MERI Updates
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
Ethics Updates
Supporting our Human Researchers
The Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) has introduced improvements to streamline the human research ethics application process and provide more support for researchers.
Improvements for researchers include:
- An academic Research Ethics Adviser (REA) will conduct a pre-submission review and provide feedback to researchers, to improve the quality of the application and increase the chance of first pass approval
- Convenience of online application submissions and feedback from reviewers and committees using the new Infonetica Ethics Review Manager (ERM) system
- Applications are assessed then allocated to one specific Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for review (no longer required to be reviewed by two committees)
- Increased frequency of committee meetings means greater access for researchers (weekly/fortnightly)
- Research Ethics Officers (REOs) will liaise with researchers regarding the committee review and provide feedback
Given the frequency of committee meetings, submission deadlines for new applications are no longer required. Applications will be reviewed in the next available meeting. OREI understands that this way of working is different for you and may take time to get used to.
If you have a query regarding a specific HREC, please contact the Research Ethics Officer (REO) assigned to support that committee.
For more information regarding how to apply for human ethics approval, committee membership, including REO contact details, please refer to the HREC page on the Research Gateway.
Improvements for Human Research Ethics Committees
Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) have been restructured to bring together disciplines that use similar research methods. This combining of cognate disciplines will enhance application reviews and enable workload sharing. To align with the National Statement, the committees are named Greater than low risk (GTLR), and Low and negligible risk (LNR) committees.
There are 5 GTLR and 16 LNR committees that will commence meeting in November.
The new meeting schedule is designed to provide researchers with greater access to committees. The intention is for human research ethics applications to be reviewed and approved sooner. Researchers will have fortnightly access to GTLR committee meetings, and weekly access to LNR committee meetings, removing the requirement for submission deadlines. All new applications will undergo a pre-submission review by an academic Research Ethics Advisor (REA) to assist with the quality of applications and increase approval rates.
Applications are then reviewed and approved by either a GTLR or LNR committee.
Additional Infonetica ERM Training now available
Researchers and graduate researchers who submit human ethics applications are encouraged to attend a 1.5 hour training session to learn how to use Infonetica ERM.
The training session will cover the new human ethics application process, how to use Infonetica ERM to submit applications, and the new human ethics committee structures and meeting schedules.
Register by clicking on the suitable session below to apply using Eventbrite.
Date | Time | Eventbrite Registration Link |
Thu 19 Nov | 10.30am-12pm | |
Tue 24 Nov | 10.30am-12pm | |
Wed 2 Dec | 1.30pm-3pm |
Please note – tailored training sessions will be held in the coming weeks for human research ethics committee members.
Ethics Reminders
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Research activity in government schools and early childhood settings
All research and evaluation activity involving Victorian government schools and Victorian 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 increased restrictions across Victoria necessitates that the DET again pauses the RISEC process and research and evaluation activities involving schools and early childhood sites. These activities are suspended for the remainder of 2020.
Therefore, the following should not proceed:
- RISEC-approved research and evaluations
- Any other contact with schools or early childhood sites, staff, or children to conduct, or to recruit for, research and evaluation activity
- RISEC applications and amendment requests.
There is no guarantee that this suspension of activities will not continue into next year. MERI encourages all supervisors to continue to discuss with Graduate Researchers how to redesign their project so that it can go forward.
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Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM): Applications to conduct research
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.
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Travel updates: 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:
Email the Research Integrity Unit
University travel portal
The University’s health and safety travel portal has been updated with the most recent DFAT travel advice.
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AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
AIATSIS has announced the release of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (AIATSIS Code of Ethics) in conjunction with a Guide to applying the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. These documents will supersede and replace the Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies 2012 (GERAIS).
Research News
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ARC Discovery Projects 2021 Outcomes
Congratulations to Professor Johanna Wyn and her team from MGSE, Professor Helen Cahill, Associate Professor Hernan Cuervo and Dr Jenny Chesters, along with Associate Professor Dan Woodman (Faculty of Arts) and Dr Julia Cook (The University of Newcastle), were awarded $2,065,000.00 for their project titled 'Young people shaping livelihoods across three generations'. This is an outstanding achievement for MGSE.
Congratulations to Professors Jan van Driel and Liz McKinley who were also successful in being awarded grants led by other institutions this round.
Professor Jan van Driel will work alongside Professors Amanda Berry and Colleen Vale (Monash) and Associate Professor Wanty Widjaja and Dr Lihua Xu (Deakin) on the project titled Primary teachers' adaptive expertise in interdisciplinary maths and science. $291,422 was awarded for the grant which will be led by Monash University.
Professor Liz McKinley will collaborate with Professors Rhonda Craven and Alexander Yeung at ACU, along with key researchers at Charles Darwin University and The University of Queensland on a $771,651 grant titled Deadly Start: Enabling Preschoolers’ Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing. ACU are leading the project which will span three years.
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Funding awarded: Nicky Dulfer
Congratulations to Nicky Dulfer and her team for being awarded funding as part of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute Seed (MSEI) Funding Scheme 2020 for her project entitled, “Understanding Digital Divisions”. MSEI supports collaborative research between academics, members of community organisations, policymakers, and people with lived experiences which helps build fairer societies.
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myProposals and Projects is now available
The myProposals and Projects resource will display data from Themis Research, Infonetica ERM, and Minerva Elements whilst providing direct access to the Researcher Financials report, in one easy-to-use interface. This new resource will make managing research projects easier for researchers because they will have:
- Transparency with an up-to-date holistic view of all the research activity they are named in one place
- A contact to discuss the progress of their applications
- A link to Researcher Financials to provide an overview of the financial status of each of their active projects
- A to-do list of tasks that require their attention to access myProposals and Projects.
For more information refer to the Getting Started Guide.
If you have any queries, please contact the Research Helpline on +61 3 8344 099 or submit a research help request.
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Minerva Elements upgrade
Last week, Minerva Elements was upgraded to version 5.19.
If you have any queries or difficulties with the upgraded version, please submit an enquiry form via Service Now or email the Research Domain Systems team.
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ARC Grants - National Interest Test information
If you have applied or are applying for an ARC Grant, you must provide a National Interest Test Statement that articulates the extent to which the proposed research will contribute to Australia’s national interest through its potential to have economic, commercial, environmental, social, or cultural benefits to the Australian community.
The University has provided guidance to help you develop your response. Please bookmark these guidelines for the next time you apply for an ARC Grant.
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ARC Conflict of Interest and Foreign Influence Transparency Questions
Management of conflicts of interest is designed to maintain public confidence in the ARC’s business processes and ensure that both ARC-funded projects and research outcomes supports and primarily benefits the Australian community.
The University has provided guidance on how to respond to Conflict of Interest and Foreign Influence Transparency questions. Please bookmark these guidelines for the next time you apply for an ARC Grant.
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Reminders
GEM Scott Teaching Fellowships 2021
Expressions of Interest are now open, and close Friday 20 November.
The GEM Scott Teaching Fellowships program recognises, rewards and further develops exceptional academic teaching staff at the University. Fellows propose and undertake a significant program of work to improve and enhance curriculum design and development, teaching, learning and assessment, innovative pedagogical practice and/or the student experience at the University. The Fellowship will allow staff to further develop their understanding and practice in University-based teaching, learning and assessment and asks them to share this more broadly across the University. Up to two GEM Scott Teaching Fellowships of up to $65,000 each will be awarded for 2021. Enquiries can be submitted to chancellery-academic@unimelb.edu.au
U of T - UoM International Research Training Group
The call for project proposals will close on Monday 23 November
The U of T - UoM International Research Training Group - Call for Proposals awards academic collaborative pairings from Melbourne and the University of Toronto (U of T) with funding to support Joint PhD candidates. Project proposals are open to all research areas, and a SciVal report is available for download that details the most prominent research areas and current research collaborations between UoM and U of T.
Applications are open for individual projects and project "clusters". Priority will be given to “Cluster Applications”, which includes three or more primary supervisors (PIs) across both institutions, supervising at least two joint PhD candidates. More details about applications can be found in the Joint Call Guidelines.
Please email mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au if you are interested.
Graduate Certificate in University Teaching - EOI for 2021 intake
EOIs close on Monday 30 November
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education is now accepting expressions of interest for the Graduate Certificate in University Teaching 2021 intake. This course combines research-based, theoretical seminars with practical exercises involving peer review and negotiated projects. It is offered part-time to complement participants' current teaching practice. A limited number of University of Melbourne academic staff who have the support of their Dean or Head of School will have their course fees covered by the University.
Interdisciplinary GR Program in Indigenous Settler Relations
The Indigenous Settler Relation Collaboration’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program is open to graduate researchers in any faculty undertaking a graduate research related to the emerging field of Indigenous-settler relations in Australia and the world.
The program will connect students with researchers across disciplines, fostering an engaged and supportive intellectual community, and creating a strong cohort experience for the duration of their study. The program will deepen academic understandings, and enhance interdisciplinary knowledge exchange on research that leads to more just relations between Indigenous and settler peoples. Students are supported to build networks across the University and with relevant external organisations and to develop their research in reference to current real-world challenges.
Eligible students must have commenced a PhD/Doctorate or Masters by Research. Priority will be given to students who have at least one supervisor based at the University of Melbourne.
If your graduate researcher is working in this space, please direct them to find out more about the program and how to apply on the Program website.
ARC scheme EOIs open
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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Webinar: Management of Data and Information in Research Guide
Webinar: The Management of Data and Information in Research Guide
Date: Tuesday 17 November
Time: 11am - 12pmWorkshop: Sharing Approaches to Implementing the Data Guide at Universities
Date: Wednesday 18 November
Time: 1pm - 3pmCo-authored by the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Universities Australia (UA), the Management of Data and Information in Research Guide contains guidance for institutions and researchers on how they can implement the Code as it relates to the subject of research data.
The ARDC in collaboration with its partners will be hosting a webinar by ARC and NHMRC focussing on funder’s expectations and requirements in relation to data management. It will include a short Q&A session and will be of greatest benefit to research administration staff working in Research Offices within Universities or Medical Research Institutes tasked with implementing research data management policies.
The event will be followed by a workshop aimed at those responsible for implementing the Guide at Universities and will act as an opportunity to facilitate knowledge exchange and network building across institutions to develop solutions to research data management challenges.
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Library Publications Series
Creating your publishing story
Date: Tuesday 24 November
Time: 11am – 11.45amJoin the Library team to find out how you can weave attention, mentions, and citations data of your publications into your publishing narrative. Presented by Fransie Naude, Amy Perkins-White, and Kylie Tran. Please contact Fransie Naude for any queries.
Drop-in 1: Finding data for your publishing story
Date: Wednesday 2 December
Time: 12pm – 1pmDrop-in and find data about attention to, mentions and citations of your publications. Weave this into stories about your research for grant applications, promotion rounds and PDF discussion. Please contact Fransie Naude for any queries.
Drop-in 2: Finding data for your publishing story
Date: Wednesday 9 December
Time: 12pm – 1pmDrop-in and find data about attention to, mentions and citations of your publications. Weave this into stories about your research for grant applications, promotion rounds and PDF discussion. Please contact Fransie Naude for any queries.
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European Research Days 2020
Dates: Wednesday 25 November - Friday 27 November
Times: 4.30pm - 7.30pmEuropean Research Days 2020 - Australia and New Zealand - focuses on providing the research community with information and support for scientific exchange and collaboration with Europe. The ERD has a total of nine sessions (three per day), on a wide array of topics. Seats for the ERD are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Registration to this virtual event is free-of-charge. Registering once will give you access to all three days.
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ARTiculate: Communicating your research in the Fine Arts and Music
Date: Thursday 26 November
Time: 9.30am - 1.30pmARTiculate will provide an opportunity for research staff within the Faculty to share their work with their colleagues and the wider University community. Join the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music to hear about some of the amazing research occurring at the Faculty and beyond, preceded by a keynote presentation by Shane Huntington, Deputy Director - Strategy and Partnerships, MDHS on research communication.
For any enquiries, please contact Bernardo Jarrin or Shannon McKenna.
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Educational Leadership Mentoring Series (MGSE staff-only)
Understanding Engagement and Impact in Your Narrative for Promotion
Date: Friday 27 November
Time: 10am – 11amThe MGSE staff-only Educational Leadership Mentoring Series concludes with Professor Helen Cahill and Associate Professor Larissa McLean Davies. Register for their highlights and perspectives on developing a unique narrative to support your next promotion. Hosted by Dr Daniela Acquaro.
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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Opportunities closing soon
DECRA and Future Fellowship applications extended
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Wednesday 18 November (today)
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has extended the application time frames for DECRA and Future Fellowship applications, to take into account the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more on the ARC website.
Applications close Wednesday 25 November.
Email the Grants team to apply
The Laura Bassi Scholarship
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. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in December 2020.
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 through the application portal by the relevant deadline. Further details, previous winners, and the application portal can be found on the Editing Press website.
Application deadline: 25 November 2020
Outcomes announced: 20 December 2020Learning & Teaching Initiative (LTI ) Grants
Applications close at 5pm Wednesday 25 November
Based on the success across the University of the Improving Online Learning Quality category in the previous LTI round, this new round is seeking applications in the same category for subjects delivering in the first half year of 2021.
As in the previous round, applicants are asked to commit to improving online learning quality by incorporating five of ten online initiatives into their subject. Information on these ten initiatives can be found on the Implementing online learning quality page.
$5,000 incentive funding is provided for these projects. The funding is transferred to the project lead’s nominated account following the submission of an implementation report due by Week 6 of Semester 1, 2021. This funding can be used for teaching support or any activity which supports the academic in their role that allows them to successfully complete the project.
More information including key dates, guidelines, and application forms is available.
Please note that the form, as usual, includes this question:
Have relevant Heads of Department/School confirmed that the subject coordinator(s) will have the time and basic resources required to complete this project within the context of their existing responsibilities?This question requires that you write a short statement to this effect and email it to the Associate Dean Learning & Teaching with a copy of your application to jquay@unimelb.edu.au. This is to assist in creating an MGSE record of who is applying. A confirmation email will be sent to you.
Applications will close at 5pm Monday 25 November and will be awarded by Friday 18 December.
For enquiries, please contact the Learning and Teaching grants team.
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National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants (NISDRG)
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Wednesday 2 December
The National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants (NISDRG) program has been fully funded by the Office of National Intelligence (ONI) and the Department of Defence. Although the ARC is not funding this program, they are providing grant administration services, facilitating the application and assessment process. If you're submitting an application for a NISDRG grant, the University has developed a timeline and guidelines to support your application. Applications close on Wednesday 9 December.
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ARC Discovery Projects 2022: Applications now open
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Wednesday 17 February
The ARC Discovery Projects support fundamental research conducted by both individuals and teams. The scheme provides $30,000-$500,000 funding per annum for projects of two to five years duration. Project costs can be used for a variety of purposes. As indicated in the key dates below, applications open on Wednesday 11 November.
Key dates for Discovery Projects 2022
- Release of Grant Guidelines: 8 October 2019
- Applications Open: 11 November 2020
- Request Not to Assess Close: 10 February 2021
- Applications Close: 24 February 2021
- Rejoinders: 8 June 2021 to 22 June 2021
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2021
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2021 Key Dates: Multiple Schemes
The below dates represent proposed key dates only and are subject to change. If you intend to apply for any of these grants, please ensure you communicate with the MGSE Grants team for a smoother application process.
An update confirming the exact dates will be made once the NHMRC makes an announcement.
Scheme
Application Open
Minimum Data
Application Close
2021 Investigator Grants
3 February 2021
3 March 2021
31 March 2021
2021 Synergy Grants
24 February 2021
24 March 2021
21 April 2021
2021 Ideas Grants
10 March 2021
7 April 2021
5 May 2021
2021 Postgraduate Scholarships
14 April 2021
12 May 2021
9 June 2021
2021 CTCS Grants
30 June 2021
28 July 2021
25 August 2021
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Reminders
ARC Discovery Indigenous 2022: Applications open soon
The Discovery Indigenous scheme provides funding to Administering Organisations to support research programs led by an Indigenous Australian researcher and to build the research capacity of higher degree research and early career researchers. The scheme provides $30,000-$500,000 funding per annum for three years. Project costs can be used for a variety of purposes. As indicated in the key dates below, applications open on Wednesday 25 November.
Key dates for Discovery Indigenous 2022
- Release of Grant Guidelines: 8 October 2019
- Applications Open: 25 November 2020
- Request Not to Assess Close: 3 March 2021
- Applications Close: 17 March 2021
- Rejoinders: 17 June 2021 to 30 June 2021
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2021
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.
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Ongoing opportunities
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 called for proposals for a range of project ideas and specific grant opportunities. Having a United Kingdom partner would improve the competitiveness of your application.