Professor Richard (Dick) G H Cotton AM (OM 1958) was a renowned medical researcher in the field of genetics, and the founder of The Murdoch Institute (now the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Dick was recognised in 2005 as a Member of the Order of Australia, for his contribution to Human Genetics, as founder of the Human Variome Project, and developer of technologies to detect gene mutations that underlie birth defects or cause disease.
The Old Melburnians Dick Cotton Fellowship was established by the Old Melburnians Council to honour his memory, with the fellowship being awarded to a young Old Melburnian who demonstrates Dick’s values, commitment, enthusiasm for life and the desire to make a real difference.
About the Dick Cotton Fellowship
Through a grant of up to $5,000, The Old Melburnians Dick Cotton Fellowship provides young Old Melburnians, under the age of 30 years, with the support and encouragement to act for the benefit of others.
Dick Cotton Fellows are ambassadors and role models within the wider School community. The fellowship enables a continuing connection with the School and other Old Melburnians.
Funds can be used for training, study, travel or other expenses related to a project or volunteer work which helps communities and people in need. Multiple projects may be funded when applications are less than the total annual funding pool available.
Eligibility and selection
Old Melburnians are encouraged to apply as groups or individuals.
The selection process will look favourably upon Fellowship applications seeking funding to connect with communities within Australia, including but not limited to strengthening and benefitting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Applications must address the questions in the application form. Applicants must include a detailed itinerary of the proposed travel (if relevant), and list two referees.
The Old Melburnians Council governs the fund, and the Dick Cotton Fellowship Governance Policy provides further details on eligibility, consideration, shortlisting and selection.
Find out more
This initiative is led by Old Melburnians Council Member, Penny Apted (OM 1994).
Penny can talk through your ideas and questions, and would be pleased to have a conversation with you. Please email [email protected] or phone +61 3 9865 7682 to arrange a time.