MERI Updates
Ethics and Travel Update
Contact information for MERI
Visit the MERI contact page to learn more about the team.
General inquiries: bblaher@unimelb.edu.au
Grants: mgse-grants@unimelb.edu.au
Graduate research: mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au
Human ethics:mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au
Ethics Updates
DET update:
Research activity in government schools and early childhood settings
All research and evaluation activity involving schools and early childhood services requires approval through the Department of Education and Training’s (DET’s) Research in Schools and Early Childhood settings (RISEC) process.
The move to Stage 3 restrictions and the announcement of a return to remote and flexible learning in many areas of Victoria necessitates that DET to consider the status of research and evaluation involving these sites, and the RISEC process. No researchers may approach schools and early childhood sites until further notice.
Further information will be posted on the RISEC webpage in the coming days, and no RISEC approvals will be issued in the interim.
A message from Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM)
CEM is still accepting applications to conduct research in CEM schools and these applications will be subjected to the usual review process. However, even if approved, researchers are not yet permitted to approach schools until they are given written permission by CEM. All approvals at the moment are ‘conditional’. Some projects have been exempt from this current ban on approaching schools (e.g. research that has been instigated by a school not an external researcher, or research that had already begun pre-COVID), but this is considered by CEM on a case-by-case basis. At the moment non-essential staff or visitors (e.g. researchers) are not permitted in CEM schools.
Reminder: for staff who submit ethics applications and amendments
Please ensure that once you have submitted a new application, revisions or an amendment to an existing application, to email mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au and include your ethics id number in the subject line as this alerts the ethics officer to contact you if there are any issues with your application.
To check the status of your ethics application or amendment please review the spreadsheet under the FAQ: ‘How can I track the progress of my application?’. This spreadsheet is updated regularly. If you cannot find your application on the spreadsheet contact mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au.
Themis Human Ethics Workbench Clean Up
In October 2020, access to Themis Human Ethics Workbench will be disabled and replaced with Infonetica Ethics Review Manager (ERM).
To ensure a smooth transition of your research applications to the new system:
- Continue using Themis Human Ethics Workbench to submit new human ethics research applications
- Progress draft applications up until 5 October, as draft applications will not move to the ERM
- Save a copy of any historical/completed applications that you wish to refer to in future by October 5, as these will not move to the ERM
- Use a unique Project Title and attachment File Names to ensure your projects and attachments are moved into the ERM. These must be within 200 characters (including spaces) with no special text or characters.
In the coming months, you will receive communications providing further details and instructions to ensure your readiness for the ERM.
Travel update to China, Hong Kong and Indonesia
China
China will not allow most foreigners to enter China due to COVID-19 and direct flights between China and Australia have been significantly reduced. DFAT advises that if, despite that advice, you travel to China you will be subject to 14 days mandatory quarantine and quarantine requirements may change at short notice. If you’re already in China and wish to return to Australia, DFAT recommends you do so as soon as possible by commercial means. Australians are advised that they may be at risk of arbitrary detention.
Hong Kong
National Security legislation for Hong Kong came into effect on 1 July 2020. This law could be interpreted broadly and the full extent of the law and how it will be applied is not yet clear. You could break the law without intending to. You may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds. Visit the Smart Traveller website and select 'Local Laws' to find out more.
Indonesia
New regulations are in place for researchers wishing to conduct research in Indonesia and foreign researchers are advised to confirm compliance with following new regulations:
“Foreign nationals conducting research in Indonesia are advised to reconfirm their compliance with local regulations, following a legislative amendment in July that introduced new requirements. Foreign researchers must now seek ethical approval from the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry, alongside the pre-existing visa and permit requirements for conducting research. Penalties for non-compliance with this policy now include criminal prosecution with the possibility of imprisonment. Travellers intending to conduct research are advised to contact their nearest Indonesian Embassy for advice.”
The University of Melbourne would like to emphasise that researchers are to contact their nearest embassy or consulate for specific guidance if they are currently conducting research in Indonesia or will be in the future.
For more information:
University travel portal
The University’s health and safety travel portal has been updated with the most recent DFAT travel advice.
Research News
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD Scholarship
Closes Friday 31 July
The Melbourne Graduate of School Education, in partnership with the Indigenous Studies Unit, is offering an eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate research student a PhD position with our Curricula Project team to conduct the next phase of delivering online teaching resources for teachers in accordance with the Australian curriculum framework.
The successful candidate will receive a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship of approx. $31,200 pro rata per year for 3.5 years of the PhD (Fulltime) plus an additional top up scholarship approximately $17,664 pa for three years and $7,008 for six months through the 'David and Elizabeth Tudor Top-Up PhD Scholarship (in Indigenous Knowledge)'.
For applying, research project enquiries and support for applicants, please contact Dr Melitta Hogarth.
For more about eligibility and outcomes about the scholarship download the information sheet.
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AXA research philanthropic funding
Congratulations to Jon Quach from the Centre for Program Evaluation, for being awarded philanthropic funding from the AXA Research Fund. Jon was one of 10 researchers from around the world to receive this grant when the 'AXA Research Fund Exceptional Flash Call for Proposal : Mitigating risk in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic' was launched.
Jon will receive approximately $347,500 AUD (214,803€) for his project 'Improving the mental health of young children after COVID-19'.
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Universitas 21 Researcher Resilience Fund
Congratulations to Dr Marian Mahat, together with Dr Joanne Blannin and collaborators from the National University of Singapore and the University of Hong Kong, who has been awarded a Universitas 21 Researcher Resilience Fund on 'Reimagining Academic Horizons: Stories we tell'.
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Learner Profile Project 2020
The Assessment Research Centre is working with the Association of Independent Schools in South Australia (AISSA), Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and South Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (SAPSA). The project is looking to explore practical assistance to schools looking to create reliable responses to the challenge, 'How might we recognise learning both with, and beyond the ATAR?'
Schools will explore the Learner Profile and its potential as a transformative model of recognising learning that is fit for purpose and identifies a range of student dispositions and learning across the phases of schooling. They will explore practical strategies aimed at developing, assessing and recognising student attainment in capabilities and competencies that could inform a Learner Profile and will develop assessments that are valid, reliable and authentic.
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New features available on Find an Expert
The following new features are now available in Find an Expert:
- Journal cover and conference images on search results and profile pages
- Searched keywords displayed as bold text in profile pages
- Citation format improvements for book chapters and conference proceedings
- New filter options on search results to enable filtering by researcher organisation and project status
- Links to the Research Website on profile pages.
Additional features will be added and updates made to Find an Expert this year. Find out more at the Find an Expert - Phase 2 page.
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Now Open: ARC Schemes - Expression of Interest
Expression of Interest (EOI) for ARC schemes opening in the third and fourth quarter of the year are now available. If you are interested in applying for the current rounds please complete the EOI so that the MERI team can support you through the application process.
Research Events
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Adopting a marketing mindset as a pathway to successful school leadership
Date: Monday 3 August
Time: 10 am – 11 am
In a VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), leaders are expected to adapt their leadership to meet new demands. In this presentation, Associate Professor Lawrence Drysdale argues that leaders will need to change their mindsets and adopt different frames of reference to succeed. Lawrie will also outline six marketing dimensions that can provide leaders with a new set of lenses to define their leadership role in the time of COVID-19.
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Public access and your thesis
Date: Monday 3 August
Time: 3pm - 4pmThis webinar provides an overview of everything PhD and Masters by Research candidates need to know about preparing their thesis for the University's Open Access Repository. GR Supervisors and others supporting graduate researchers are invited to attend.
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Human research ethics drop-in
Date: Monday 10 August
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pmDo you need a hand with your ethics? Not quite sure how to tackle a particular problem? Come chat with Tricia Eadie, Acting HEAG Chair, and Tim Mattingsbrooke, Ethics Consultant at MERI, and get all your questions answered.
For more information please contact mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au.
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Research impact and alternative funding routes through translation
Dates: Tuesday 11 August/Friday 14 August
Times: 1.30pm - 2.30pm/12pm - 1pmCan your research be used to solve problems or generate real-world impact? If you are new to IP and research translation or just want to learn more about this important area, please join this webinar on: 'Research Impact and alternative funding routes through translation - Engineering and ICT start-up stories with IP Group'. This webinar will outline how creating a start-up can lead to additional impact for your research, without you having to run the start-up if you don't want to.
IP can be tricky sometimes, so before diving into the start-up world, let the Knowledge and Technology Transfer team in Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) know about the IP you created by submitting an "IP Disclosure" online via Service Now. Please click on "Request Something", followed by "IP Disclosure Request" to fill out the online form.
A member of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer team will contact you for a discussion and provide guidance as necessary.
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Producing excellent graphs
Dates: Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August
Time: 10am - 11.30amThis free half-day seminar over two mornings online via Zoom will discuss the principles of producing graphs to enhance the quality of your thesis and research presentations. It will cover a software package freely available to University of Melbourne graduate research students and staff. If you are frustrated about the quality of the graphs you are currently creating and how much time it is taking, this seminar is for you.
Funding opportunities
MGSE funding submission essentials
This process is in response to both the MGSE Submissions Policy and the MGSE Grants Notice of Intent (NOI) Policy. It applies to both lead proposals (submitted via University) and non-lead proposals (submitted through other institutions).
It's essential to notify the MERI Grants team of your intent to apply for any funding opportunity, as all funding proposals (internal and external) need to be endorsed by the Dean, as Head of Department.
As all applications require several internal approvals, MERI sets its own close dates in advance of both the funding body (for submissions direct to sponsor), as well as the Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation (RIC) closing dates. This allows time to process your application before it is formally submitted.
If you're not sure you can make the MERI close date, email the Grants team with your intent to apply.
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Closing soon - The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) EOIs
Expressions of Interest close Friday 31 July
The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is calling for expressions of interest in both the 2020 Platforms and the Australian Data Partnerships programs.
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ARC Linkage Projects
Linkage Projects 2020 Assessment Round 3
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 26 October 2020
Submit review ready application to RIC: 2 November 2020
Request not to Assess due to RIC: 15 November 2020
Request not to Assess Close: 17 November 2020 - Final Application due to MERI: 17 November 2020
Final Application due to RIC: 24 November 2020
Final Applications due to ARC: 1 December 2020
If you are contemplating submitting an application in round 3, you must email the Grants team as soon as possible.
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 26 October 2020
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ECR Grants
Deadline: Tuesday 25 August 5pm
Are you an ECR and can demonstrate clear evidence of high research potential?
Apply now for an ECR grant, and if successful, receive funding in January 2021 for 12 months. Education researchers are eligible to receive up to $25,000.
Chancellery will provide half of the awarded funding and the remainder via co-contribution from the Academic Division.
To apply you'll need to:
- Create a draft project description and application as a PDF within SmartyGrants
- Email your project description and application form to our Grants team.
Only selected applicants will be invited to proceed to the final application stage.
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Melbourne Social Equity Institute Seed Funding Scheme
The Melbourne Social Equity Institute supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research between academics, members of community organisations, policy makers and people with lived experiences of disadvantage or marginalisation in order to create fairer societies.
The Institute is inviting proposals for interdisciplinary, community-engaged, and innovative research projects to be completed by the end of 2021.
You can apply for a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $40,000.
Deadline to contact the Grants team
Wednesday 2 SeptemberFormal applications to the Institute close on Wednesday 9 September. Visit the Funding Opportunities page to learn more about the application process.