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About the Southeast Asia Human Capacity Development Fellowships Program

The CSIRO Southeast Asia Energy Transition Human Capacity Development (SEA-HCD) Fellowships Program aims to strengthen the capability of energy sector professionals across Southeast Asia to support the transition to more affordable, secure, and sustainable energy systems.

The Fellowship provides an opportunity for Southeast Asian professionals from energy ministries, utilities, and research institutions to undertake a three-month placement with CSIRO in Australia. Fellows work on real-world energy transition challenges relevant to their organisations, with guidance from CSIRO experts and access to Australia’s research and industry networks.

In 2026, the Fellowship will support high-performing professionals from Malaysia’s Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

The SEA-HCD Fellowship is managed by CSIRO and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Purpose of Fellowship

The Fellowship aims to

  • Equip participants with practical knowledge and learnings from Australia to manage high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) and distributed energy resources (DER)
  • Enhance research capability and promote continuous learning through joint research and academic engagement
  • Build long-term professional networks and partnerships across the region

These outcomes contribute to stronger organisational capacity, improved systems thinking, and greater ability among participants to design, implement, and lead energy transition initiatives in their home countries.

Fellowship Focus Areas

Research projects under the Fellowship should address key technical challenges related to the energy transition, including:

  • Integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) into power systems
  • Management of distributed energy resources (DERs)
  • Planning and operation of energy systems with higher shares of VRE and DER

Priority Project Themes

Priority will be given to project proposals that align with one or more of the following themes and reflect the needs and priorities of the applicant’s home organisation.

project proposals themes
Theme Description
1 Inverter Design

 

Development of capabilities, services, design methodologies and standards for inverter-based resources (IBRs) to ensure power system reliability.
2 Stability Tools and Methods

 

New tools and methods are required to ensure reliability, security and stability in power systems with more IBRs, as traditional synchronous machines continue to be phased out.
3 Control Room of the Future

 

Development of new technologies and approaches for enhanced real-time visibility and analysis in power system operator control rooms.
4 Planning

 

New planning metrics, methods, and tools to capture the characteristics and influence of a changing
resource mix.
5 Restoration and Black Start

 

Creating new procedures for black starting and restoring a power system with high or 100% IBR penetration.
6 Services

 

Quantifying the technical service requirements of future power systems to maintain the supply-demand balance reliably and at least cost with higher penetration of renewables.
7 Architecture

 

Identifying appropriate future power system architectures for coordinating new technology capability, regulatory approaches, market design, and the distribution/transmission interface in a highly distributed, variable renewable energy-based system to support an orderly power system transition.
8 Distributed Energy Resources (DER)

 

Investigating the challenges and opportunities from very high levels of DERs to make power system control and operation more effective.
9 DER and Stability

 

Modelling and analysis of DER dynamic responses to ensure system operators can maintain power system security under very high DER penetration.
10 Cost-informed Power System Transition Modelling

 

Developing transparent modelling approaches that connect technology costs, generation-storage-transmission investment, system reliability, and emissions outcomes to support evidence-based energy transition planning.
11 Open and Transparent Electricity System Modelling Tools

 

Creating accessible modelling tools, datasets, and workflows that allow utilities, regulators, researchers, and decision-makers to test electricity system scenarios and understand the assumptions behind future cost and reliability outcomes.
12 Residential Energy Efficiency and Housing-Stock Analytics

 

Developing models, analytics, and rating methods to assess residential building energy performance, support efficient design, and identify ways to reduce heating and cooling demand.
13 Home Energy Rating Data and Retrofit Targeting

 

Using home energy rating data, climate-zone information, and dwelling characteristics to identify retrofit priorities, improve household comfort, reduce energy bills, and lower residential emissions.
14 Smart Buildings as Flexible Grid Resources

 

Investigating how commercial, industrial, and residential buildings can provide flexible demand through controllable loads such as HVAC, batteries, electric vehicles, hot water, and thermal storage.
15 Digital Infrastructure for Energy Flexibility

 

Developing secure, interoperable data platforms that enable behind-the-meter assets, building systems, and third-party services to exchange data and participate in energy flexibility markets.
16 Flexible Demand Markets and Asset Registers

 

Designing methods, data structures, and governance models for registering, characterising, dispatching, and rewarding flexible demand resources across buildings, industrial sites, and distributed energy assets.
17 Building Data Analytics, Load Forecasting and Fault Detection

 

Applying data science and machine learning to building energy data to improve load forecasting, detect faults, optimise equipment operation, and reduce energy use while maintaining occupant comfort.
18 Real-Time Emissions-Aware Demand and Operations

 

Developing methods to align electricity consumption with renewable generation availability using real-time emissions intensity, carbon-aware control, and demand-shifting strategies.
19 AI Benchmark Datasets and Evaluation Methods for Energy Systems

 

Creating benchmark datasets, challenges, and evaluation methods for machine learning in energy systems, including load classification, demand response detection, flexibility estimation, and behaviour modelling.

What the Fellowship Includes

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides a three-month placement at CSIRO in Australia, offering hands-on experience, expert guidance, and opportunities to work on real-world energy challenges.

During the Fellowship, participants will:

  • Spend up to three months at CSIRO’s Energy Research Unit working on a high-impact energy transition challenge
  • Undertake an energy research or industry-focused project aligned with their organisation’s priorities
  • Receive mentoring and co-supervision from CSIRO experts and Australian academics
  • Build practical technical and problem-solving skills through applied research
  • Engage with researchers, industry, and policy stakeholders through networking, presentations, and consultations

Financial Support

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides financial support to cover reasonable costs associated with participation in the Fellowship. This includes:

  • Visa application and associated fees
  • One return economy-class airfare between the Fellow's home country and Australia
  • Accommodation for the duration of the placement (arranged by CSIRO)
  • A living allowance to assist with meals, local transportation, and incidental expenses; and
  • Approved work-related travel undertaken as part of the Fellowship program
  • The Fellowship does not provide salary replacement. Participating organisations are expected to continue paying the Fellow’s salary during the placement period.

Further details on reimbursement and support arrangements will be provided to successful applicants during pre-departure preparation.

What You’ll Get Out of the Fellowship

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides Fellows with valuable opportunities for professional development and capability building in support of the energy transition.

Fellows will benefit from:

  • Mentorship and technical guidance from CSIRO experts and Australian academics
  • Opportunities to engage and collaborate with Australian researchers, engineers, and energy practitioners
  • The ability to shape and lead a project aligned with their organisation’s priorities, in consultation with supervisors
  • Exposure to Australia’s experience in managing power systems with high levels of renewable energy integration
  • Applied knowledge and insights relevant to Southeast Asian energy systems

The Fellowship also enables Fellows to:

  • Build practical skills and strengthen their capability to address energy transition challenges
  • Expand professional networks across Southeast Asia and Australia
  • Gain visibility within the regional energy community
  • Strengthen their ability to contribute to organisational development and support long-term energy transition goals

Requirements to Apply

In 2026, the Fellowship will support high-performing professionals from Malaysia’s Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). There are several prerequisites for application to the Fellowship. Applicants must:

  • have significant technical capability;
  • have a clearly defined problem and a viable proposal for how to address the issue;
  • have full support from their home organisations, both during the Fellowship and for implementation of outcomes upon their return;
  • be eligible and available to travel to Australia for up to three months;
  • hold a valid passport permitting travel to and stay in Australia for the duration of the Fellowship
  • be able to apply for and obtain and Australian Visa for the purpose of the Fellowship program
  • have no restrictions (medical, legal, or employment-related) preventing international travel
  • have no conflicting commitments
  • be able to participate within the Fellowship timelines;
  • be fluent in English.
    • English language competency will be assessed as part of the selection process, proficiency will be evaluated through an interview (phone or online)
    • No formal language test is required
    • Applicants may provide supporting evidence, such as:
    • Study or work experience in an English-speaking environment
    • Completion of studies conducted in English
    • Relevant language courses or test results

Indicative Fellowship Modules

This section provides an indicative overview of the key activities and learning components undertaken during the Fellowship placement.

key activities and learning components
Week Module

Week 1

On-boarding, induction, and online training

  • Introduction to the Fellowship, objectives, and expectations
  • Orientation to the host research organisation and facilities

Week 2-3

Understanding the energy transition challenge

  • Refine the real-world energy transition challenge identified in the research proposal
  • Examine the technical, social, economic and policy dimensions of the challenge
  • Review and familiarise with relevant energy datasets, evidence sources and analytical tools
  • Undertake stakeholder mapping of the challenge and begin identifying potential engagement strategies

Week 4-5

Problem analysis and evidence generation

  • Analyse relevant data and evidence to better understand the challenge
  • Generate insights through data visualisation and exploratory analysis
  • Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities
  • Developing strategies to communicate insights to technical and non-technical audiences, including decision-makers

Week 6

Fellow presents the problem/dataset to a broader audience

  • Present the challenge, stakeholder landscape and preliminary findings
  • Receive feedback from peers, mentors and subject-matter experts
  • Refine project scope and analytical approach

Week 7-8

Designing and evaluating energy transition solutions

  • Develop selected potential technical, policy, and market-based solutions
  • Evaluate the feasibility, scalability, and impact of proposed approaches
  • Apply lessons from relevant regional and international case studies
  • Refine project recommendations and implementation pathways

Week 9-10

Governance, regulation, and responsible innovation

  • Assess governance and regulatory considerations relevant to the challenge
  • Examine ethical, equity, and inclusion implications of proposed solutions
  • Apply principles of responsible data use, privacy, and cybersecurity
  • Align project recommendations with relevant regulations and policy frameworks

Week 11-12

Project Refinement, final presentations and feedback

  • Consolidate findings, analysis and recommendations.
  • Present final outputs to stakeholders and the broader Fellowship cohort.
  • Incorporate feedback to strengthen project outcomes.
  • Identify opportunities for future collaboration and implementation.

Fellowship Timeline

The application period opens on 23 Jun 2026 and closes on 24 July 2026, 23:59 (Singapore time - UTC+8). The indicative timeline for the application, selection, and fellowship components of the Fellowship is as follows:

timeline for the application, selection, and fellowship components
Date Action

23 June – 24 July 2026

Stage 1: Call for applications

Applicants to submit CV and project proposal

27 – 31 July 2026

Applications reviewed; applicants notified of shortlisting

03 – 20 August 2026

Stage 2: Panel Interview

Shortlisted applicants and their supervisors will be invited for online interviews by the joint selection panel.

21 August 2026

Announcement of successful fellows

22 August – 30 September 2026

Pre-departure preparation

  • Fellows to conduct pre-fellowship activities that can be delivered remotely.
  • Fellows to prepare their 3-month module plans (see above for sample) and identify relevant stakeholders to connect in Australia
  • Data preparation
  • Travel arrangement and visa application.

02 October – 18 December 2026

Fellowship conducted in Australia

  • Fellows regularly check-in with supervisors and teams at their originating agencies, providing a short progress report at a minimum of every four weeks.
  • Fellows secure agreement with supervisors on a post-fellowship plan of action.
  • Fellows deliver final presentation to wider stakeholders in Australia and Indonesia to share the final progress of the project

Enquiries

Questions about the program or the selection process can be sent to hcd@csiro.au; cc: ira.martina@csiro.au.

About the Southeast Asia Human Capacity Development Fellowships Program

The CSIRO Southeast Asia Energy Transition Human Capacity Development (SEA-HCD) Fellowships Program aims to strengthen the capability of energy sector professionals across Southeast Asia to support the transition to more affordable, secure, and sustainable energy systems.

The Fellowship provides an opportunity for Southeast Asian professionals from energy ministries, utilities, and research institutions to undertake a three-month placement with CSIRO in Australia. Fellows work on real-world energy transition challenges relevant to their organisations, with guidance from CSIRO experts and access to Australia’s research and industry networks.

In 2026, the Fellowship will support high-performing professionals from Malaysia’s Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

The SEA-HCD Fellowship is managed by CSIRO and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Purpose of Fellowship

The Fellowship aims to

  • Equip participants with practical knowledge and learnings from Australia to manage high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) and distributed energy resources (DER)
  • Enhance research capability and promote continuous learning through joint research and academic engagement
  • Build long-term professional networks and partnerships across the region

These outcomes contribute to stronger organisational capacity, improved systems thinking, and greater ability among participants to design, implement, and lead energy transition initiatives in their home countries.

Fellowship Focus Areas

Research projects under the Fellowship should address key technical challenges related to the energy transition, including:

  • Integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) into power systems
  • Management of distributed energy resources (DERs)
  • Planning and operation of energy systems with higher shares of VRE and DER

Priority Project Themes

Priority will be given to project proposals that align with one or more of the following themes and reflect the needs and priorities of the applicant’s home organisation.

project proposals themes
Theme Description
1 Inverter Design

 

Development of capabilities, services, design methodologies and standards for inverter-based resources (IBRs) to ensure power system reliability.
2 Stability Tools and Methods

 

New tools and methods are required to ensure reliability, security and stability in power systems with more IBRs, as traditional synchronous machines continue to be phased out.
3 Control Room of the Future

 

Development of new technologies and approaches for enhanced real-time visibility and analysis in power system operator control rooms.
4 Planning

 

New planning metrics, methods, and tools to capture the characteristics and influence of a changing
resource mix.
5 Restoration and Black Start

 

Creating new procedures for black starting and restoring a power system with high or 100% IBR penetration.
6 Services

 

Quantifying the technical service requirements of future power systems to maintain the supply-demand balance reliably and at least cost with higher penetration of renewables.
7 Architecture

 

Identifying appropriate future power system architectures for coordinating new technology capability, regulatory approaches, market design, and the distribution/transmission interface in a highly distributed, variable renewable energy-based system to support an orderly power system transition.
8 Distributed Energy Resources (DER)

 

Investigating the challenges and opportunities from very high levels of DERs to make power system control and operation more effective.
9 DER and Stability

 

Modelling and analysis of DER dynamic responses to ensure system operators can maintain power system security under very high DER penetration.
10 Cost-informed Power System Transition Modelling

 

Developing transparent modelling approaches that connect technology costs, generation-storage-transmission investment, system reliability, and emissions outcomes to support evidence-based energy transition planning.
11 Open and Transparent Electricity System Modelling Tools

 

Creating accessible modelling tools, datasets, and workflows that allow utilities, regulators, researchers, and decision-makers to test electricity system scenarios and understand the assumptions behind future cost and reliability outcomes.
12 Residential Energy Efficiency and Housing-Stock Analytics

 

Developing models, analytics, and rating methods to assess residential building energy performance, support efficient design, and identify ways to reduce heating and cooling demand.
13 Home Energy Rating Data and Retrofit Targeting

 

Using home energy rating data, climate-zone information, and dwelling characteristics to identify retrofit priorities, improve household comfort, reduce energy bills, and lower residential emissions.
14 Smart Buildings as Flexible Grid Resources

 

Investigating how commercial, industrial, and residential buildings can provide flexible demand through controllable loads such as HVAC, batteries, electric vehicles, hot water, and thermal storage.
15 Digital Infrastructure for Energy Flexibility

 

Developing secure, interoperable data platforms that enable behind-the-meter assets, building systems, and third-party services to exchange data and participate in energy flexibility markets.
16 Flexible Demand Markets and Asset Registers

 

Designing methods, data structures, and governance models for registering, characterising, dispatching, and rewarding flexible demand resources across buildings, industrial sites, and distributed energy assets.
17 Building Data Analytics, Load Forecasting and Fault Detection

 

Applying data science and machine learning to building energy data to improve load forecasting, detect faults, optimise equipment operation, and reduce energy use while maintaining occupant comfort.
18 Real-Time Emissions-Aware Demand and Operations

 

Developing methods to align electricity consumption with renewable generation availability using real-time emissions intensity, carbon-aware control, and demand-shifting strategies.
19 AI Benchmark Datasets and Evaluation Methods for Energy Systems

 

Creating benchmark datasets, challenges, and evaluation methods for machine learning in energy systems, including load classification, demand response detection, flexibility estimation, and behaviour modelling.

What the Fellowship Includes

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides a three-month placement at CSIRO in Australia, offering hands-on experience, expert guidance, and opportunities to work on real-world energy challenges.

During the Fellowship, participants will:

  • Spend up to three months at CSIRO’s Energy Research Unit working on a high-impact energy transition challenge
  • Undertake an energy research or industry-focused project aligned with their organisation’s priorities
  • Receive mentoring and co-supervision from CSIRO experts and Australian academics
  • Build practical technical and problem-solving skills through applied research
  • Engage with researchers, industry, and policy stakeholders through networking, presentations, and consultations

Financial Support

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides financial support to cover reasonable costs associated with participation in the Fellowship. This includes:

  • Visa application and associated fees
  • One return economy-class airfare between the Fellow's home country and Australia
  • Accommodation for the duration of the placement (arranged by CSIRO)
  • A living allowance to assist with meals, local transportation, and incidental expenses; and
  • Approved work-related travel undertaken as part of the Fellowship program
  • The Fellowship does not provide salary replacement. Participating organisations are expected to continue paying the Fellow’s salary during the placement period.

Further details on reimbursement and support arrangements will be provided to successful applicants during pre-departure preparation.

What You’ll Get Out of the Fellowship

The SEA-HCD Fellowship provides Fellows with valuable opportunities for professional development and capability building in support of the energy transition.

Fellows will benefit from:

  • Mentorship and technical guidance from CSIRO experts and Australian academics
  • Opportunities to engage and collaborate with Australian researchers, engineers, and energy practitioners
  • The ability to shape and lead a project aligned with their organisation’s priorities, in consultation with supervisors
  • Exposure to Australia’s experience in managing power systems with high levels of renewable energy integration
  • Applied knowledge and insights relevant to Southeast Asian energy systems

The Fellowship also enables Fellows to:

  • Build practical skills and strengthen their capability to address energy transition challenges
  • Expand professional networks across Southeast Asia and Australia
  • Gain visibility within the regional energy community
  • Strengthen their ability to contribute to organisational development and support long-term energy transition goals

Requirements to Apply

In 2026, the Fellowship will support high-performing professionals from Malaysia’s Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). There are several prerequisites for application to the Fellowship. Applicants must:

  • have significant technical capability;
  • have a clearly defined problem and a viable proposal for how to address the issue;
  • have full support from their home organisations, both during the Fellowship and for implementation of outcomes upon their return;
  • be eligible and available to travel to Australia for up to three months;
  • hold a valid passport permitting travel to and stay in Australia for the duration of the Fellowship
  • be able to apply for and obtain and Australian Visa for the purpose of the Fellowship program
  • have no restrictions (medical, legal, or employment-related) preventing international travel
  • have no conflicting commitments
  • be able to participate within the Fellowship timelines;
  • be fluent in English.
    • English language competency will be assessed as part of the selection process, proficiency will be evaluated through an interview (phone or online)
    • No formal language test is required
    • Applicants may provide supporting evidence, such as:
    • Study or work experience in an English-speaking environment
    • Completion of studies conducted in English
    • Relevant language courses or test results

Indicative Fellowship Modules

This section provides an indicative overview of the key activities and learning components undertaken during the Fellowship placement.

key activities and learning components
Week Module

Week 1

On-boarding, induction, and online training

  • Introduction to the Fellowship, objectives, and expectations
  • Orientation to the host research organisation and facilities

Week 2-3

Understanding the energy transition challenge

  • Refine the real-world energy transition challenge identified in the research proposal
  • Examine the technical, social, economic and policy dimensions of the challenge
  • Review and familiarise with relevant energy datasets, evidence sources and analytical tools
  • Undertake stakeholder mapping of the challenge and begin identifying potential engagement strategies

Week 4-5

Problem analysis and evidence generation

  • Analyse relevant data and evidence to better understand the challenge
  • Generate insights through data visualisation and exploratory analysis
  • Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities
  • Developing strategies to communicate insights to technical and non-technical audiences, including decision-makers

Week 6

Fellow presents the problem/dataset to a broader audience

  • Present the challenge, stakeholder landscape and preliminary findings
  • Receive feedback from peers, mentors and subject-matter experts
  • Refine project scope and analytical approach

Week 7-8

Designing and evaluating energy transition solutions

  • Develop selected potential technical, policy, and market-based solutions
  • Evaluate the feasibility, scalability, and impact of proposed approaches
  • Apply lessons from relevant regional and international case studies
  • Refine project recommendations and implementation pathways

Week 9-10

Governance, regulation, and responsible innovation

  • Assess governance and regulatory considerations relevant to the challenge
  • Examine ethical, equity, and inclusion implications of proposed solutions
  • Apply principles of responsible data use, privacy, and cybersecurity
  • Align project recommendations with relevant regulations and policy frameworks

Week 11-12

Project Refinement, final presentations and feedback

  • Consolidate findings, analysis and recommendations.
  • Present final outputs to stakeholders and the broader Fellowship cohort.
  • Incorporate feedback to strengthen project outcomes.
  • Identify opportunities for future collaboration and implementation.

Fellowship Timeline

The application period opens on 23 Jun 2026 and closes on 24 July 2026, 23:59 (Singapore time - UTC+8). The indicative timeline for the application, selection, and fellowship components of the Fellowship is as follows:

timeline for the application, selection, and fellowship components
Date Action

23 June – 24 July 2026

Stage 1: Call for applications

Applicants to submit CV and project proposal

27 – 31 July 2026

Applications reviewed; applicants notified of shortlisting

03 – 20 August 2026

Stage 2: Panel Interview

Shortlisted applicants and their supervisors will be invited for online interviews by the joint selection panel.

21 August 2026

Announcement of successful fellows

22 August – 30 September 2026

Pre-departure preparation

  • Fellows to conduct pre-fellowship activities that can be delivered remotely.
  • Fellows to prepare their 3-month module plans (see above for sample) and identify relevant stakeholders to connect in Australia
  • Data preparation
  • Travel arrangement and visa application.

02 October – 18 December 2026

Fellowship conducted in Australia

  • Fellows regularly check-in with supervisors and teams at their originating agencies, providing a short progress report at a minimum of every four weeks.
  • Fellows secure agreement with supervisors on a post-fellowship plan of action.
  • Fellows deliver final presentation to wider stakeholders in Australia and Indonesia to share the final progress of the project

Enquiries

Questions about the program or the selection process can be sent to hcd@csiro.au; cc: ira.martina@csiro.au.

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