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
Human ethics:mgse-ethics@unimelb.edu.au
Ethics Updates
Final Infonetica Training
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
The Human Ethics Module on Themis has been replaced with a new Module on Infonetica. The Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) and Research Ethics Processes and Systems (REPS) are running training sessions to support the transition. These sessions cover the new human ethics application process, including how to use Infonetica ERM to submit applications. You will also learn about the new human ethics committee structures and meeting schedule. For any questions about Infonetica training, please email the REPS Program inbox.
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.
Research News
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Call for proposals: MGSE Graduate Research Conference 2020
The MGSE Graduate Research Conference is returning in December 2020 as a Summer Ideas Festival.
As many conferences are postponing their events until 2021, this is a great opportunity for your Graduate Researchers to gain experience presenting their research, learn about others’ insights and methods, and make new connections at MGSE. If you think your Graduate Researchers would like to present at the conference, please ask them to consider submitting a proposal. A proposal template for Graduate Researchers to complete has been provided for download.
The call for proposals will close on Sunday 25 October at 11.59pm.
Presenters will be notified in the following weeks, and the programme will be announced in early November. Please request your Graduate Researchers submit their proposals and queries to mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au
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Implementation of 2020 ANZSRC codes
The ARC has released the following statement on the implementation of the 2020 ANZSRC codes:
The ARC has developed a plan to adopt the updated 2020 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) codes into the Research Management System (RMS) for National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) application and peer review activities.
Understanding current pressures on universities, the aim is to provide enough time for the research sector to plan for, and manage, this change and minimise the burden on researchers and research offices in managing the transition.
The ARC sought feedback from Research Office Directors on a proposed staged approach:
- This year the 2020 codes will be implemented into RMS user profiles only, so researchers can commence selecting the 2020 codes (alongside retaining their 2008 codes) in their individual profiles.
- The 2020 codes will start to be used in next year’s College of Expert nomination round.
- The 2020 codes will be introduced into NCGP grant application forms for schemes opening from September 2021.
New 2020 ANZSRC code changes will not be introduced into application forms for any scheme rounds that are currently open or are due to open in late 2020 or early 2021.
Further advice and instructions on how to select the 2020 ANZSRC codes will be published by the ARC, at each new stage of the implementation process.
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Hiroshima University Faculty Position Open
Hiroshima University is developing educational and research activities from the perspective of advancing diversity. On this occasion, Hiroshima University is looking to recruit a specially appointed assistant professor. Note that the applicant does not have to come to Japan, and your field of research can be any within educational research. Please download the application details for further information. For any queries, please email Professor Takuya Baba.
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Scholarship awarded: Dr Pauline Thompson
Congratulations to Dr Pauline Thompson, who has been awarded an ACEL ‘New Voice’ Scholarship. These scholarships aim to welcome the recipients into the ACEL network and support the dissemination of new learning and thought. In congratulating Pauline, The New Voice Scholarship recognises her as a forward-thinking, relevant, and responsive educational leader in the wider education community, at a national level.
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REEaCh study: Call for participants
The Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood Hub (REEaCh) is conducting a survey about families' experiences with early childhood education and care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the pandemic on parent and child wellbeing and parent-child relationships (Ethics #2057564). If you are a parent or carer of a child aged 1-6 years who usually attends childcare and you live in Victoria, they would love to hear from you. Participation involves completion of three online surveys (10 minutes each):
- Now: the first survey will take place now
- Three months: another survey in three months
- 12 months: the final survey
You will also be asked if you would like to take part in a one-off individual interview. Survey participants will enter into a prize draw to win a $50 Coles voucher.
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CSHE study: Call for participants
A CSHE study, 'Understanding University engagement capacity and capability,' is seeking professional and academic staff to participate in interviews via Zoom on their experiences of engagement with external organisations and individuals as part of teaching, research, community programs, and events. How have we changed the way they engage with the wider community, government, and organisations during COVID-19? The purpose of the study is to identify the professional development needs of university staff in public engagement as they move through different phases of COVID-19 related disruptions. For any queries, please contact the study team.
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Library material ordering to recommence
As of Friday 25 September the recent pause on orders for new library material has been lifted. Thank you to all for working with us during this recent process. Those items already requested and placed in a backlog will be processed without any further action required from the requestors, and any new requests can now be submitted for evaluation.
This short pause has allowed focus on reconciliation of orders and payments to ensure commitments can be met and introduce new methodologies to manage the volume of orders and payments received. The challenging times in which we are operating have been recognised and SASS have supported additional funding to maximise the ability to support purchasing of scholarly materials in 2020.
For more information on how to order items for the Scholarly Services collections, please visit their website. Any queries can be directed to Ruth Baxter.
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Reminders
Open Access and Research Visibility
Student and Scholarly Communications has created a new Open Access & Research Visibility page on the Research Gateway. The University's Principles for Open Access to Research Outputs at Melbourne state that researchers are expected to deposit the post peer-reviewed and corrected version of their published research (the Author’s Accepted Manuscript) in the Institutional Repository or an accredited subject repository within three months of publication. It includes a 2-minute video on how to make your research Open Access in Minerva Access, which hopefully demystifies the process for researchers.
Academic Advisers portal now live
Supporting our students to build meaningful connections within the University's scholarly community is more important than ever.
Advising relationships enrich student thinking and set them up for better academic, professional, and personal outcomes. The Academic Advising website has many resources to help academic advisers prepare for meetings including quick reference guides to prepare and run productive first meetings. Key dates and contacts are listed on the website as well.
Visit the website to learn more about your:
- Allocated students and meetings
- Students' University experiences so far
- Senior Academic Advisors and Student Life professional support staff
Manchester-Melbourne International Research Training Group
The call for project proposals will close on Monday 26 October.
In the second Call for Joint PhD Projects with the University of Manchester, up to six collaborative academic pairings will be funded, with two PhD scholarships and supporting funding for each pair, with project proposals open to all research areas. More details about applications can be found in the Joint Call Guidelines.
ARC scheme EOIs now 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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Final Infonetica Training Session
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 10.30am - 12pmThe Human Ethics Module on Themis has been replaced with a new Human Ethics Module on Infonetica. The Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) and Research Ethics Processes and Systems (REPS) have been running training sessions to support the transition, which cover the new human ethics application process, including how to use Infonetica ERM to submit applications. You will also learn about the new human ethics committee structures and meeting schedule.
For any questions about Infonetica training, please email the REPS Program inbox.
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Educational Leadership Spotlight Series
Supporting School-Specific Leadership Practice and Action: Towards a Responsive Theoretical Framework
Date: Monday 12 October
Time: 10am – 11amPresented by Dr Teresa Angelico. Hosted by Dr Daniela Acquaro.
Reach for Greatness: Personalisable Education for All Children
Date: Monday 26 October
Time: 10am – 11amPresented by Professor Yong Zhao. Hosted by Dr Daniela Acquaro.
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Educational Leadership Mentorship Series (MGSE staff-only)
Cat 1 - 3 Grant Writing
Date: Friday 16 October
Time: 10am – 11amPresented by Professor Janet Clinton. Hosted by Dr Daniela Acquaro.
Navigating Gender Barriers: Implications For Mentoring and Progression
Date: Friday 30 October
Time: 10am – 11amPresented by Dr Barbara Watterston and Dr Lisa Ehrich. Hosted by Dr Daniela Acquaro.
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MERI Workshop on ARC ROPE Sections
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 2pm - 3pmThis MERI workshop by Dr Jon Quach and Dr Alex Burns will provide a strategic overview of ARC ROPE (Research Opportunity & Performance Evidence) sections, and tips for highlighting your research career contributions.
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Library Publications Series
Using digital tools to publish strategically
Date: Wednesday 28 October
Time: 10am - 10.45amWant to build a strong publishing track record and unsure which journal outlets you should be submitting to? Join the library team to learn about digital tools to support your decisions.
Creating your publishing story
Date: Tuesday 24 November
Time: 10am - 10.45amJoin 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.
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Digital Identity - Ethics and Experience
Dates: Thursday 29 - Friday 30 October
The 2020 Eportfolio Forum will be held online this year which provides an opportunity for people from around the globe to join in and network over this two-day event.
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
2020 India Engagement Seed Grants
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Thursday 8 October
Through the Global pillar of Advancing Melbourne 2030, the University aspires to lead, convene and collaborate through strategic partnerships on a global scale. The Indian Engagement Seed Grants (IESGs) demonstrate the University's commitment to realising these global aspirations, building upon the priority areas outlined in Engaging India 2020-2024, as we work towards a shared future benefiting both the Australian and Indian communities.
The IESGs aim to support University of Melbourne academic staff in advancing new and sustainable links between the University and institutions and community organisations in India.
For more information, contact Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar.
Applications are open until 5pm Thursday 15 October.
Theodore Fink Education Endowment
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Friday 9 October
The Theodore Fink Education Endowment is currently open for applications to assist with costs in organising a seminar on historical or comparative study of Australian education.
In 2020, $2,700 has been set aside to fund an online memorial seminar.
It’s expected that this online memorial seminar will happen in the latter half of 2020 or early 2021.
Applicants are to fill in the short application form and submit by the due date to Pian Zhang via email.
Applications will close Friday 16 October.
MEL-BER Partnerships Funding
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Monday 12 October
Together with the members of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) – Freie Universität, Humboldt-Universität, Technische Universität, and Charité – the University has opened the second round of the MEL-BER Partnership: Call for Joint Research Proposals 2020/21, seeking to strengthen our existing links and stimulate new research collaborations between Melbourne and the four Berlin institutions. In last year's inaugural call, 12 projects received funding.
Applications close on Monday 19 October.
Community Engagement Grants - Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Friday 16 October
The Melbourne Social Equity Institute is inviting proposals for activities to support a UoM researcher with an idea to test, explore, and develop in partnership with members of disadvantaged or marginalised communities. Grants of up to $3000 are available. The funding will enable the researcher to develop interdisciplinary and community-engaged networks within and external to the University. The scheme aims to support research ideas that may lead to a proposal for future rounds of the Institute's Seed Funding Program or the Community Fellows Program. For any queries, please email the Melbourne Social Equity Institute.
Applications close on Friday 23 October.
Melbourne-Bonn Research Excellence Fund
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Friday 23 October
The inaugural call of the Bonn-Melbourne Research Excellence Fund aims to support collaboration in new research areas with Universität Bonn that have not yet received funding from Bonn or Melbourne or through a third-party before. Up to three applications will be funded and receive up to 20,000 € or $33,000 AUD from each institution.
Applications close on Friday 30 October.
Email the Grants team to apply
Edified Energiser Grants 2020
Deadline to contact the Grants team: Friday 23 October
Do you know of a student or graduate with a compelling plan to improve education for their community? Encourage them to apply for a $5,000 Edified Energiser Grant. The grant is open to people of any nationality (domestic and international) who are currently studying at, or have graduated in the last five years, from an Australian, New Zealand or UK higher education, vocational or English language institution. Applications are now open for grants to support students and graduates with a vision and plan to improve education in their community. A total of three grants are on offer, for a project in each of the following categories to improve:
- Any type of education
- Education in safety, health or wellbeing
- Education for women or about gender equity.
The 2019 winners of this grant opportunity included our own Tricia Martin and her team, with their submission of a Virtual Internship Platform for Regional NSW. For more information, please visit the Edifier website.
Applications close on 31 October 2020.
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Reminders
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.
DECRA and Future Fellowship applications extended
Applications close Wednesday 25 November.
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.
If you're considering applying, please email the Grants team as soon as possible.
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 26 October 2020
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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.