John stocker postgraduate scholarships 

Note: All proposals must be submitted via the University Research Office

Overview

The 2013 SIEF Scholarships program includes funding for up to four John Stocker Postgraduate Scholarships (top-up), or 2 full Scholarships, commencing in 2013 over a three year period with preference for research in the 2013 priority research areas and/or the fields of information and communication technology (ICT), mathematics and engineering . The program has the desired outcomes of encouraging return to study, promoting industry collaboration and valuing industry experience. The program encourages potential international collaboration.

In 2013 the priority research areas are:

  • Astronomy / Astrophysics;
  • Combinatorial Materials Science;
  • Environmental Informatics;
  • Exploration Geoscience;
  • Genomics / Epigenomics; and
  • Mathematics and Network Science.

In 2013, projects are encouraged with strong industry involvement through a mechanism such as a ‘cadetship’ and/or the recipient scholar having 1-2 years work experience in the relevant industry. The intent is to provide an additional financial incentive to high calibre candidates with industry experience and/or involvement to undertake a PhD in their field of experience. As such, Supervisors should submit an application in which a candidate student has already been identified. The SIEF John Stocker Postgraduate Scholarships will also act as a mechanism for international collaboration and, as such, the intent is to provide some flexibility to allow the funds to be expended on activities that support co-location of the scholar.

Application Process

The process of awarding scholarships will begin with a call for proposals. The proposal, which must be submitted via the University Research Office, will identify the eligible Candidate, the proposed project, University supervisor and any other collaborating partners (preferably including industry partners). Proposals will be assessed by a panel of experts drawn from universities, publicly funded research agencies and industry representatives.

Process and Timeline - 2012*

31 August 2012

Round Opens.

If successful, a grant for three years for each successful proposal may be awarded as a contribution towards the student’s stipend or wage, and operating costs. Up to $10,000 may be used for operating costs. The scholarship requires a minimum $8,000pa collaborator co-contribution.

Scholarships available may include top-up scholarships ($7,000 Student stipend and $10,000 operating) where the student also is in receipt of an APA or equivalent; or full scholarships ($32,000 pa). A combination of full and top-up scholarships may be offered; the ratio of full to top-up scholarships will depend on the quality of the applications each year and the available funds.

31 October 2012

Round closes

Proposals, which include the written support of all Collaborating Organisations, to have been submitted. Proposals, prepared by the Supervisor(s) in conjunction with the Student candidate, must be submitted electronically by the Lead Organisation’s Research Office or equivalent email to sief@sief.org.au 

December 2012

Proposals will be assessed by expert assessment panels and proponents of successful proposals will be notified of the outcomes. An outcomes spreadsheet listing the results for proposals submitted by your organisation will be provided to the Research Office or equivalent. Formal notification letters for successful and unsuccessful proposals will be provided to the Research Office for distribution to the proponents.

Funding Agreement forwarded to each successful Lead Organisation. Note that the Funding Agreement must be executed on behalf of the Lead Organisation and each of the Collaborating Organisations.

60 days from letter of offer

Funding Agreement to be signed by all Collaborators and sent to the SIEF Manager for approval and execution by the SIEF Trustee.

Milestone 1 reports completed and invoices sent to SIEF Manager.

No later than 30 June 2013

Commencement of Student

*The dates and procedures set out in this table are indicative only and are subject to change.

Funding

Top-up PhD Scholarships are valued at $7,000 per annum top-up to the Student plus minimum $10,000 per annum for operating costs for 3 years.

Full PhD Scholarships are valued at $32,000 per annum stipend to the Student plus minimum $10,000 per annum for operating costs for 3 years.

The scholarship requires a minimum $8,000pa collaborator co-contribution.

Eligibility of Scholar

The Student must have gained, first class honours or equivalent in a relevant research area prior to the commencement of the scholarship and/or provide evidence of relevant industry experience and, at the date of commencement of the scholarship, be:

  • a full-time student;
  • enrolled at an eligible Australian Higher Education Institution for a course of research leading to the award of a PhD from an Australian University;
  • if the Application specifies a top-up scholarship, awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award or equivalent scholarship;
  • available to commence Project prior to 27 June 2013.

Selection Criteria

Quality and Relevance of Project

A primary assessment criterion for a Postgraduate Scholarship is the quality and relevance of the project being proposed. The research must offer the highest potential for important scientific achievement and benefits to Australia and be complementary to, and clearly aligned with, an identified priority research area.

Industry involvement

While not mandatory, preference will be given to Projects that can demonstrate clear industry engagement including active participation in the Project and supervision of the Student.

Quality of the PhD Candidate

The quality of the student is also critical to the assessment of a scholarship proposal and candidates must hold (or expect to gain) a degree from a recognised University with normally a first class honours or equivalent.

Recipient scholars will preferably be able to demonstrate 1-2 years work experience in the relevant industry

Relevance of University Supervision

The relevance of the supervisors’ research background and their willingness to supervise the student should also be made clear.

Prospects

The potential of the proposed student project to support the directions of the research priority area is essential. Preferentially, research projects in which Postgraduate Students are to be engaged will be collaborative projects between an Australian University and one or more of the following: a) industry partner(s); b) international collaborator(s); c) Australian Publicly Funded Research Agency. The prospect of the project to aid in the establishment and/or continuation of productive international collaborations is highly desirable.

Examples of Publicly-funded Research Organisations

  • Australian Astronomical Observatory
  • Australian Antarctic Division
  • Australian Institute of Marine Studies
  • Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
  • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
  • Defence Science and Technology Organisation
  • Geoscience Australia

Funding Agreement

Successful applicants are required to sign the Funding Agreement within the specified timeframe or the Scholarship may not be funded.