Gill Owen Scholarship 2026

The Gill Owen Scholarship is offered once a year to support an individual to travel internationally to research innovative ideas and initiatives that are relevant to improving outcomes for consumers in the Australian energy market.

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate most of the following attributes:

1. Experienced in evidence-based research or advocacy relating to energy consumer issues.

2. Knowledge of the key issues in the Australian energy market that drive energy outcomes.

3. Networking and communication skills to meet people, including senior officials and academics in your chosen country (ies).

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the key issues in the Australian energy sector and an interest in driving positive consumer outcomes.

Typical overseas activities may include:

• Visiting to one or more countries to learn from energy consumer activities and experiences.
• Meetings with relevant individuals and organisations in the selected country.
• Participating in speaking engagements at conferences or similar events.

Note: Energy Consumers Australia may suggest potential contacts from its network and can provide a letter of introduction to support these engagements.

Successful applicants must undertake the following activities upon returning to Australia:

• Written report: Summary report outlining key learnings from the visit and their relevance to the Australian energy context.
• Webinar: Hold a webinar to communicate the project learnings, with a focus on how these insights can benefit Australian energy consumers. Conduct meetings with consumer groups, industry representatives, and/or government officials to promote and discuss the findings.
• Meetings: Meet with consumer groups, industry representatives, and/or government officials to promote the learnings.

Scholarship payment will be made directly to the successful applicant's affiliated organisation or company, after a funding agreement is signed and an tax invoice is uploaded into the SmartyGrants program.