Research updates

Contact information for MERI

General inquiries: bblaher@unimelb.edu.au
Grants: mgse-grants@unimelb.edu.au
Graduate research: mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au
Human ethics: timm@unimelb.edu.au


Update for researchers and staff who submit ethics applications and amendments

The ethics processes at MGSE are currently undergoing some revision and there will be announcements about this soon. If you have submitted an ethics application from October 2019 – February 2020 and have not heard back from the MGSE HEAG please follow the instructions below to track your application or amendment.

Tracking issues in Themis
Once an application is submitted in Themis, responsible researchers cannot track their applications. Themis does not alert applicants if there are compliance issues or errors with ethics applications. Importantly, it also doesn’t show up on the Ethics Officer’s workbench either. Submitted applications will sit in Themis until the responsible researcher emails the Ethics Officer for an update on their application.

Therefore, if you have submitted an application and have not heard anything from the ethics officer, please email mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au and include your ethics id number in the subject line and they will find information about your application and be back in touch with you.


Launch of new Research Integrity Online Training (RIOT)

The new Research Integrity Online Training (RIOT) course is now available for all staff and students. RIOT covers the principles of research integrity and their application to the planning, conducting and reporting of research. The training has been updated to align with the new Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 and customised with University of Melbourne resources.

The new course is available on Canvas LMS and all users need to self-enrol via the Communities Catalog. The current RIOT course will remain open until 30 May 2020. If you have started this course, you can complete it up to 30 May. Please ensure you download your completion certificate by this date. It is a requirement for graduate researchers to complete RIOT prior to confirmation.


Academic Staff Workshop: GR Selection Policies and Processes

Date: Thursday 19 March
Time: 1pm-3pm 
Venue: 100 Leicester, Level 4, Room 413/414
Contact Peter Woelert for more information

Do you want to supervise new Graduate Researchers?

Join Peter Woelert to learn how you can better identify and support applicants who are competitive for entry to MGSE programs and scholarships. Learn how policies impact scoring and selection, as well as the funding context affecting MGSE scholarships.

No RSVP necessary.


EU Funding Opportunities Workshop

Date: Monday 23 March
Time: 11am - 1pm
Venue: Room 553 Arts West, University of Melbourne
Register

The session will cover the types of EU grants available to Australian academics, how to prepare a grant application and how to navigate the application process. You will have the opportunity to hear from Professor Murray who is the recipient of numerous EU grants and awards as well as the Arts Research Team and RIC.


Graduate Researcher Orientation

Date: Wednesday 25 March
Time: 10am - 1.30pm 
Venue: 234 Queensberry St, Level 1, Q102

Whether you're a commencing GR, missed out on Orientation last year, or supervise a current GR, Orientation 2020 is a chance to meet your research community at MGSE.

You'll discover:

  • How MGSE can support you
  • Ethics and RIOT training obligations
  • Available Library services
  • Advice from current GRs.

Lunch provided. Register with your dietary requirements by sending an email to mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au


Research funding, costing and pricing policy launch seminar

Date: Monday 30 March
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Venue: B120 Singapore Theatre, Glyn Davis Building (MSD), University of Melbourne
Register

The Research Funding, Costing and Pricing Policy is replacing the Research Pricing Policy (MPF1254) and the Research Funding and Fee for Services Activities Policy (MPF1021) as of 30 March 2020.

This seminar is to announce the policy launch and to showcase the support material developed to support research costing and pricing. For more information visit the Research costing and pricing support project page.


Research support over the phone

The University has a Research Helpline team who provide support via chat and over the phone to the University's research community.

  
Business hoursMon - Fri
9am - 5pm
Number


8344 0999
you can request a call-back outside office hours

Websitegateway.research.unimelb.edu.au/about/research-helpline
Enquirieseasier-research-business@unimelb.edu.au

New iThenticate mandate for graduate researchers at thesis submission

From 30 March 2020, graduate researchers will be required to check the full draft of their thesis in the text-matching tool iThenticate prior to thesis submission. Supervisors and chairs of examiners must consider the iThenticate report in deciding whether the thesis is ready for examination to ensure the originality of writing and correct attribution of prior work. The mandate comes following a change to the Graduate Research Training Policy in October 2019.

More information, resources and enquiries can be found on the iThenticate University of Melbourne.


ORCIDs and Researcher Profile Support

An Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) helps with the disambiguation of researchers and research outputs, enables linking and reuse of high quality, persistent data, and connect research activities. Funding bodies including the ARC are strongly encouraging applicants to create and ORCID.
On 17/11/16 the University of Melbourne Executive endorsed a compulsory ORCID for all University of Melbourne academic staff. It is important for all academics to:

  • Register for an ORCID, if they do not already have one.
  • Connect their ORCID to their Minerva Elements account.

A new Your ORCID Identifier printable guide has now been published.


Entering details on Find an Expert through Themis

Please read and follow the steps below on how you can provide details of any grants you have been awarded that are not recorded in the Themis Agreements module.

Specifically “How do I add a biography to my Find an Expert profile?”

A biography is one of the first things people will see when they view your profile in Find an Expert. To add a biography to Find an Expert:

  1. Login to Themis
  2. Go to UoM Research Self Service
  3. Select the Themis Researcher Profile option
  4. Select Public Staff Profile
  5. Select Biography Details
  6. Enter your biography into the Biography Text field
  7. In the Additional Grant Information field you can provide details of any grants you have been awarded that are not recorded in the Themis Agreements module. Information you enter here is published in the Projects section of your Find an Expert profile.
  8. Click Save

Please note that this information will take about a day to feed from Themis to Find an Expert.
For further support, please contact Themis Support on 834 40888/Option 3/Option 2.


SCIP (Social & Cultural Informatics Platform) research data consultations

This year the Social & Cultural Informatics Platform (SCIP) has welcomed two new academic staff, both Data Scientists to Arts and Education. Amanda Belton is here at MGSE and Dr Trent Ryan is based in the Digital Studio, Faculty of Arts.

In March SCIP is hosting digital data workshops in:

Amanda is here to co-design and consult on new digital data generation and develop new digital research initiatives in education.

Kate Coleman is also happy to fill you in on SCIP news and digital HASS highlights if you have any questions. Kate and Amanda are on Level 7 in 100 Leicester St.


Journal of Artistic and Creative Education

Deadline for submissions: Sunday 31 May, 5pm

Studios are inherently practice-oriented sites that evoke and invite intercultural, sociomaterial, technological and integrative connections. This edition invites authors to consider place, site and space in ways that contribute to artistic and creative education. We invite authors to submit a 4000 word (or equivalent) paper or creative submission. We also invite interested parties to register their interest as reviewers for this exciting special issue of JACE.

Read more


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 CollectionMERI 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


Laura Bassi Scholarship

closes Tuesday 25 March

The Laura Bassi Scholarship, which awards a total of $8,000 thrice per annum, was established by Editing Press in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. All currently enrolled master’s and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply, as are academics in the first five years of their employment. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with their CV.


2021 Melbourne Research (Career Interruptions) Fellowships

closes Wednesday 15 April 3pm AEST

Applications now open: ricunimelb.smartygrants.com.au/MRF2021

To enable eligible researchers who are University of Melbourne staff and who do not have a continuing tenured research position, whose careers have been severely interrupted, delayed or otherwise constrained, to enhance or re-establish their academic research careers. Includes up to 12 months of salary and project costs of $20,000. Must have completed a PhD degree between 14 April 2010 and 14 April 2017, or have experienced exceptional circumstances.

Applicants must be able to commence no later than 30 June 2021.


Jeff Northfield Memorial Award for Excellence in Teacher Research 2020

closes Sunday 19 April 5pm AEST

Applications are now open for this award initiated in recognition of the significant contribution of former Monash Education academic Jeff Northfield, in supporting and conducting teacher research. The Jeff Northfield Memorial Award for Excellence in Teacher Research is awarded to one recipient each year who demonstrates an ongoing and current commitment to teacher research. The recipient receives a cheque for AUD$1,000 and a certificate in recognition of the award.

Eligibility
All teacher researchers in Victorian Schools are eligible.

Submit and contact
Send your application or enquries to edu-alumni@monash.edu.


2021 McKenzie Fellowships Program

closes Thursday 21 May 5pm AEST

To attract outstanding recent doctoral graduates to the University from around the world. The Program aims to recruit new researchers who have the potential to build and lead interdisciplinary collaborative research activities inside and across the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Starting at salary level A6, plus $25,000 project funds. Applicants must be able to commence no later than 30 June 2021.Expression of Interest

For more information visit the McKenzie Fellowship page.


Funding Items


ARC Special Research Initiatives for Australian Society, History and Culture

To support excellent research into all aspects of Australian society, history and culture from ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beginnings to modern-day Australia. Applicants can request between $20,0000 and $100,000 p.a. for between 1 to 3 consecutive years. Funding will commence as of 1st October 2020.

Notice of Intent: Open Now

 DateTime
Draft Applications to MERI Wednesday 18 March 9am
Draft Applications to RIC Wednesday 25 March 9am
Final Applications to RIC Wednesday 15 April 5pm

For more information visit the ARC Special Initiatives page.


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

DFAT Grants

The Arab world: Australia-Arab Relations Grants closes 16 March 2020
Indonesia: Australia-Indonesia Grants closes 26 March 2020
India: Australia-India Council Grants closes 26 March 2020
Japan: Australia-Japan Foundation Grants closes 26 March 2020
Korea: Australia-Korea Foundation Grants closes 26 March 2020
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau: Australia-China Council Grants not yet open
Latin America: Council On Australia-Latin America Relations Grants closes 26 March 2020
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam: Australia-ASEAN Council Grants promoting projects that link Australia with one or (ideally) more of these target ASEAN countries closes 26 March 2020.


Australian-American Fulbright Commission, AU

closes 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.


Economic and Social Research Council

Open call for project ideas and significant grant opportunities (may need UK partner). Applications are open on an ongoing basis.


Now open - 2021 ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)

Applications are now open for the ARC DECRA for funding commencing in 2021. This award provides focused research support for early career researchers in both teaching and research, and research-only positions. Candidates must at the closing date of submission have been awarded a PhD on or after 1 March 2015, or have eligible, certifiable career interruptions. Up to 200 fellowships are awarded each year, with a per annum salary contribution of up to $104,316 for three years, as well as up to $50,000 of non-salary funding per year. Funding commences on 1 January 2021.ARC Discovery applications:

  • MGSE Draft Deadline: Tuesday 21st January 2020
  • RIC Review Ready Deadline: Tuesday to Thursday, 28-30 January 2020
  • MGSE Final Application deadline: Thursday 13 February 2020
  • RIC Final Application deadline: Thursday 20 February 2020
  • Final Applications due to ARC: Wednesday 26 February 2020

ARC DECRA dates are:

  • MGSE Draft Deadline: Monday 10 February 2020
  • Review Ready for RIC Deadline: Monday 17 February to Wednesday 19 February 2020
  • Final Application Due to MGSE: Friday 28 February 2020
  • Final Application Due to RIC: Friday 6 March 2020
  • Final Application due to ARC: Thursday 12 March 2020

Instructions to Applicants and FAQs: Now available at Grant Connect or RIC DECRA website.
Please contact Alex Burns if you are interested in applying.


The Ford Foundation - Challenging Inequality

The Ford Foundation is open to new ideas and invite you to submit yours on their online form. They will review and contact you within 45 days. One of the areas they are focusing on is persistent prejudice and discrimination against women, people with disabilities and racial, ethnic and caste minorities. Please contact MERI if you are interested in applying.


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.