NFSA Research :
SAR Fellowships
General Information
for Applicants
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) collects, preserves and interprets
the audiovisual heritage of Australia. To ensure permanent access to its
collections, the NFSA has created the Scholars and Artists in Residence (SAR)
program for established researchers and creator-performers with an
acknowledged record of significant achievement. The NFSA invites and welcomes
such people to pursue research projects within the NFSA’s fields of interest and
endeavour.
This program aims to promote the NFSA as a centre for scholarly activity, to encourage and
facilitate research relating to the NFSA collections and programs and to bring new ideas and
expertise to the NFSA. In designing the SAR Fellowships for the mutual benefit of the NFSA and
the individual Fellows, the NFSA requires that its collections must be the principal focus of
research by its SAR Fellows. SAR Fellows contribute to the identification and interpretation of
Australia’s audiovisual culture and heritage, as well as to a renewed appreciation of the collection
and devising new ways of using it.
What fields of research are eligible?
Research projects undertaken by SAR Fellows may investigate the collection in a variety of ways:
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as investigation of historical evidence
as interpretation of the past and enrichment of contemporary culture
as creative performance or audiovisual work
as development of scientific/technological research
The Fellowship enables SAR Fellows to undertake research projects that expand knowledge and
understanding of the NFSA collection, including its archival practices and its audiovisual
preservation and other scientific/technical procedures.
Who may apply?
Fellowships are open to established researchers and audiovisual practitioners with a record of
significant achievement in a field relevant to the NFSA. These may include international and
Australian applicants (resident citizens and expatriates) who have achieved eminence as
academics, scholars, researchers, writers, audio and audiovisual practitioners, artists and archive
professionals.
Established academics who identify the Research Proposal as part of ongoing academic
research activity must provide written confirmation that the Fellow’s employer (i.e. a university, or
similar tertiary research institute or government department) fully accepts the conditions of the
NFSA Research Fellowship Agreement. In general, SAR Fellowships are not intended to support
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research projects which are a component of postgraduate studies or which lead to the creation of
independent works not directly related to the NFSA.
What support is available?
Several Fellowships will be awarded each year, depending on available resources and the scope
of the research proposals. In the main, they will be based at NFSA headquarters in Canberra.
Depending on the requirements of the applicant, Fellowships may be awarded on a full- or parttime basis, for a maximum period of eight weeks. The start date, duration and the actual period of
the Fellowship will be negotiated prior to commencement. The Fellowship will include the
following in-kind-support:
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direct access to the NFSA library and collections, databases and our specialist staff and
expertise (fees waived)
access to auditioning and reading/viewing facilities within the NFSA (fees waived)
office space and a computer with network and internet connections, as well as telephone and
photocopying facilities
self-maintained (rent-free) residential accommodation (not available until 1 February 2011)
and on-site car parking (if required by non-Canberra based Fellows)
free admission to NFSA activities, including film screenings and other events, as well as staff
research presentations
introductions to other national institutions, archives and experts relevant to the research
project.
SAR Fellows will not receive direct financial remuneration such as a living allowance or stipend.
However, some costs related directly to the research project will be reimbursed by the NFSA on
provision of receipts. SAR Fellows are required to meet their own living and personal travel
expenses and to make their own travel arrangements.
What are the requirements of and outcomes from the SAR
Fellowship?
Preliminary outcomes will be discussed during an introductory interview and can be modified, with
mutual agreement, during the course of the residency. In general, Fellows will be required to:
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undertake a significant piece of research for publication, presentation, performance or
exhibition
spend most of the time associated with their research at the NFSA Canberra headquarters,
unless the specific project requires the researcher to work elsewhere
present at least one public lecture and/or seminar to Archive staff and invited guests
enhance NFSA collection records, where relevant
notify the NFSA of publications, presentations and other activities that relate to their NFSA
research period
make themselves available to publicize their research, and promote the benefits of having
access to the NFSA collections and the Fellowship program
acknowledge the support of the NFSA in any publication, performance or presentation
resulting from the research
upon acceptance of the Fellowship, sign a contract which includes negotiated outcomes
make their own arrangements for personal insurances
notify SAR management of any potential risks, health issues and so on
At the conclusion of the Fellowship, SAR Fellows will be required to:
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prepare a report of their research outcomes
provide the NFSA with a copy of any research outcome
complete an evaluation of their time at the NFSA
Where appropriate, the NFSA may assist with the negotiation of intellectual property rights on a
case-by-case basis. The NFSA may also seek first option rights to publish the research outcomes
online, in print or in some other form. If the NFSA has not exercised this right within two years of
the completion of the Fellowship, the Fellow is free to offer his research to another potential
publisher.
When can I apply?
Fellowship applications are welcome at any time before the designated closing date each year.
(Applications for SAR Fellowships in 2011 will close on Thursday 30 September 2010.
Notifications will commence as soon as possible after Monday 1 November 2010).
What are the selection criteria?
Whilst acknowledging that each type of research may entail different approaches, the NFSA will
assess each Fellowship application according to the following criteria:
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originality and innovation
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relevance and significance, including the possible alignment of the research
proposals to the NFSA own research themes and programs
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the capacity for the transfer of knowledge to the best advantage of the NFSA,
internally and externally, in terms of outreach, education and training
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ability to withstand interrogation
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potential contribution to knowledge
The NFSA will also assess each proposal according to
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the likely level of resourcing required for each proposal, in both financial and
human support terms
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an evaluation of the risks, both strategic and operational, inherent in each
proposal
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the need for the project to be monitored and the governance issues that may
need to be applied
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the capacity for the success of the project when measured against NFSA Key
Performance Indicators
In some instances, the NFSA may consult external referees or peers to assist in assessing
applications. The NFSA recognizes the importance of peer evaluation at levels that are
appropriate to the NFSA’s own research programs.
In assessing applications for Fellowships, the NFSA will take into account the following:
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qualifications of the applicant
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research experience and demonstrated quality of that research
record of completing research/creative projects within a given time frame and
publishing/producing the results of that research/project, as confirmed by
referees.
To assess the quality of each research project, the NFSA will evaluate how
 the proposal has been created by preliminary investigation of the NFSA
collection
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the project activity intends to make use of the NSFA collection
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the research question or artistic concept has been defined and mapped out with
clear research methods
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the results of the research will be made available (in publications, productions,
performances, exhibitions, technical/scientific advances, or by other means) and
how those results will promote awareness of the NFSA, its practices and
collections
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each project will contribute to enhanced knowledge in its field.
Please complete and return the application form (available from www.nfsa.gov.au), along with:
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a detailed research proposal
a current curriculum vitae, including a list of major publications and/or
productions
if relevant, a DVD show-reel and samples of audiovisual projects as MP3 files.
Please ALSO send electronic copies of the application form, research proposal and curriculum
vitae to: sar@nfsa.gov.au
For further information about SAR Fellowships please contact:
Dr Jennifer Gall
Manager, Scholars and Artists in Residence Program,
National Film and Sound Archive,
GPO Box 2002 Canberra ACT 2601
Australia
Phone: (Australia) (02) 6248 2129
Fax: (Australia) (02) 6248 2167
Email: sar@nfsa.gov.au
(international) + 61 2 6248 2129
(international) + 61 2 6248 2167
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document is provided
for general information purposes only and does not have any legal effect.
Specific terms of engagement will be negotiated with successful applicants.
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