MERI Updates
MERI Updates
Research News
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
-
Surveys
Facilitating Academic Promotion
Closing Date: Monday 8 March
All academic staff at MGSE are invited to complete a short online survey about your perceptions of factors that can facilitate or hinder academic promotion.
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.
-
Update to Field of Research and Socio-Economic Objective codes
Following a review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), new Field of Research and Socio-Economic Objective research classification code lists were released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 30 June 2020 replacing the 2008 codes.
More information about the ANZSRC and changes between the ANZSRC versions 2008 and 2020 is available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.The University of Melbourne launched an initiative in 2020 to deliver updates to our key systems to reflect the changes. All codes in key systems including StudentOne, the Thesis Examination System, Themis, Minerva Access and Minerva Elements will be updated to the new codes with minimum impact to our researchers.
It is expected that for the majority of staff and student researchers, there will be no action required. By the end of Q1 student systems will be updated followed by all other systems by June 2021. During this transition, students and staff may see both the 2008 and 2020 codes being used in different systems. After the changes have been implemented, we will advise students and staff how the allocated codes can be changed, and in which system, if they prefer another categorisation.
For more detailed information about our approach, please refer to the New FoR/SEO codes update project page.
Contact Jason Rutgers, Senior Change and Communications Manager, for further details.
-
Ethics Support Contacts
The Infonetics 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.
-
Human Research Ethics Update - Project Application (Student Coursework)
The ‘Program application (student coursework)’ application type has been developed for coursework student projects that are time-sensitive and do not deviate significantly from well-defined parameters. This replaces the previous Project Within Program (PwP) application type, which is no longer available.
For the student coursework application type, a project supervisor submits an overarching application for a project with well-prescribed parameters and retains responsibility for overseeing student projects that sit beneath it. In this way, the overarching application follows the regular pre-review/review pathway, but individual student projects are not required to undergo separate research ethics review by a committee (they must complete the student report template instead, to be reviewed and retained by the project supervisor who remains responsible for the projects). Note that if the student’s project does fall outside of the parameters of the overarching application, they are required to submit a regular application that follows the regular pre-review/review pathway.
What happens next:
- New ‘Program application (student coursework) ’ applications can be created in the usual way - by logging into Infonetica and creating a new application, which will undergo REA pre-review and then committee review. If your researchers are intending to use this application type for student coursework in Semester 1, they will need to submit an application as soon as possible as we are unable to fast-track applications.
- For existing PwP applications, further student projects can not be added. A new application should be submitted, and the projects to sit beneath should be managed following the new simplified process. If it helps, your researchers can duplicate the previous PwP application in Infonetica, make the changes required and submit this as a new ‘Program application (student coursework)’.
Login to the Infonetica system
Please contact HumanEthics-Enquiries@unimelb.edu.au for further information or advice.
-
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.
A phased resumption of the Research in Schools and Early Childhood settings (RISEC) process will commence in early 2021, subject to public health advice and operational guidance about external visitors to education settings.
Research activity involving education settings may resume in Term 1, 2021 for research commissioned, partnered, or supported by DET or other Victorian government departments. This research must meet the following conditions:
- that data have been provided to us about the anticipated time burden on education settings (further advice will be emailed to existing RISEC approval holders)
- we have subsequently confirmed that the research may proceed
- researchers may not contact schools or early childhood sites or participants until Week 3, Term 1 (week commencing 8 February 2021).
DET will accept new RISEC applications, or requests to amend existing RISEC approvals, meeting the above requirements from the week commencing Monday 25 January 2021.
The Department will provide advice regarding the resumption of RISEC for remaining research activity in Term 1, 2021. This 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.
-
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.
-
Travel Updates
The University of Melbourne has a central Staff Travel and Off Campus Work page which is continuously updated with advice to be considered by anyone travelling on University business. Please see the following page (access requires a UoM username and password).
Research Events
Three part webinar series-
Maximising Impact and Translation From Your Research
This webinar is the first in a three part series. Hosted by UoM’s Business Development and Innovation team within Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC). The series will introduce you to research engagement and translation principles at the University, and provide you with the necessary information and tools to make the most out of research engagement.
Dates: Friday 12 or Tuesday 16 March
Time: 12pm
You will leave the session with a greater understanding of:
- What IP is, how it can be safeguarded, and how it applies to your research
- How IP can help your research and broaden its impact
- What the polices and processes are around IP
- How you can personally benefit from research translation
- The considerations when signing research agreements and contracts
The webinar will be hosted by Eric Hoefgen. Eric completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering, and currently helps researchers translate their research as a member of UoM’s Knowledge & Tech Transfer team.
Purposeful Engagement Workshops
The 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.
Applications for TRAMx Now Open
TRAMx assists researchers from across the University as well as the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct to maximise the impact potential of their research. They provide a range of programs tailored to teach, support and guide researchers along this process, including problem validation and market engagement through to funding strategy and business case generation.
The program is currently recruiting participants for the first digital TRAMx Bootcamps for the year coming up on, March 4, March 18 and March 30. There is no cost to the individual or faculty for attendance. TRAMx is keen to have the biggest impact possible by empowering as many researchers across all faculties at the University and Biomedical Precinct as possible.
Researchers will:
- Learn entrepreneurial methodology to think about research differently
- Connect with supporters/mentors
- Apply the frameworks to real projects
- Network with fellow go getter researchers
- Understand the potential pathways and support networks available to them
- Walk away with new skills to take back to their research groups
Register your interest or to find out more, head to the TRAMx website or contact Andrew Rowse, Program Manager via email: tram-program@unimelb.edu.au.
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.
-
New Opportunities
MGSE Strategic Scholarship EOI
Closing Wednesday 31 March
Academic teams with an established research program within MGSE are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for a MGSE Strategic Scholarship (MSS) to support a full-time PhD for the duration of their studies. The MSS will provide a fee-offset and a stipend to the PhD candidate for up to 3.5 years, in line with the University’s Research Training Program (RTP) guidelines.
EOIs should be submitted using the SmartyGrants form, by Wednesday 31 March, 5pm.
More information is available in the MGSE Strategic Scholarship Guidelines.
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
Email the Grants team to apply
Call for Nominations: 2021 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize
Closing Sunday 14 March
The Jacobs Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2021 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize. The prize awards outstanding scientific contributions of individuals from all scholarly disciplines aiming at improving learning, development, and living conditions of children and youth. This includes, but is not limited to, educational sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, family studies, media studies, political sciences, linguistics, neurosciences, computer sciences, and medical sciences.
The prize is endowed with 1 Mio. Swiss Francs, of which 900'000 Swiss Francs are for use in a research project and 100'000 Swiss Francs are for related costs, such as travel, networking, and dissemination. The prize has a global scope. It addresses scholars who have achieved major breakthroughs in understanding child development and learning, embrace learning variability and individual differences, and have the potential to advance the field by actively conducting research. Self-nominations cannot be accepted.All documents pertaining to the nomination should be submitted online by 14 March 2021. To begin the online submission process, please visit Research Prize Nomination Form
Applications for the inaugural 2021 Murray-Lopez Award are now open
Closing Monday 29 March
The Murray-Lopez Award was created in 2020 by Professor Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, and University of Melbourne Laureate Professor Alan Lopez. The Award seeks to recognise early-career professionals (defined as no more than five years post terminal degree) who are carrying out Global Burden of Disease (GBD) research focused on either methods improvement or the application of GBD methods in low and middle income countries. Nominations are not limited to these universities nor any research organisation. Applications close 29 March 2021.
For more information and nominations visit the Murray-Lopez Award page.
For further enquiries contact Jane Inall.
The Laura Bassi Scholarship
Closing Wednesday 31 March
The Laura Bassi Scholarship, which awards a total of $8,000 thrice per annum, was established by Editing Press in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in April 2021.
All currently enrolled master’s and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply, as are academics in the first five years of full-time 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 Laura Bassi webpage.
-
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 1
- Submit review ready application to MERI: 22 February 2021
Submit review ready application to RIC: 15 March 2021
Request not to Assess due to RIC: 7 April 2021
Final Application due to RIC: 7 April 2021
Final Applications due to ARC: 13 April 2021
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 1, 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 Investigator Grants
3 February 2021
3 March 2021
29 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
Email the Grants team to apply
- Expression of Interest (EOI) period
-
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.