ANZ and anti-poverty organisation Brotherhood of St Laurence have announced a new research fellowship to support talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – the ANZ Tony Nicholson Research Fellowship.

The Fellowship is named after the Brotherhood’s Executive Director, who concludes 13 years in the role at the end of the month, and the recipient will be based at the Brotherhood’s Research and Policy Centre in Fitzroy.

Recognising Nicholson’s many years of leadership in advocating for disadvantaged people throughout Australia, it will help young people seeking a career in applied social policy research.

ANZ Chief Executive Officer Shayne Elliott said the fellowship will help talented young researchers contribute to the significant legacy Nicholson has built across Australia’s social policy landscape.

“Not only has Tony’s work helped countless Australians, his leadership has also been instrumental in the longevity and success of ANZ’s partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence,” he said.

 General Manager of the Brotherhood’s Research and Policy Centre, Professor Shelley Mallett said the fellowship presents an opportunity to further develop the talents and capabilities of the next generation of social policy leaders and help build their career pathways.

“The ANZ Tony Nicholson Research Fellowship will create the opportunity for each recipient to become part of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s research and services practice teams as they take up new grant and research opportunities. It will also help them develop the professional networks related to their field of research, including with ANZ and the wider financial services industry,” she said.

Fellows will undertake a six month internship pursuing research in areas aligned to the Brotherhood’s program practice, and priority issues of shared interest with ANZ, including financial wellbeing, environmental sustainability and housing.

ANZ will contribute a seed donation to establish an annual six-month fellowship for a minimum period of 10 years. The Brotherhood will select the fellows.