AGC e-News.
Published: May 23, 2012.
Content.
- From the Dean of Graduate Studies:
- Postgraduate Research Induction for Commencing Students.
- Postgraduate Research Induction Supervisors and Students Needed.
- Postgraduate Scholarships Currently Available.
From the Dean of Graduate Studies.
There are a number of issues that deserve some special comment this month.
Iraqi Scholarship Scheme.
I am aware that many members of staff have been awaiting some outcome from The Iraqi Scholarship Scheme that was promulgated last year. As many of you know this ended up in a rather unfortunate position with most of the G08 Universities expressing no interest what so ever. To some extent these problems have been overcome and the University of Adelaide will begin looking at a special group of scholars recommended by one or two top Iraqi Universities. We will follow a system similar to that used for CSC scholars in that the AGC will circulate preliminary expressions of interest to relevant Faculties and Schools, subsequently inviting candidates of interest to submit a full application. From what we have seen in writing there will be two possible sources of scholarships one more generous than the other. However they both offer an appropriate stipend and fees for up to three years. They do not rule out some contribution to research costs however this needs to be clarified before we read too much into the offers.
In addition the University will consider taking some funded visiting PhD scholars for twelve-month periods however the full details of this funding have yet to be resolved.
The AGC will update the website as more information comes to hand.
EMBL TRAVEL GRANTS.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL) is opening two new travel grants for PhD students worth up to $7500 to attend conferences, short courses or laboratory training at one of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's (EMBL) five sites in Europe.
EMBL is one of the global powerhouses of life science research - with a focus on nurturing leading young researchers by for example providing up to nine years of guaranteed funding for program leaders.
Support starts at PhD level with a comprehensive suite of training and career development programs for PhDs. Now, through Australia's associate membership of EMBL, Australian PhDs have access to the program.
Applications are open for:
- EMBL PhD Symposium Travel Grant Program - 20 places each worth $3,000 for students to attend the 14th International EMBL PhD Symposium, which will be held from 25-27 October, 2012 in Heidelberg Germany. Please note that applications for this grant close on 15 June 2012.
- EMBL Australia Travel Grant Program - up to 10 places to attend conferences or short courses or training at EMBL's headquarters in Heidelberg (Germany) or four outstations in Grenoble, Hamburg, Cambridge or Rome. Up to $3500 is available for short term visits (up to 6 weeks) or $7500 for long term visits (up to 6 months). Students must submit their applications no later than 8 weeks prior to the start date of their chosen EMBL conference / training to ensure that the review and selection process can be completed in a timely manner.
EMBL is looking for the best young PhD students with the potential to develop into leaders of one of the 18 research groups that EMBL Australia is planning to set up across Australia.
More details and information on how to apply are available online at www.emblaustralia.org/training.
TRAVEL TO CHINA.
The next opportunity I want to draw your attention to is for two of our students to visit four or five of the C9 Universities in China in March next year. The C9 Universities are the Chinese equivalent of the GO8 and this will be an excellent opportunity for students to see the growth of Chinese research in the top Universities. This program is being funded by the Federal Government and is part of an initiative to engage Australian research students with China. There will be some further details forthcoming in the next week or so and these will be forwarded to PGCs. The projected deadline for selection of students is August this year.
GO8 WORKSHOP FOR PGCs.
The last matter concerns the one day GO8 workshop for PGCs. We have five places to be offered and some central support will be provided to cover travel costs to Sydney. (AND yes it is on a Friday for those who might stay for the weekend). Details have gone out on via the postgraduate coordinator mailing list and the AGC will collate expressions of interest and refer them back to Faculties for prioritising. This is the first time the GO8 has been able to offer some professional development for PGCs and hopefully reflects the valuable work that they do in helping guide and facilitate HDS studies in our Universities. Refer to the attached flyer for further information.
Postgraduate Research Induction for Commencing Students.
**PLEASE NOTE, DATE AND VENUE CHANGE**
The final Postgraduate Research Induction for 2012 will be held on Wednesday 18 July in Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building (see map reference L14). The program will run from 8:50am to 1.00pm.
**PLEASE NOTE, THERE WILL NOT BE AN INDUCTION SESSION ON FRIDAY 13 JULY 2012 **
This compulsory session for commencing PhD and Masters by Research students provides a valuable orientation to life as a research student at the University of Adelaide and is a pre-requisite for the confirmation of your candidature at 12 months.
For further information, including venue details, visit the Adelaide Graduate Centre website.
To confirm your attendance for the Induction please register online.
Postgraduate Research Induction Supervisors and Students Needed.
We are seeking experienced supervisors and senior research students (second or third year) to be panel members in the Postgraduate Research Induction discussion groups on Wednesday 18 July 2012 from approximately 11:30am to 1:00pm.
Panels will consist of four members made up of one supervisor, a research Librarian and two senior (second or third year) research students. A staff member from the Adelaide Graduate Centre, assigned as the Group Leader will convene the discussion.
The format for the session is that the panel member will present a talk on the suggested topics (see below) followed by a group discussion to give the students an opportunity to ask questions of the panel, raise any issues of concern and exchange information.
Supervisor.
Each supervisor's talk will need to be around 20 minutes in duration. It is asked that supervisors include information on Intellectual Property, Statistics and Ethics appropriate to their Faculty.
Other topics to be covered in the group sessions may include:
- The important things to consider in the first three to six months of candidature,
- Time management,
- The Core and Development components of the Structured Program,
- Support services relevant to your Faculty (most of this is covered in session 1),
- Other issues of concern.
Student.
Student presenters talk for a maximum of 10 minutes. As one of the student presenters, your talk could focus on your experience of being a research student and on what you think is important/helpful for commencing research students to know. For example:
- How to tackle the Core Component of the Structured Program,
- How to make the most of your supervisory relationship(s),
- Who can help if there are problems,
- Professional development opportunities,
- Time management,
- Publication writing,
- Managing the ups and downs of research student life.
Placing a positive spin on things is advisable, even if you acknowledge the struggles along the way. As your audience will consist of students from every School/Discipline in your Faculty, it is important not to be too discipline focussed or to talk about the specifics of your own research.
The discussion group sessions always receive very positive feedback from Induction participants and are considered one of the most valuable parts of the Induction program. The program relies on the involvement of volunteers to help make it a success.
For further information about the Induction please visit the Adelaide Graduate Centre website.
If you are interested in participating in the July Induction, please contact Ms Rosie Wilkes at the Adelaide Graduate Centre.
Postgraduate Scholarships Currently Available.
To view a list of currently available postgraduate scholarships
To view a list of postgraduate research scholarships available to commencing international applicants
