Lady Shirley Gobbo Fellowship
Applications will open on the 16th of Feb 2026 and close on the 7th April 2026
The 2026 Lady Gobbo Fellowship is designed to support skills acquisition to the Veneto region of Italy. The goal is for recipients to expand their skills in fields where the Veneto region excels
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The ISS Institute is offering one (1) Fellowship valued at $15,000 each.
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The Fellowship is a year long program - international applied research and completion of report must be completed within 12 months.
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The Lady Shirley Gobbo Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for established professionals to acquire advanced skills in the Veneto region of Italy. This Fellowship program supports immersive learning experiences in fields where the Veneto region demonstrates world-renowned excellence, including viticulture, glassmaking, traditional arts, crafts, and heritage conservation techniques.
Sponsored by Lady Shirley Gobbo, this Fellowship offers successful recipients the chance to engage directly with master craftspeople, renowned institutions, and centuries-old traditions that continue to shape contemporary practice with each recipient receiving comprehensive support for their skills acquisition journey.
The Fellowship
This Fellowship targets established professionals who demonstrate both technical competence in their chosen field and a commitment to sharing acquired knowledge upon their return to Australia.
Recipients will undertake intensive skills development/acquisition programs lasting between 2-4 weeks, working alongside recognised masters in their respective fields. The fellowship emphasises hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and the development of lasting professional relationships that extend beyond the program duration. Each fellow will be expected to document their learning and present their findings to their sector.
The Veneto region skills acquisition focus reflects the area’s exceptional reputation across multiple specialised industries. From the prestigious wine-producing areas of Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene to the historic glassmaking workshops of Murano, fellows will access institutions and expertise that represent the pinnacle of their respective fields.
Priority Areas
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Viticulture Excellence
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Glassmaking
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Traditional Crafts and Artisanal Skills
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Heritage Conservation and Plasterwork
Who can apply?
The Fellowship welcomes applications from established professionals, and skilled practitioners who demonstrate:
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Over 18 years of age
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Australian residency - permanent residents or Australian citzens
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Proven expertise in viticulture, glassmaking, traditional crafts, or heritage conservation
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Leadership roles within their professional community or cultural organisations
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Commitment to sharing acquired knowledge
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Professional standing that enables them to serve as disseminators of new knowledge and skills
Fellowship Application Requirements
Fellowship application requirements include submission of a detailed online application form outlining specific skills to be acquired, a comprehensive curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant experience, and letters of support from professional colleagues. Applicants must also provide an employer endorsement letter.
The selection process prioritises candidates who demonstrate technical competence, with particular emphasis on those who can articulate clear plans for knowledge transfer upon their return to Australia. Successful applicants will show evidence of established professional networks and community engagement that will facilitate effective sharing of their Fellowship experience.
Fellowship Application Form
When completing this Fellowship Application Form please ensure you refer to the corresponding Fellowship.
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Look at Application Guidelines for further information and tips.
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If you do not have the correct documentation such as your CV, letter of support and employer endorsement letter, your application will not be considered.
If you have any questions about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page here.