Velma Stanley Award

Key scholarship details

Application status

Open for applications

Applications open

1 Jul 2025

Applications close

30 Jun 2026

Eligible study level

Graduate coursework, Graduate research

Eligible student type

Domestic and international students

Benefit duration

One-off

Summary

Charles Orr Stanley, C.B.E., created the Velma Stanley Award in memory of Velma Stanley who graduated as a Bachelor of Science in the University in 1925 and who was interested in the development of work in the field of addiction and although living abroad since 1935 maintained an interest in the University.

Benefits

The value of this prize is approximately $2,500.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Eligibility

Open to graduates and undergraduates from any discipline. Not restricted to MD students.

The award is made in respect of essays submitted during the application period (1 July - 30 June).

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a person, not necessarily a candidate for a degree or a diploma, who has submitted an essay of sufficient merit on a subject relating to addiction.

Selection considers essays that:

reflect new research or a new conceptualisation or plan for research, or review and synthesise existing research or analyses. The essay will be judged on the clarity and persuasiveness of its presentation and arguments.
go beyond a summary of research and provide a framework for further thought/endeavour.

Application

How to apply

To apply for this award, students must submit a 3000-5000 word essay on the topic of addiction.

Addiction is here defined broadly to include habitual or heavy use of alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, or habitual or repeated potentially harmful behaviours such as gambling and gaming. Mechanisms, patterns and consequences of addiction (thus broadly defined), and the history, organisation and efficacy of treatments or policies to prevent or ameliorate addiction or its consequences, are included as subjects relating to addiction.

To apply, please email mms-studentawards@unimelb.edu.au for access to the submission portal.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to submit original work and AI should not be used to facilitate academic misconduct. Plagiarism detection tools may be used to uphold academic integrity.

Contact

For more information about this scholarship ENQUIRE

Submit an application

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.

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