19 August 2025

AGRS e-News

Message from the Director

Every year, the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition blows us all away when we see how well our PhD students can communicate their exciting research to a non-scientific audience in just three minutes. After several months of preparation and competing in the Faculty heats and finals, we have our last ever University of Adelaide Finalists. We have seen incredible presentations, and I would like to congratulate all attendees for putting yourselves and your research out there. You have all done an amazing job!

Let’s celebrate and congratulate the Faculty Finals 3MT winners:

Gulsah Yildirim ABLE School of Education

Katelyn Crawford ABLE Elder Conservatorium of Music

Ranjani Ragotham ABLE School of Humanities

Aniket Nadkarni HMS Adelaide Medical School

Cate Cheney HMS Adelaide Medical School

Danielle Bailey HMS Adelaide Medical School

Ane' Kritzinger SET School of Biological Sciences

Gerardo Urbina SET School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Sreshtha Malik SET School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Sachin Kumar SET School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Faculty of ABLE

Left to right – Ranjani, Katelyn, Gulsah

Faculty of HMS

Left to right –Cate, Danielle, Aniket

Faculty of SET

Left to right – Gerardo, Sachin, Ane', Sreshtha

I hope you all join me and watch them compete in the University of Adelaide Final on the 9^th September in the Braggs Theatre as part of Research Tuesday. The winner will attend the Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Final on the 15^th October.

Regards,

Dr Doreen Krumbiegel, PhD MBA

Director | Adelaide Graduate Research School

Adelaide Graduate Research School

Division of Research and Innovation

Tip of the Month

The AGRS receives many phone calls every day, and we are unfortunately, unable to answer each one straight away, particularly when already assisting others or after business hours. Please leave a clear voice mail with your name, your phone number AND your student ID - this will greatly assist us in getting back to you with the relevant information.

Celebrating Students' Success

Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Research Excellence - July 2025

We are delighted to announce the exceptional achievements of the students who have been honoured with the Dean's Commendation for Research Excellence for the month of July 2025. These individuals have demonstrated exemplary dedication, innovation, and scholarly excellence in their respective fields of study.

Congratulations to these exceptional students, whose achievements not only reflect their dedication to academic excellence but also their remarkable contributions to research. We look forward to witnessing the continued success and impact of these scholars in their respective fields.

Reza Abdollahi – School of Chemical Engineering
Fei Chen – School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Yongtao Ge – School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Yunling Jiang - School of Chemical Engineering
Patrick Keeley – School of Humanities
Kylie Lange – School of Public Health
Liancheng Li – School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Stephen Tronchin – School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Han Wu – School of Chemical Engineering

Thank You for Joining Our Graduate Research Information Night

We’re delighted to share that the Graduate Research Information Night (GRIN) held on 5^th August was a fantastic success. It was inspiring to see so many prospective postgraduate students in one place with passion and curiosity for research.

This night couldn’t have happened without our amazing HDR students, staff, and volunteers whose hard work made the event possible. Thank you all – you ensured the evening was engaging and welcoming for all.

If you’re considering the next step in your academic journey, now is the perfect time to explore postgraduate research. We’d be happy to discuss the opportunities available and where research could take you.

Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities

The Adelaide Graduate Research School maintains a searchable database of available scholarship opportunities (both full scholarships and supplementary scholarships), funded by both the University of Adelaide and external funding bodies. While the majority of available scholarships are awarded as part of the standard admission and scholarship rounds for domestic and international students, some are awarded at different times throughout the year, and may have a separate application process.

Visit the Postgraduate Scholarships website regularly for up to date information on current scholarship opportunities.

There are multiple scholarships available for application. For more information, please see below:

Lead your way with a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Applications are now open for 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships, available to commencing domestic postgraduate coursework and research students.

Apply now and you could receive:

up to $120,000 in flexible funding to support your studies
bespoke leadership training
up to six months of overseas travel; and
access to mentoring and networking experiences

Applications close 27 August. Learn more.

2026 Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program

Elevate aims to address inequities in STEM through scholarships enabling more diverse women and non-binary people to access tertiary STEM education.

Elevate provides:

A generous postgraduate scholarship of up to $150,250 over up to 3.5 years; and
Access to skill building workshops, peer mentoring and networking events and 24/7 wellbeing and psychosocial support.

Eligibility:

Identify as a woman or non-binary person; and
Be enrolling as a domestic student in postgraduate STEM at an Australian University; and
Commence in 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Elevate program close at 9:00am (AEST) Monday 1 September 2025. Find out more.

Guidelines for Generative AI use

Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology, with new capabilities and applications being introduced regularly. Are you curious about using Generative AI, but not sure what the requirements are for your HDR? The Guidelines for use of generative AI tools in the preparation of Research Outputs by Higher Degree by Research Students will assist you in understanding the University’s expectations for the use of these tools in the preparation of research outputs related to your HDR program, including your thesis. We’ve also developed a MyUni course on Integrity in Research Writing, which will help you understand and navigate common issues that arise with research writing, including authorship, avoiding plagiarism, and using AI tools responsibly.

Shut Up & Write

These sessions offer a valuable space to concentrate on your writing and share your journey with fellow students. Take this opportunity to move closer to completing your thesis.

What can you expect?

Dedicated, focused writing time
Morning tea
An opportunity to set personal goals and track your progress alongside peers

26 August: Register here

You can find the dates for other sessions throughout the year here. Keep an eye on the website for updates!

Defence Trailblazer Commercialisation & Collaboration Masterclass

Date:                  Wednesday 24 September 2025 

Time:               10:00am - 13:00pm 

Location: University of Adelaide, in person

Delivered by university professional and academic staff alongside industry partners, the masterclass will focus on increasing participant’s understanding of university commercialisation pathways and industry engagement strategies through real-life case studies and a facilitated workshop.

Open to university staff and PhD students, the session aims to:

Increase your knowledge of commercialisation options available and how the university can support you. 
Build your awareness of industry’s perspective when collaborating with universities to commercialise an innovation.
Develop your collaboration expertise.

 For more information and to register visit DTB website.

HDR Connection Through Culture – International Potluck & Team Games

Join us for a vibrant and engaging Connection through Culture event, designed to celebrate the diversity and community of our Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students across all Faculties. Hosted by the HDR Experience Team at the AGRS, this event offers a mix of cultural sharing, social connection, and light-hearted fun.

📍 Location: Maths Lawns
📅 Date: Tuesday 14th October
🕛 Time: 12:00–2:00 PM

More info and register here: https://events.humanitix.com/hdr-connection-through-culture-international-potluck-and-team-games

Adelaide University releases first Research Strategy

We are incredibly proud to announce the release of the inaugural Adelaide University Research Strategy (AU-Research-Strategy.pdf).

Through this strategy, Adelaide University will power the investment to drive for-purpose research and innovation that will improve lives through greater prosperity, jobs growth and groundbreaking discoveries linked to priority industries, balancing economic imperatives and social licence.

Key strategy highlights include:

New Accelerator Launch Fund.

Launch of ReAL Innovation

New cohort-based PhD scholarships
Launch of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and First Nations Academy

We recently secured more than $20 million through the latest Federal Government AEA grant programs, the highest in the country. Adelaide University is also leading the nation in Cooperative Research Centre activity.

Together, we will help to deliver changes that matter, and we are excited to see the continued growth as we create brighter futures – and breakthroughs.

You can discover more on our website: adelaideuni.edu.au/research.

University Library

Library workshops for researchers

26 August, 11am: Introduction to searching for systematic reviews (HMS). Explore the systematic review process, focusing on literature searching. Register.

4 September, 11am: Growing your Researcher Profile. Your UofA Researcher Profile maximises your visibility as a researcher. Learn tips for an effective & useful profile. Register.

8 September, 11am: Advanced troubleshooting and translating searches for systematic reviews (HMS). Learn tips for troubleshooting and converting your systematic searches. Register.

18 September, 11am: Introduction to research metrics: Learn common research metrics and key resources/databases. Register.

23 September, 11am: Introduction to systematic searching for SET: Learn to search systematically for SET specific disciplines. Register.

All workshops are via Zoom. HDR students can claim CaRST points for attendance. For queries contact the Liaison Librarians.

Student Wellbeing

Neurodivergent Study Skill Workshops

Registrations are now open for the Neurodivergent Study Skill Workshops. These workshops are taught from a neuro-affirming and strength-based approach by a neurodivergent facilitator. These workshops are open to all students, no matter their diagnosis status, students do not need to be registered with Disability Support to attend. These workshops are a space for students to build community and learn from one another. The workshops discuss neurodivergent learning strategies broadly for all program types but have also incorporated some Higher Degree by Research strategies.

Wear it Purple Day

This year we are celebrating Wear It Purple day at the Hub Central! Be part of a day that celebrates the bold voices and bright futures of our LGBTQIA+ youth this August 29th. No registrations required, more information at Wear It Purple Day | Student Health and Wellbeing | University of Adelaide

Period Poverty Survey

Have your voice heard for the Period Poverty Campaign on campus!

We're inviting students to complete a short 3–5 minute survey to help us understand period product usage at the University of Adelaide. Your anonymous feedback will help us improve access to essential menstrual products and foster a more supportive campus environment.

Enter to win one of 20 Period Self-Care Packs just for taking part!

https://adelaideuniwide.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpZQY9KK5Zqe72u

Respect. Now. Always.

The University seeks to promote an inclusive, respectful and fair environment for all people whilst engaged in University-related activities. A range of services are available to assist students who have safety concerns or have experienced bullying, sexual harassment or assault. For further information, help, or to report an incident, please visit the Safer Campus Community website.

As a student of the University, you can help to keep your campus safe by looking out for your own safety, and the safety of others and by conducting yourself in a manner consistent with the Student Charter. Remember that unacceptable behaviours such as Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Victimisation are not tolerated at the University.

Free, independent and confidential Counselling Service

Did you know that as a Postgraduate Student you are entitled to access counselling services provided to students at The University of Adelaide. To find out more information visit the Counselling Centre website.

Free and confidential Disability Service

As a Postgraduate Student you are also eligible for assistance from the Disability Service if you have a disability or ongoing medical condition. Information about the nature of your disability is not disclosed – information obtained from you about the functional impact of the disability is shared with academic staff solely for the purpose of assisting you with your studies. Details relating to the Disability Service and the on line registration process can be found on the Disability website.

Useful resources for staff can be found at the staff section of the Disability website.