SMRI hosts yearly themed special semesters to focus on specific, cutting-edge topics in the mathematical sciences. Our special semesters bring together all levels of local and international researchers, including senior academic experts, to intensively collaborate on frontier topics for the duration of one semester. Programs typically feature specialized seminar series, interactive discussions, mini-courses, or dedicated research workshops.
Application Deadline: 11.59pm (Sydney time), 15 November 2026.
Applications for 2027 opening soon.
This application is for visits in 2027 to align with the special semester: ‘PDEs and Optimal Transport’
Current and upcoming Themes
2026 Quantum computing
2027 PDEs and Optimal Transport
2028 Computational Algebra
Past Themes
2025 – Modern Perspectives in Representation Theory
2024 – Perspectives on Mathematics, it’s humanity, culture and communications
2023 – Mathematical Challenges in AI
2022 – Machine learning for the working mathematician
Fellowships
Here at SMRI, we recognise that while mathematical talent is equal, opportunity is not, and some promising researchers may not be in a position to attend high-calibre programs such as the Special Semester initiative.
The SMRI Fellowships enable participation at our special semester programs for underrepresented, emerging, or internationally renowned researchers. This initiative aims to promote greater equity in the mathematical sciences, contributing to the development of a more inclusive and representative global research community, and enabling talented individuals to contribute to, and benefit from, SMRI’s strong research ecosystem.
SMRI Hanna Neumann Fellowship
Professor Hanna Neumann (1914–1971) was a distinguished mathematician and leading algebraist whose research in group theory had international influence. Born in Berlin, she pursued her career in Germany and Britain before moving to Australia in 1963. In 1964 she became Professor of Pure Mathematics at the Australian National University, where she helped build a strong research community and contributed significantly to Australian mathematics.
Neumann was also a passionate teacher and mentor, renowned for making difficult ideas accessible and encouraging the next generation of mathematicians. She was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 1969.
The Hanna Neumann Fellowship honours her legacy of mathematical excellence, intellectual curiosity, generous mentorship and commitment to building a vibrant mathematical community. Hanna’s family are honoured that the fellowship has been established in her memory.
Details: The SMRI Hannah Neumann Fellowship is a senior fellowship of four to twelve weeks for an established, outstanding academic from an underrepresented group. Applicants for the fellowship must be employed, or know that they will be employed at the time of the proposed visit, by a university, institute, or other similar organisation. They should also be able to demonstrate an established program of research in the mathematical sciences and their current research should align with the special semester being applied for. Applicants should have the potential to collaborate with and mentor researchers in these areas.
Eligibility: Applicants must be established, outstanding researchers from an underrepresented group, which might include geographical location, gender, or field of study.
Expectation: Academics who are awarded this fellowship would be expected to actively participate in the special semester activities for the duration of their stay.
Funding: The SMRI Hannah Neumann Fellowship includes reimbursement of 1 economy return airfare up to a maximum of AUD 3000, the cost of a visa and a living allowance of AUD 2250 per week for between 4-12 weeks, which includes accommodation. Fellows will be academic visitors of SMRI, not employees. If academics are travelling with dependants aged 0-17years at the time of the proposed visit, an additional family allowance will be calculated as a fixed percentage of the agreed weekly allowance.
Application process: Applicants are required to submit an online application (opening soon). Applications will only be considered if they include:
- A CV, including a publication list
- an Expression of Interest telling us:
- how you meet the fellowship criteria
- how your current research relates to the special semester
- about your mentoring experience
SMRI Esther Szekeres Fellowship
Esther Szekeres (1910–2005) was a Hungarian-Australian mathematician whose work helped shape the development of combinatorics in Australia. Born in Budapest, she and her husband George fled Europe during the Second World War, eventually settling in Australia. She taught mathematics in Adelaide and later lectured at Macquarie University, while making a lasting contribution to mathematical education and enrichment.
Szekeres was an outstanding problem-solver and an enthusiastic teacher and mentor, particularly committed to encouraging young people to engage with mathematics. She was closely involved in mathematical problem-solving and enrichment throughout her career and received the BH Neumann Award in 1993 for her contribution to mathematics education.
The Esther Szekeres Fellowship honours her legacy of mathematical curiosity, problem-solving, inspiring teaching and encouragement of the next generation of mathematicians. Esther’s family are honoured that the fellowship has been established in her memory.
Details: The SMRI Esther Szekeres Fellowship is a junior fellowship of four to twelve weeks for early career researchers. Applicants must be employed, or know that they will be employed at the time of the proposed visit, by a university, institute or other similar organisation. At the time of application, applicants must have been awarded a PhD no longer than 5 years before the application deadline. They should be able to demonstrate that their current research aligns with the special program being applied for. Applicants should have the potential to collaborate with other researchers in these areas.
Eligibility: 3 x three-month long Fellowships for advanced or recent PhD graduates
Expectation: Academics who are awarded this fellowship are expected to actively participate in the special semester activities for the duration of their stay.
Funding: This fellowship includes reimbursement of 1 economy return airfare up to a maximum of AUD 3000, the cost of a visa, and a living allowance of AUD 1600 per week, for between 4-12 weeks, which includes accommodation. If academics are travelling with dependants aged 0-17years at the time of the proposed visit, an additional family allowance will be calculated as a fixed percentage of the agreed weekly allowance.
Application process: Applicants are required to submit an online application (opening soon). Applications will only be considered if they include:
- details of two senior academic referees
- a CV, including publication list
- an Expression of Interest, telling us:
- how you meet the fellowship criteria
- how your current research relates to the special semester
SMRI Kabari Banjeri Fellowship
The Kabari Banjeri Fellowship takes its name from the old Mithaka language of the First Nations people of south-west Queensland, and recognises a shared journey, bringing together people who are companions in the pursuit of knowledge.
The Fellowship is founded on the belief that mathematical discovery flourishes through collaboration, exchange and generosity. It provides an opportunity for an emerging researcher and their host community to learn from one another, develop new ideas and build lasting connections.
The Kabari Banjeri Fellowship celebrates the shared pursuit of knowledge, the value of companionship, and the opportunities that arise when people learn and discover together.
Details: The Kabari Banjeri Fellowships are fellowships of four to twelve weeks for researchers who reside in a low or middle-income country according to the International Mathematical Union (IMU) classification. At the time of application, applicants should be in at least the 3rd year of their PhD. Applicants must be employed, or know that they will be employed at the time of the proposed visit, by a university, institute or other similar organisation. They should also be able to demonstrate that their current research aligns with the special program being applied for. Applicants should have the potential to collaborate with other researchers in these areas.
Eligibility: 2 x three-month long fellowships for talented early career researchers from low and middle-income countries according to the International Mathematical Union (IMU) classification.
Expectation: Academics who are awarded this fellowship are expected to actively participate in the special semester activities for the duration of their stay.
Funding: The fellowships includes 1 economy return airfare up to a maximum (which depends on the country of departure), cost of a visa, and a living allowance of AUD 1600 per week, which includes accommodation. Please contact SMRI if you have any queries about payments to enable your visit. If academics are travelling with dependants aged 0-17 years at the time of the proposed visit, an additional family allowance will be calculated as a fixed percentage of the agreed weekly allowance.
Application process: Applicants are required to submit an online application (opening soon). Applications will only be considered if they include:
- two references from senior academics, one of these from the applicant’s home institution and one from an academic familiar with the applicant’s research activity
- a CV, including a publication list
- An expression of interest telling us:
- how you meet the fellowship criteria
- how your current research relates to the special semester