicologist Dr Elizabeth Wood who holds Bachelors’ degrees in English literature (with Honours) (1961), and musicology (with Honours) (1970) from The University of Adelaide, and a PhD from the same university (1979). Her work includes the first history of Australian opera and a series of critical studies of Ethel Smyth. A Fulbright Scholar and National Endowment for the Humanities (USA) Fellow, she received the Tormore prize (Adelaide) (1959) and Philip Brett Award (AMS) (1997) for her pathbreaking essays in gay and lesbian musicology, and a New York State Council on the Arts award for her journalism in regional arts (2001).
The Fellowships have a fixed-term annual stipend and can be held for up to one year. The annual value of each stipend is $40,000 plus $10,000 top-up for travel expenses.
We are Seeking
We are seeking music scholars who will contribute new ways to research and write about music in the spirit of Elizabeth Wood’s pioneering work. To this end, we encourage applicants to articulate the ways in which their work is innovative and how they would communicate its originality. We embrace all kinds of human and non-human musics in western and non-western traditions. Research projects may include historical and present-day practices. We seek applicants who can show how their research methodologies will lead to a re-envisioning of music for musicology in the future.
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION
1. The Elizabeth Wood Research Fellowship in Musicology shall be open to:
a. university graduates with a doctorate; or
b. university graduates in the final year of their doctorate (who provide evidence of intended submission date within that year) to conduct research in musicology and / or ethnomusicology.
2. Selection of the successful fellow will be made upon assessment of an application by a Selection Panel consisting of the Director, Elder Conservatorium of Music (Chair) or nominee, a Director of Elder Conservatorium’s Musicology & Ethnomusicology Hub or nominee, the Faculty Deputy Dean (Research) or nominee, in consultation with the Directorate of the Conservatorium’s Musicology & Ethnomusicology Hub on the basis of their assessment that the proposed research outlined in the application addresses how their projects will be innovative.
The path to Adelaide University
We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Your faculty's broader role
The Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics is a place of innovative practice and thought leadership across a diverse range of disciplines. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and has strong connections with business and industry, including internationally.
Learn more at: able.adelaide.edu.au
If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form.
As part of your application, please submit the following:
- Aims and background to the research (1000 words)
- Methodology (500 words)
- Significance of the research (200 words)
- Track record detailing research experience (500 words)
- Projected outputs (200 words).
Applications close 11.55pm Sunday 14 September 2025
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information
For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:
Associate Professor Luke Dollman
Elder Conservatorium of Music
E: luke.dollman@adelaide.edu.au
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.
Apply now
