MERI Updates
Featured stories
MERI contact detail
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
Research Event
MGSE Research Forums 2021
Reimagining Research Futures @ MGSE
Date: Thursday 22 April
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
In 2021, MERI are planning to conduct a series of four research forums that bring together MGSE academics to consider new and emerging research agendas that address the pressing issues for education. There is currently a breadth of research activity at MGSE that is high quality, innovative and translational. The forum discussions are not designed to replace current research or identify priority areas for research, but rather to discuss new possibilities in reimagining research futures at MGSE.
The question to be discussed at the first forum is:
What are the new emerging research agendas that MGSE needs to be responding to?
Visit the Research Events page for more information on the format of the first Forum.
Research News
Have your say - Advancing Melbourne Education roundtable
The University is holding a virtual Education Roundtable between April 19-21 and all staff are invited to participate. This is the first of a number of virtual roundtables in which staff are invited to share their views on key themes of the Advancing Melbourne strategy. The Education Roundtable will involve a series of provocations and discussions, held over three days, using an online platform. Topics to be discussed and debated include:
* What is the future of the lecture at Melbourne?
* How can we create more diversity in our classrooms?
* Should Melbourne embrace more online programs?
* Why should students come to campus for their education?
Visit the Research News page for more information.
Funding Opportunities
Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme
The Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme is a joint initiative of Universities Australia (UA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The scheme supports exchanges for researchers to spend time at partner institutions in Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time at UoM. Proposals must include an ECR.
Visit the Funding Opportunities page to find out more.
Research Events
Opportunities and barriers for improved research partnerships between academics and industry
Dr David Reid, an experienced industry professional who has worked within and outside the university sector, will be discussing some of the visible and invisible systemic, structural and cultural issues that hinder mutually satisfying collaborations and partnerships between universities and industry.
Date: Thursday 15 April, 11-12pm.
Contact Myron Yovannidis for any queries.
More information and registration can be found on the Event webpage.
Introduction to digital mapping for non-programmers
This online workshop introduces beginners to using digital mapping in humanities research. The 1.5 hour session will provide an overview of some of the diverse techniques in humanities mapping, examine common geospatial terms and techniques, and look at some basic tools that support digital mapping. No prior experience with programming or GIS is required.
Date: Thursday 22nd April, 2-3:30pm
Contact SCIP for any queries.
More information and registration can be found on the SCIP Skills Training webpage
MGSE Research Forums 2021
Reimagining Research Futures @ MGSE
Date: Thursday 22 April
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
In 2021, we are planning to conduct a series of four research forums that bring together MGSE academics to consider new and emerging research agendas that address the pressing issues for education. There is currently a breadth of research activity at MGSE that is high quality, innovative and translational. The forum discussions are not designed to replace current research or identify priority areas for research, but rather to discuss new possibilities in reimagining research futures at MGSE.
The question to be discussed at the first forum is:
What are the new emerging research agendas that MGSE needs to be responding to?
There are many different answers to this question. To prompt discussions the format of the first forum will be as follows:
- A panel of four academics will present a five-minute provocation around new emerging research agendas.
- Julie McLeod will provide a ten-minute response
- Breakout groups to discuss emerging research agendas (30 minutes)
- Bring everyone together and discuss (30 minutes).
Researcher Connect Online Showcase
Date: Friday 23 April
Time: 10am - 4pm
Looking for research-related resources and expertise around the University?
Researcher Connect will run a one-day online event on Friday 23 April. Four panels will showcase key research themes focused on strategic portfolios of Research Capability, Research Impact & Engagement, Research Collaboration and Research Infrastructure.
Contact Researcher Connect for any queries.
More information and registration can be found on the Researcher Connect webpage.
Purposeful Engagement Workshops
This series aims to:
- strengthen your confidence in enacting meaningful and ethical engagement practice;
- deepen your understanding of different engagement contexts, roles, approaches and frameworks;
- develop fundamental and purposeful engagement skills and capabilities; and
- create a shared space for mutual learning from peers and experienced practitioners to discuss current trends, challenges and opportunities.
For more information and Program schedule see the Purposeful Engagement Workshops webpage.
Introduction to NVivo workshop series
This series of four free online workshops for researchers will introduce you to the qualitative data analysis tool NVivo. NVivo helps you discover more from your qualitative and mixed methods data. These facilitated workshops will help you work more efficiently, conduct deeper analysis from more sources, and defend your findings with one tool.
Contact Researcher Connect for any queries.
More information and registration can be found on the Digital Skills Training webpage.
Producing quality graphs
Date: 13 and 14 May
Time: 10am -11.30am each day
Free seminar for UoM staff and Graduate Researchers.
If you are frustrated about the quality of the graphs you are currently creating and how much time it is taking, this seminar is for you! Explore principles of producing graphs to enhance the quality of your thesis and research presentations. Covers a software package freely available to UoM graduate research students and staff.
Contact Deborah Maillardet for any queries.
More information and registration on the Event webpage.
Research News
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Surveys
Academic resilience in times of adversity
Closing Date: Friday 30 April
You are invited to participate in a short online survey to identify one strategy that has helped you manage your academic work during COVID-19.
Contact Marian Mahat for any queries.
Researcher practices and needs for sensitive research data management
The University is seeking your help regarding research data management practices and needs. Survey results will guide the ongoing development of digital research infrastructure, services and resources. Your assistance will help researchers across the University manage sensitive research data more easily and securely.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes.
Contact Kim D'Costa for any queries.
More information and registration can be found on the Survey Webpage.
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Ethics Support Contacts
The Infonetica Ethics Review Manager (ERM) is now fully operational for researchers to apply to conduct studies involving humans.
Ethics support contacts
Infonetica technical support
- ServiceNow webform (staff-only)
- Research helpline: (03) 8344 0999
General human ethics support
- General information can be found on the Human Ethics website.
- General queries can be emailed to the Human Ethics Enquiries team.
Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC)
- General information, including meeting dates and committee membership, can be found on the HREC page.
- For information regarding a specific HREC, please contact the Research Ethics Officer assigned to that committee, found under the Committee Membership of the HREC website.
- HREC queries can be emailed to the Human Ethics Enquiries team.
Apply for ethics approval
- To apply for ethics approval, please visit the step-by-step guide.
Complaints or concerns
- Any complaints or concerns about the conduct of a research project should be emailed to the Research Integrity Administrator. You can also call on (03) 8344 1376.
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Research activity in government schools and early childhood settings
All research and evaluation activity involving these sites requires approval through the Department of Education and Training’s (DET’s) Research in Schools and Early Childhood settings (RISEC) process.
In February 2021, research activity involving education settings resumed or commenced for research commissioned, partnered, or supported by DET or other Victorian government departments, on the condition that data were provided about the anticipated time burden on education settings.
Under the next phase of resumption, research activity involving education settings may resume in Term 2, 2021 for remaining RISEC approval holders. Researchers with RISEC approvals may now contact schools or early childhood sites to arrange their Term 2 activities. Researchers must meet the following condition:
- that data have been provided to DET in 2021 about the anticipated time burden on education settings (a survey link has previously been emailed to existing RISEC approval holders).
In addition, the following researchers are invited to contact the Strategic Research Team at research@education.vic.gov.au to discuss their circumstances, including the possibility of commencing or recommencing their research prior to Term 2:
- university students who will not meet their course requirements if they delay their fieldwork
- RISEC approval holders with expiring funding, where that funding cannot be extended.
DET is accepting RISEC applications, or requests to amend existing RISEC approvals, meeting the above requirements only.
The RISEC webpage will be updated once further information becomes available.
Any queries may be directed to the Strategic Research Team at research@education.vic.gov.au
For more information visit the Conduct research page on the Education and Training website.
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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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Have your say - Advancing Melbourne Education roundtable
The University is holding a virtual Education Roundtable between April 19-21 and all staff are invited to participate. This is the first of a number of virtual roundtables in which staff are invited to share their views on key themes of the Advancing Melbourne strategy. The Education Roundtable will involve a series of provocations and discussions, held over three days, using an online platform. Topics to be discussed and debated include:
* What is the future of the lecture at Melbourne?
* How can we create more diversity in our classrooms?
* Should Melbourne embrace more online programs?
* Why shouldstudents come to campus for their education?
Please save the dates to contribute to these online discussions on the future of education at Melbourne, and bookmark the Education Roundtable page for more information leading up to the event.
More information can be found on the Event webpage.
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Teaching and Learning Conference 2021: Abstract submission deadline extended
Submissions will now close Wednesday 21 April.
This year the Teaching and Learning Conference (1-2 June, online) will explore the theme "Transitioning to COVID-normal: Developing a new ecosystem for teaching, learning and assessment". Abstracts are invited from both academic and professional staff.
Contact Melbourne CSHE for queries.
More information is available on the Teaching and Learning Conference webpage.
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Chancellor's Prize for Excellence in PhD Thesis
Nominations are invited for the annual Chancellor's Prize for Excellence in the PhD Thesis for 2021. Students who completed a PhD degree in 2020 are eligible for nomination and supervisors are encouraged to consult with their Head of Department/School. Nominations must be submitted to Faculty Deans by Heads of Departments/Schools by Friday 14 May.
Contact Xian-Zhi Lai for any queries.
More information is available on the Chancellor's Prize webpage.
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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New Opportunities
Applications for SSAF Grant Program
Closing 18 April 2021
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) Grant Program offers funding for student-focused activities and services that contribute to meeting the needs of our wide and diverse student population. All staff and students may apply for funding, of up to $20,000 maximum per project.
Contact SSAF for any queries.
More information can be found on the SSAF Grant Program webpage.
Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme
Closing 15 June 2021
The Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme is a joint initiative of Universities Australia (UA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The scheme supports exchanges for researchers to spend time at partner institutions in Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time at UoM. Proposals must include an ECR.
Contact RIC Internal Grants for any queries.
More information is available on the RIC webpage.ARC DECRA 2023 & ARC Future Fellowships 2022
Closing November 2021
Applications for the ARC DECRA 2023 and ARC Future Fellowships 2022 will be open in September and October of this year. If you are intending to apply, please notify the grants team now.
Key dates for Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2023
- Applications Open: 8 September 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 3 November 2021
- Applications Close: 17 November 2021
- Rejoinders: 28 February 2022 to 15 March 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Third Quarter 2022
Key dates for Future Fellowships 2022
- Applications Open: 13 October 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 24 November 2021
- Applications Close: 8 December 2021
- Rejoinders: 16 March 2022 – 29 March 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Mid-2022
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Reminders
2021 Key Dates: Australian Research Council
Key dates for ARC Centres of Excellence 2023
- Expression of Interest (EOI) period
- EOI Open: 8 June 2021
- EOI Close: 28 July 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 14 July 2021
- EOI Rejoinder period: 30 September 2021 to 14 October 2021
- Full application period
- Applications Open: 8 December 2021
- Applications Close: 23 March 2022 (extended from 2 March 2022)
- Rejoinder period: 25 May 2022 to 9 June 2022 (previously 5 May 2022 to 18 May 2022)
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2022 (previously Third Quarter 2022)
Key dates for Australian Laureate Fellowships 2022
- Applications Open: 1 September 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 13 October 2021
- Applications Close: 27 October 2021
- Rejoinders: 2 February 2022 to 15 February 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Mid-2022
Key dates for Future Fellowships 2022
- Applications Open: 13 October 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 24 November 2021
- Applications Close: 8 December 2021
- Rejoinders: 16 March 2022 – 29 March 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Mid-2022
Key dates for Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2023
- Applications Open: 8 September 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 3 November 2021
- Applications Close: 17 November 2021
- Rejoinders: 28 February 2022 to 15 March 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Third Quarter 2022
Key dates for Discovery Projects 2023
- Applications Open: 10 November 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 9 February 2022
- Applications Close: 23 February 2022
- Rejoinders: 14 June 2022 to 27 June 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2022
Key dates for Discovery Indigenous 2023
- Applications Open: 24 November 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 2 March 2022
- Applications Close: 16 March 2022
- Rejoinders: 20 June 2022 to 1 July 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2022
Key dates for Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 2023
- Applications Open: 27 January 2022
- Request Not to Assess Close: 23 March 2022
- Applications Close: 6 April 2022
- Rejoinders: 13 July 2022 to 26 July 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Fourth Quarter 2022
Key dates for Industrial Transformation Training Centres 2022
- Applications Open: 4 August 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 29 September 2021
- Applications Close: 13 October 2021
- Rejoinders: 5 January 2022 to 18 January 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Second Quarter 2022
Key dates for Industrial Transformation Research Hubs 2022
- Applications Open: 4 August 2021
- Request Not to Assess Close: 29 September 2021
- Applications Close: 13 October 2021
- Rejoinders: 5 January 2022 to 18 January 2022
- Anticipated announcement: Second Quarter 2022
Key Dates ARC Linkage Projects
Linkage Projects 2021 Assessment Round 2
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 28 June 2021
Submit review ready application to RIC: 19 July 2021
Request not to Assess due to RIC: 9 Augustl 2021
Final Application due to RIC: 9 August 2021
Final Applications due to ARC: 16 August 2021
Linkage Projects 2021 Assessment Round 1
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 25 October 2021
Submit review ready application to RIC: 17 November 2021
Request not to Assess due to RIC: 9 December 2021
Final Application due to RIC: 9 December 2021
Final Applications due to ARC: 16 December 2021
If you are contemplating submitting an application in Round 2, you must email the Grants team as soon as possible.
Email the Grants team to apply
2021 Key Dates: NHMRC
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 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
Email the Grants team to apply
- Expression of Interest (EOI) period
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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.