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
Infonetica Ethics Review Manager Launching Soon
On Friday 2 October 2020, 5pm, access to Themis Human Ethics Workbench will be disabled and replaced with Infonetica Ethics Review Manager.
The last MGSE HEAG Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 October. To have your new application considered for review and feedback:
- Lodge your application in Themis by Friday 25 September. Note: approval may happen in Themis or Infonetica.
- Ensure your application is compliant so that it is transferred to Infonetica. Otherwise, non-compliant applications will not be transferred to Infonetica.
To ensure a smooth transition of your research applications to the new system:
- Progress draft applications up until Friday 2 October, as draft applications will not move to Infonetica.
- Save a copy of any historical/completed applications that you wish to refer to in future by Friday 2 October, as these will not move to Infonetica.
- Use unique Project Title and attachment file names to ensure your projects and attachments are moved into Infonetica. These must be within 200 characters (including spaces) with no special text or characters.
An MGSE Infonetica Information Session will be held on Tuesday 29 September, 3.30-4.30pm.
DET update: 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.
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.
Proposed changes to the Human Ethics National Statement
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is proposing revised chapters of Section 4 and Section 5 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (updated to 2018) (the National Statement) and is seeking feedback on these proposed changes. The University will be submitting an institutional response to the NHMRC so feedback is being sought from the University community to help inform that response. If you are interested in providing feedback, please provide your comments via the survey link by 30 September.
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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Funding awarded: Tricia Eadie and REEaCh
Congratulations to Tricia Eadie and the REEaCh Hub for being awarded an Early Childhood Development grant from the Ian Potter Foundation. Tricia will receive approximately $360,000 for the project 'Learning from the COVID-19 crisis in early childhood education: Educator wellbeing and family engagement practices', a partnership between the Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood (REEaCh) Hub at MGSE, the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and Goodstart Early Learning.
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Funding awarded: Matt Harrison, Lorraine Graham and Anthea Naylor
Congratulations to Matt Harrison, Lorraine Graham and Anthea Naylor for being awarded funding from the COVID related research in the humanities, arts, and social sciences seed fund scheme.
The funds will go toward looking at barriers students have since transitioning to online or remote schooling due to COVID, which have exacerbated existing inequities. There is no clearer example of this than the experiences of students with disabilities. Consequently, this project builds on research into the use of video modelling and extends this emerging evidence-based practice to students with complex needs accessing remote education.
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Contract awarded for development of items for NAPLAN 2022
The Assessment Research Centre has been awarded a contract by ACARA to develop numeracy and reading items for NAPLAN’s online assessment in 2022. The Centre is working with experts in MGSE’s Mathematics Education Group and Language and Literacy Hub to develop a total of 341 items for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The project commenced in August 2020 and will conclude in May 2021.
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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
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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.
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Reminders
Campus-based research
In light of Stage 4 restrictions, the research and research return to campus pages on the Central University's COVID-19 website have been updated with the latest information on eligibility criteria for on-campus research to ensure compliance with relevant Stage 4 restrictions, as well as advice regarding the new worker permit processes.
All previously approved on-campus research is to be reassessed to ensure it complies with Stage 4 restrictions. This work is being undertaken at the Academic Division level. No new approvals for return to campus can be given at the Divisional level but are to be managed via the process that was in place for Phase 1 requests. Requests will be routed to the DVCR for approval.
Guidance on the website will continue to be updated in line with new advice from PRG or any further clarifications from the Victorian government.
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Services Expansion
The Knowledge & Technology Transfer team has expanded their services to help you further maximise your research impact for greater benefit to the society, environment, and economy. This includes:
- Safeguarding University research through the creation of intellectual assets via copyright and/or patent protection
- Proactively translating these assets into society via the generation of social enterprises and start-ups with access to venture funding partners
- Licencing research outcomes to industry, not-for-profit organisations and government bodies
Contact the team for more information.
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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Reminder: Infonetica Ethics Review Manager system training
Multiple dates and times.
Researchers and those who submit human ethics applications are encouraged to attend a training session to learn how to use the new Infonetica Ethics Review Manager (ERM) system. This system will replace Themis Human Ethics workbench from Monday 5 October. Throughout September to Wednesday 14 October, training sessions will be offered over six days, covering 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 schedules.
Register your interest to view dates and times of the different training sessions.
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Reminder: Health check for your online researcher profile
Dates: Tuesday 29 September and Tuesday 6 October
Times: 12pm – 1pmRegister your interest (29 September)
Register your interest (6 October)
Researcher profiles and networking tools are essential to making your research outputs visible. Drop-in with the Library team to ask questions on how to set up and maintain your ORCID, Minerva Elements, and other online researcher profiles.
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MERI Workshop on ARC Applications
Date: Tuesday 29 September
Time: 2pm - 3pmThis MERI workshop by Associate Professor Tricia Eadie and Dr Alex Burns will provide a strategic overview of ARC applications and tips for getting funding.
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Reminder: Open Access, Minerva Access and Research Visibility seminar
Date: Wednesday 7 October
Time: 12pm – 12.30pmJoin the Library team to learn about the different types of Open Access and how depositing your research outputs into Minerva Access can enhance your research visibility.
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Educational Leadership Spotlight Series
Critical Leadership Capabilities
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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Reminder: 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 us to learn about digital tools to support your decisions.
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2020 Eportfolio Forum Online: Keynotes and program announced
Digital Identity - Ethics and Experience
Dates: Thursday 29 - 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.
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Reminder: LH Martin Institute Webfest Conference
Multiple dates and times.
Cost: $55 per session or all five for $220.The LH Martin Institute Webfest Conference champions innovation and communities of collaborative practice between industry, government, and higher education providers and explores current and emerging issues faced by the higher education sector. In lieu of a face-to-face conference, this year they are hosting an October WebFest – five webinars exploring the main themes of Crisis, responsibility, and opportunity: Educational leadership during major change.
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
Telematics Trust Small Grants
Deadline to contact the grants team: Thursday 1 October
The Telematics Trust funds projects which: educate and empower people from diverse backgrounds to learn new things and build their capacity to contribute to society; would be assisted by seeding grants; are not likely to be supported by other funding bodies. All projects must be based in Victoria and be for the benefit of Victorians. Grants are worth up to AUD $50,000 each over one year.
Applications close Thursday 8 October.
Email the Grants team to apply
Dyason Fellowships Funding
Deadline to contact the grants team: Monday 5 October
Applications for 2020 Dyason Fellowships are now open. Funding is available to assist University staff to undertake or host a short-term international visit that fosters significant and lasting research collaborations with leading international researchers and their academic networks.
Applications close on Monday 12 October.
Email the Grants team to apply
2020 India Engagement Seed Grants now open
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: masho@unimelb.edu.au
Applications are open until 5pm Thursday 15 October.
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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.
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Edified Energiser Grants 2020 Applications Now Open
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.
Applications close on 31 October 2020.
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Reminder: 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.
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Reminder: 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.
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Reminder: 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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Reminder: 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.
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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.