UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program GUIDELINES 2011-2012

What is the UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program?

The UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students who are engaged in research projects over the summer vacation period. This experience provides students with the opportunity to work with a researcher in a formal research environment so that they may experience the research process and discover what research is being undertaken in their field of interest at UQ. In addition, some students may qualify to receive a scholarship for the duration of their summer research project. Allocation of the scholarships is decided by the faculty, school, research centre or institute where the research is undertaken.

Who is eligible?

The UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program is open to: undergraduate and masters by coursework students; who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at an Australian, or international University*; and who are completing the second, third or honours year of a full-time undergraduate degree program or close to completing their postgraduate by coursework study*. Students may be eligible to receive this scholarship more than once, at the discretion of the offering academic unit. However if the number of applicants exceeds funding available, preference will be given to the first time recipient.

Where can I undertake my research?

The UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program is offered by a number of schools, research centres and institutes during the summer vacation period (mid-November to mid-February). Offers will be made subject to availability of projects, appropriate supervision and funding. You should discuss your application with the contact person listed at the web link below, potential supervisors or administration staff in the area of your interest for full details of program length and activities. Some areas may have detailed lists of specific projects available over summer, while you may have to directly contact other areas regarding available projects. You can find links to the websites of participating units here: http://www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/summer-research
* Not all areas will offer placements to non-UQ enrolled students, refer to specific research area for further information.

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What are the benefits?

Undergraduate research at UQ provides: supervision by outstanding researchers; access to world class facilities and experiences that you may not have been exposed to; the possibility of obtaining credit towards your degree. Not all study areas will offer the summer program for credit, please refer to specific study area for further information. Recognition towards degree requirements is also subject to the degree rules and structure of your program. Applicants should seek academic advice from their faculty or home institution regarding recognition for summer research activity; and a scholarship for qualifying students to receive an allowance equivalent to $300 per week, paid jointly by the Office of Undergraduate Education and the participating academic unit; plus in addition to the stipend, a one-off payment $1000 per student is available for non UQ enrolled (international and domestic) students who are eligible and approved for a Summer Research Scholarship. This payment is for students who are not based in Brisbane (or not within 100km of the research site), to be used to subsidise travel and accommodation expenses. Confirmation of student eligibility and coordination of all payments will be made by the research units.

What will be my time commitment and obligations?

The period of eligibility for Scholarship payments is up to 10 weeks, unless otherwise specified, generally commencing in mid-November and concluding in mid-February. The contact officer for your research area will be able to provide details on the starting dates expected workload. The research period is normally broken into two parts to allow for the Christmas break when the University is closed. The allowance is not normally paid during periods away from the University and will only be paid for a maximum of 10 weeks. The research scholar and the supervisor will negotiate the duration of the project and the workload requirements. Summer research scholars are expected to participate in an ongoing research project or to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research work. Where appropriate to the project, additional discipline/project specific obligations may also be required, such as training in research safety and ethics. Please refer to specific study area for further details.

How can I apply for the UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program?

To apply, students need to: 1. Choose a project from the study/research/discipline areas available. 2. Liaise with the contact officer and/or supervisor in your preferred field of research before submitting an application to obtain more information about project availability and suitability. 3. Gain tentative supervisor approval for involvement in your nominated project and have them attach their electronic signature in the relevant section of your application or send email confirmation. Note that supervisor approval for the purpose of application is tentative and not binding. It does not imply success of scholarship application, nor guarantee a place in the program, or in any particular project. 4. Submit your completed application form and supporting documentation to participating academic unit (i.e. the unit where you wish to conduct your research) by 5pm 30 August each year. Some study areas may have earlier closing dates. 5. If you receive a letter of offer of scholarship, respond by the due date.

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What do I need to submit for consideration?

Applicants should submit the entire application package electronically, a total of 3 files comprised of: 1. Application Form named as follows Smith_John_UQ_SRS_Program_Application_Form_2011-2012. Simply add your name to the front of the document title. 2. The following attachments in one file named as follows: Smith_John_UQ_SRS_Program_Attachments_2011-2012. Curriculum Vitae (one page summary) Personal statement addressing why you want to participate in the program (a paragraph) Email confirmation from your supervisor if form not electronically signed (copy/paste) 3. Studies Report/Unofficial Academic Transcript Send applications to your participating academic unit (i.e. the unit where you wish to conduct your research) by 5pm 30 August each year.

What are the assessment criteria for the scholarship?

Applications will be assessed by individual Faculties, Schools, Institutes or Centres. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis taking into account: the availability of projects and supervisors; the academic merit of the applicant; reasons provided for wanting to participate in the program; the quality of the project; and funding

Who is the relevant contact officer?

Each research area has a contact officer who can provide further details on specific projects available. It is highly recommended that you liaise with the contact officer before applying for an internship, to discuss the suitability and availability of projects and to obtain specific information about project activities and eligibility requirements. Information about participating units and contact officers can be found at: http://www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/summer-research

How much will I get paid?

Students who qualify for a Summer Research Scholarship will receive an allowance equivalent to $300 per week, paid jointly by the Office of Undergraduate Education and the participating Faculty, School, Centre or Institute. The allowance is not normally paid during periods away from the University, such as during the Christmas break. This allowance may be paid fortnightly, or as one or more lump sums, as determined by your research unit. In addition to the stipend, a one-off payment $1000 per student is available for non UQ enrolled (international and domestic) students who are eligible and approved for a Summer Research Scholarship. This payment is for students who are not based in Brisbane (or not within 100km of the research site), to be used to subsidise travel and accommodation expenses. Confirmation of student eligibility and coordination of all payments will be made by the research units.

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Will I receive recognition towards my degree requirements?

Applicants should seek academic advice from their faculty or home institution regarding recognition possible from any research activities. Not all study areas will offer their summer program for credit, so please refer to specific study area information for further details. Recognition available will depend on the program offered by the study area, as well as the undergraduate degree program being undertaken by the student and its program rules and structure. Where credit is available, students will be required to enrol in a UQ course.

What are the taxation and Austudy implications?

It is the responsibility of all scholarship recipients to make their own enquiries and seek independent advice regarding tax liability or impact on Austudy payments arising from receipt of this scholarship. Educational scholarship benefits are not usually regarded as income in determining the level of Austudy benefits. Please visit the Centrelink website for further information as it relates to your particular circumstances: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/exempt_equity.htm Scholarships / stipends will be tax free to the student provided that they are: a full-time student; enrolled at a University; not employed or about to be employed by the University; not wholly or principally providing labour in return for the scholarship / stipend; not required to provide any services in the University in the future under the terms; principally used for educational purposes. If any of these conditions are not met, it will be taxable to the student and PAYG will need to be withheld by the University.

I am an International student, do I need health insurance?

International and New Zealand citizens in Australia as summer research scholars, are encouraged to have a travel insurance policy before they arrive in Australia. Medical and hospital insurance associated with travel insurance can be arranged before leaving home, or obtained from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) after arrival in Brisbane. Proof of cover may be required.

Do I need any other insurance?

Domestic students who are required to travel to Brisbane to participate in the program are advised to take out an appropriate travel insurance policy to be covered against any travel risks. All UQ Summer Research scholars should note that they will only be covered by the Universitys public liability insurance to the extent that an accident occurs at the University for which the University is at fault.

What if the research project/period is terminated early?

The University reserves the right to terminate a scholarship at any time and at the Universitys sole discretion if the conduct of the Summer Research Scholar is deemed to be unsatisfactory, or if illhealth seriously interferes with the research. If a scholarship is terminated for any reason prior to commencement of the scholarship period, the University will not be liable for any costs, and if terminated during the scholarship period, the University will at its sole discretion determine if any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

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