Research & Research Study

Meeting held Tuesday 26 September

The following updates were provided.

Higher Degree Research

Professor John Hooper provided attendees with an update on the scholarships currently available and their deadlines, including the China Scholarship Council - Macquarie University Joint Postgraduate Scholarship Program.  Professor Hooper explained that international collaborative scholarships are being actively pursued by the University and that we look forward to putting forward our best candidates to the China Scholarships Council.  AusAid Scholarships were also discussed - country-based opportunities for HDR students that have a tight turnaround and high reporting requirements, with financial implications for Divisions if extensions are required.  Details of the various scholarships on offer can be found on the Higher Degree Research Unit website.  A summary of AusAid Scholarships was later circulated by Robyn Guilmette to Resnet Members.

Attendees also noted the move to complete HDR student Annual Reports on e-Student.

Research Quality Framework

Dr Peter Freeman provided attendees with an overview of the latest developments on the Research Quality Framework, with a question and answer session following. The most recent information about RQF is available on the RQF section of the Research Office website.

Integrated Research Information System (IRIS)

Mark Ellis updated ResNet members on progress towards IRIS implementation.  Publications 'back office' will be open at the end of October and web access to publications and grants information is expected in December. Some delays have been experienced in relation to IT services.

Grants Update

ResNet members noted:

•  the new processes being instituted by the Research Office for the next ARC Discovery Grants round.  An explanation of these processes can be found on the Research Office website.
• the timing of the announcements for the current round (Friday 13 October)
• the visit by Professor Elim Papadakis, Executive Director, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences, Australian Research Council (Thursday 8 November - details can be found on the Centre for Professional Development website)
• the changes to the Major Equipment Fund (now Strategic Infrastructure Scheme)
• the Research Office's Customer Satisfaction Survey, the outcomes of which will be reported at a future meeting.