Research updates

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


Clean-up your Themis workbench

It’s time to clean up your Themis workbench, in preparation for the new improved Ethics Research Manager (ERM) system to be introduced for Human Ethics in early Q4 2020.

Please login to Themis to finalise and submit any draft Human Ethics research applications, especially those dated November 2019 or earlier. If you no longer require any drafts, then please copy them for future reference, by close of business on Friday 3 July.

It’s important that you do this, as draft applications in Themis will not be transferred to the new ERM system when introduced later this year.

In the coming months, you will receive further communications to ensure your readiness to transition to ERM.

To find out more, visit the REPS Program pages on Staff Hub, or email the team via ethics-melbourne@unimelb.edu.au.


Ethics Update - reminder for researchers and staff who submit applications

The MGSE HEAG committee continues to meet remotely to review ethics applications during the COVID 19 disruptions. During this time only approved projects that are completely online or desk-based research can proceed. The Victorian DET and Catholic Education offices are not approving any new projects.

In the last few weeks we know that approximately 20% of ethics applications submitted in Themis did not show up on the Ethics Submissions workbench due to responsible researchers emailing mgse-ethcis@unimelb.edu.au and including the Ethics ID of their submission.

We encourage more researchers and those who submit ethics applications to email mgse-ethcis@unimelb.edu.au - new and resubmitted applications will sit in Themis but not show up on the workbench. It is vital that every time you submit or resubmit your ethics application on Themis that you email mgse-ethics and include your ethics ID.


Call for papers: Indigenous Cultural Heritage Conference 2020

Proposals due by Thursday 25 June

Papers are being solicited for the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Conference, to be held 24-26 November at Pullman on the Park, Melbourne.

Taking Control of our Heritage provides the first opportunity for Traditional Owners and their allies to meet, discuss, and develop programs, strategies and ideas to take control of their cultural heritage in Australia.

The conference is for all Traditional Owners, their organisations and those that work with them in the promotion, management and protection of Indigenous Cultural Heritage. The conference program will encompass several relevant themes, prominent international and national speakers as well as a comprehensive social program.

The National Native Title Council, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council are now calling for abstracts and proposed panel presentations addressing the conference themes:

  • Applications of Indigenous Knowledges
  • Land Based Cultural Heritage Management
  • Ancestral Remains and Artefact Management
  • Law and Governance (including UNDRIP), Business
  • Museums, Intangible Heritage (including Intellectual Property issues)
  • Impact of Climate Change and Cultural Heritage
  • Family History Research
  • Language Protection and Promotion and Operation of Lore.

Proposals and abstracts should be received by the conference organisers by Thursday 25 June.

For more information or for registration visit the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Conference website. For any enquiries contact Lyndon Ormond-Parker.


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.


Specialised computing services to support research across all disciplines

Research Computing Services (RCS) can help you find the best options for creating, analysing, collecting and managing your research data. We also provide training and support in digital research tools and our systems.

We operate and manage the University's research computing infrastructure for High Performance Computing (Spartan), the Melbourne Research Cloud, and a variety of data storage and management platforms. For more information, see the RCS web page.

We can also support access to research computing resources outside the University, such as national computing facilities like NCI (National Computing Initiative) and national research cloud infrastructure (Nectar Research Cloud), and we are exploring provision of commercial cloud services.

Contact RCS to discuss any queries.


Survey for University educators and students

A new survey has been launched by researchers at MGSE focusing on the impact that the COVID-19 global pandemic is having on teaching and learning in Australia. The survey aims to capture educators’ and students’ perspectives when transitioning to online teaching and learning, and to record the opportunities, concerns and challenges they are experiencing during this time.

Take the 10 minute survey


Research Computing Services - securing your research data

The University provides secure and supported research data storage platforms for you to store and manage your data. At the start of 2020, Research Computing Services added just over 1.1 petabytes (1,100,000 gigabytes) of new storage to support increasing research data storage needs. Currently the service is providing priority access to computing services for our researchers and affiliates working on COVID-19 research.Your data is always protected in whichever University supported data storage platform you choose to use, however it's also important that you understand which storage best meets your needs. If you need help choosing the right storage platform, please see the Research Computing Services page for information and contacts.


Engaged University e-Symposium

Date: Thursday 9 - Friday 12 June
Time: 10am - 5pm

Find out more

The Engaged University e-Symposium will provide a space for professional and academic staff to reflect and explore different levels and scales of engagement initiatives for research, teaching and community, and their impacts across the University of Melbourne.


Research Connect

Date: Thursday 9 June - Friday 3 July

See the full program

Launching on Tuesday 9 June, this online event for University of Melbourne academics and graduate researchers runs over 19 days. It will offer a diverse range of workshops and seminars, expert panels, research platform showcases, virtual drop-in 'clinics', and more to help accelerate your research.

The program starts with the 'Meet the Platforms' series running over two weeks (9 - 18 June), then ramps up with an intensive fortnight (22 June - 3 July) of activities showcasing digital tools, research services and support.

Featured events include a Researcher Connect Poster Competition and the launch of the 2020 'Visualise Your Thesis' competition. New events will be added progressively to the site, so bookmark the Researcher Connect site and keep checking back for events.

For more information contact the Research Connect Team.


MGSE Funding, Costing & Pricing Roadshow

Date: Thursday 11 June
Time: 11am - 12pm
Password: 419596

Join via Zoom

After the launch of the new Research Funding, Costing and Pricing policy on 23 April 2020, Sam Shokravi and Frank Anastasopoulos, from RIC, will present a version of the launch, the policy and related tools and materials to MGSE.  Questions welcome.

The presentation will be recorded.


Minivera Elements - updating publications

MGSE academic staff are encouraged to add their research outputs in the university publications system: Minerva Elements.

  • All continuing and fixed term staff are required to lodge their research outputs in the School Annual Research Output Collection
  • Casual Academic staff and research students are encouraged to lodge their research outputs
  • For all staff and students, it is essential to lodge the research outputs where they relate to funded research activities.

Annual Research Collection MERI is looking to deploy an improved process for the annual collection of publications at MGSE. Before the process is put into practice, an audit of publications accepted during 2019 across the following categories is required:

  • A1 Books - authored - research
  • B1 Chapters in research books
  • C1 Journal articles - refereed
  • F1 Conference publications - full written paper - refereed

Please send a list of your research outputs published from 1 January 2019 until today. The MERI team will check if they are already listed in Minerva Elements. These lists can be sent to mgse-grants@unimelb.edu.au.


MGSE Submission Policy

Please note that MGSE submission policy requires all proposals (internal and external) to be endorsed by the Dean, as Head of Department. MERI close dates are set in advance of the close dates of the funding body (for submissions direct to sponsor) or the research innovation and commercialisation closing date (usually about a week). If you are in a situation where you think you will be unable to make the MERI close date, please contact MERI and let us know that you are intending to apply, noting that the level of service MERI can provide in relation to feedback and assistance with proposals will be determined by the amount of lead time available. MERI close dates are available on all funding opportunities found in the funding opportunities section below.


MGSE Grants Notice of Intent (NOI) Policy

If you are interested in making an application to any opportunity, please notify MERI at your earliest convenience. This applies to both lead (submitted through UoM) and non-lead proposals (those submitted through other institutions). This feeds into the MGSE Submission Policy, and additionally allows MERI to provide the appropriate support for your application.


Key opportunities


Spencer Foundation Grants

Full proposal deadlines:  Monday 8 June

The COVID-19 Related Research Grants support education research projects that will contribute to understanding the rapid shifts in education in this time of crisis and change: (i) educational inequality caused by the COVID-19 crisis; and (2) new forms of equitable education. Find out more on the Spencer Foundation website.


PhD Scholarship: Resilient Melbourne, Resilient Communities

Expressions of Interest due Tuesday 30 June

In the face of growing climate, economic and social risks, fostering social cohesion within local communities and neighbourhoods is increasingly important.

Resilient Melbourne is exploring this challenge through partnerships with five development sites that are seeking to enhance community resilience through the built form and innovative models of social engagement.

Expressions of interest can be lodged through this form.

For enquiries and further information please contact MSSI's Executive Officer Janine Campbell.


DECRA and Future Fellowship applications extended

closes Wednesday 25 November

The Australian Research Council has extended the application time frames for DECRA and Future Fellowship applications, to take into account the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. ARC DECRA 2022 applications are now Wednesday 25 November 2020. Find out more on the ARC website.


Funding Items


ARC Scheme Dates - Advance Notice

Please note dates are subject to change. All official dates will be published on the ARC website's grant calendar you can also download the ARC NCGP Scheme Timeline 2020-2021.


ARC Linkage Projects

If you are contemplating submitting an application in round 2 or 3, please notify MERI.

Linkage Projects 2020 Assessment Round 2

  • Submit review ready application to MERI: 29 June 2020
    Submit review ready application to RIC: 6 July 2020
    Request not to Assess due to RIC: 20 July 2020
    Request not to Assess Close: 22 July 2020
  • Final Application due to MERI: 22 July 2020
    Final Application due to RIC: 29 July 2020
    Final Applications due to ARC: 5 August 2020

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

NCSEHE Student Equity in Higher Education Research Grants Program – 2020 Round

Applications close: 5pm Western standard time (United States),  Sunday 12 June

The NCSEHE invites proposals from high-quality researchers and equity practitioners to conduct policy-relevant research aimed at supporting and informing student equity in higher education.

Funding for several research projects is available through a competitive selection process. It is anticipated that the majority of grants will be for between A$30,000 and A$40,000, although other amounts may be considered. Grants will commence in August 2020 and should be completed within 12 months (no later than October 2021).


Melbourne-Manchester Research Fund 2020

Applications due Monday 29 June

The University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester Research Fund is an initiative to enhance research collaboration between the two universities. The overall aim of the fund is to encourage and provide initial support for development of high-quality research projects in areas of mutual strength and shared interest. Funding is available for staff at both institutions to undertake short-term visits to deepen and extend research links with a view to enabling collaborators to make joint proposals to external funding sources for the next phase of their research. The fund is open for proposals across all research areas.

Visit the website for more information.


Australian-American Fulbright Commission, AU

closes Monday 6 July

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission invites applications for its professional scholarship in vocational education and training. Applications are open to employees within the vocational education and training sector as well as training leaders in business and industry to undertake a short course or research programme in this field at a US institution. The scholarship may also be used for other forms of professional development, including visits to relevant organisations.

Scholarships include living, travel and dependent allowances, and health insurance worth up to AUD 100,000, for up to four months. Visit the Fulbright Australia page for further information.


Marles Medal

Nominations close Monday 27 July

The Marles Medal in Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) was established in 2020. The Marles Medal recognises research impact: the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health and wellbeing, the environment or quality of life beyond academia. In 2020, awardees will receive a cash award of $10,000.

Please visit the website for key dates, eligibility, and how to apply. For any enquiries contact: ric-internalgrants@unimelb.edu.au.


Woodward medal

The Woodward Medal in Science and Technology and the Woodward Medal in Humanities and Social Sciences - are awarded annually to a member of staff for research published in the five years leading up to 31 December of the preceding year.

The research must have made a significant contribution to knowledge in a field of science and technology or humanities and social sciences. In 2020 awardees of each medal will also receive a cash award of $10,000. Please visit the website for key dates, eligibility, and how to apply. For any enquiries contact: ric-internalgrants@unimelb.edu.au.


The Ford Foundation - Challenging Inequality

Expressions of Interest are open on an ongoing basis

The Ford Foundation is a prestigious United States funder that has fellowship and project opportunities available in the broad thematic area of Challenging Inequality. Having a United States partner would improve the competitiveness of your application.


The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Applications are open on an ongoing basis

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has a grants database with fellowship and project opportunities that includes Higher Education in the Humanities, Arts and Cultural Heritage, Diversity, Scholarly Communications, and International Higher Education. Having a United States partner would improve the competitiveness of your application.


The Economic and Research Council

Applications are open on an ongoing basis

The Economic and Social Research Council has Calls for Proposals for a range of project ideas and specific grant opportunities. Having a United Kingdom partner would improve the competitiveness of your application.


MGSE Research Professional Magazine

Curated Opportunities for MGSE Academics

Your funding opportunities can be found through Melbourne Graduate school of Education Research Professional Magazine, this curated fortnightly e-publication is updated simultaneously with the MGSE News release.