18 March 2025

AGRS e-News

Message from the Director

medal winners for 2024 who are listed below for their outstanding accomplishment.

We have received a high number of applications for the first AGRS Travel Grant round this year. Unfortunately, with a limited budget available, not all requests can be supported. However, there will be other travel fund opportunities that will be advertised on a regular basis in our AGRS e-News. Watch this space.

Best Wishes,

Director | Adelaide Graduate Research School

Division of Research and Innovation

Tip of the Month

Transition to Adelaide University

The FAQs providing updates and information on how students will transition to Adelaide are available on the current student support page on the Adelaide University website.  These FAQs are being regularly updated and all students are encouraged to check the page regularly.

Celebrating Students' Success

Research Medal Recipients 2024

The Adelaide Graduate Research School takes great pleasure in congratulating the 15 recipients of the University Doctoral Research Medal and 2 recipients of the Master by Research Medal for 2024. These prestigious medals have been awarded to recognise outstanding thesis outcomes. The following awardees will be recognised at the May 2025 graduation ceremonies:

Doctoral Research Medals

• Anna Henwood – Elder Conservatorium of Music
• Nicholas Falcinella - School of Social Sciences
• Glen Michalski - School of Social Sciences
• Ngoc Lan Tran - School of Social Sciences
• Taseef Farook - School of Dentistry
• Ryan Jalleh - Adelaide Medical School
• Jingwen Liu - School of Public Health
• Chang Jiang - School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Alice Ascari - School of Biological Sciences
• Miriam Slodownik - School of Biological Sciences
• Chaorui Deng - School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
• Chong Wang - School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
• Shuang Zhong - School of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering
• Hua Ma - School of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering
• Dillon Brown - School of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering

Masters by Research Medals

• Gergely Duh – Adelaide Business School
• Yanzhang Zhao – School of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering

Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Research Excellence - February 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 February 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.

• Mohammad Alameri – School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Eden Blazejak – School of Social Sciences
• Charles Grant – School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
• Daniel Hawkins – School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
• Sarena La – Adelaide Medical School
• Harrison Lees – School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Nicole Sadler – Adelaide Medical School
• Rose Smail – School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
• Ella Vallelonga – School of Social Sciences

HDR Social Networking at Lunchtime

The AGRS are very happy to announce the first of our HDR Social Networking events for 2025. Please come and join us at one of our March or April events. These events are a fantastic opportunity for you to connect and engage with other HDR students not only from your school but also across your entire faculty.

Why should you attend?

• Networking: Meet and interact with fellow HDR students. Share your experiences, discuss your research, and learn from each other.
• Collaboration: Discover potential areas of collaboration and broaden your academic network.
• Refreshments: Enjoy provided lunch as you mingle and form new connections.

Click on the Humanitix link below to register for an event within your faculty:

Thursday, 20 March - ABLE - Faculty wide, Nexus 10 Foyer, Register

Monday, 14 April - SET - Faculty wide, North Terrace Campus, Schulz 214/218, Register

Wednesday, 16 April - HMS - Faculty wide, AHMS Precinct, L9 Meeting Room 9 & 10 (9052a/b), Register

Thursday, 17 April - HMS - Faculty wide, Basil Hetzel Institute, Ground Floor Seminar Room, Register

*Keep a look out here for more social networking events throughout the year, including gatherings at our Waite and Roseworthy campuses and the Basil Hetzel Institute (BHI).   
 

Now is the time to start thinking about an oral examination of your PhD! 

The initial opt-in period for an oral examination of your PhD is still open to students whose candidature began before July 2022. Oral examinations will be required for all PhD students whose candidature began after July 1^st, 2022.

There are a range of resources available to help you to prepare for your oral examination, including a CaRST course (please see here for access). Staff from AGRS have met with several student groups to discuss the oral examination and its implementation.

Further information about the oral examination, including advice for supervisors, can be found on the AGRS website, https://www.adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research/current-students/your-thesis-examination/oral-examinations.”

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.

Thomas William Hughes Research Supplementary Scholarship in Medical Studies

Are you currently in your third year of a Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Adelaide? Is your research project in the field of medical studies?

Don’t miss out on this opportunity…….

Thanks to a generous donation by Barbara Hughes and Donna Hughes-Barton, this supplementary scholarship provides a once-off payment of $5,500 to a PhD student in the third year of their program in the field of medical studies, who is already in receipt of a major scholarship.

Applications are open until Monday, 31 March 2025.

For further information, visit the scholarships website.

Ian Wilson Liberal Foundation Research Supplementary Scholarship

The Ian Wilson Liberal Foundation Research Supplementary Scholarship is available to HDR students undertaking postgraduate research which will lead to sound analysis and conclusions for reform capable of practical application and advocacy in Australia. Applicants must hold a major scholarship. 

The award is valued at $10,000 per annum for up to 2 years for a Masters by Research, or up to 3.5 years for a PhD.  Applications open 3 March 2025 and close 31 March 2025.

Australian Federation of University Women SA Inc. (AFUW-SA) Graduate Women SA Trust Scholarships

Applications are now open for scholarships from the Graduate Women SA Trust Inc for women who are Australian citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in a postgraduate Masters degree or who are undertaking a PhD. There are two available Masters scholarships valued at $3000 each and four available PhD scholarships valued at $6000 each. There are no restrictions on the field of study. The scholarships are intended to help students in the critical stages of completion of studies and selection criteria includes financial need, impact on progress, referee’s comments, how the funds will be spent and applicants’ academic profile and contribution to the academic and wider community. Closing date for applications is 31 March 2025. Please visit Graduate Women SA Trust Inc for more information and to download an application form.

Scholarships on offer for students undertaking research in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

• William T Southcott Major Scholarship In Nuclear Medicine Research 
• Robert F Seamark Research Scholarship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 
• Lady Barr Smith Scholarship in Cancer Research
• Oliver Rutherford Turner Research Supplementary Scholarship in Dentistry

Consent and respectful relationships My Uni course

The Consent and Respectful Relationships module features practical strategies, meaningful scenarios, relevant video content and opportunities for reflection and commitment. Overall, this module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to establish and maintain healthy relationships built on mutual respect, open communication, and informed consent. Consent and Respectful Relationships is mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate students as part of South Australian Universities’ commitment to a safer campus culture. All new students will be automatically enrolled into this module as part of their admission to the University of Adelaide. For more information follow the link Consent and Respectful Relationships | Safer Campus Community | University of Adelaide

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

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

University Library

Read & Publish agreements

University of Adelaide researchers have access to 19 Read & Publish Agreements in 2025. These agreements provide increased opportunities to publish research open access without paying individual article processing charges. HDR students publishing can make use of these too! New in 2025 is an agreement with Emerald.

Further details on agreements, eligibility, title inclusions and caps can be found on the Library webpages.

Library workshops for March

• 18 March, 11am: Publishing open access via Read & Publish. Learn the benefits of publishing open access, what agreements we have, and the workflow for utilising them. Register here. 

• 25 March, 11am: Grey literature for systematic reviews. Learn tips for finding grey literature for systematic reviews via tools and websites. Register here. 

• 27 March, 11am: Introduction to LabArchives electronic notebook: For new/current users seeking a refresher on creating and managing notebooks. Register here.

• 8 April, 11am: Introduction to strategic journal publishing: Learn how to evaluate predatory journals, assess open access opportunities, and maximise the impact of your research. Register here.

• 17 April, 11am: Understanding predatory publishing: Learn  to assess a journal or conference to identify whether it is legitimate or might be predatory. Register here.

All workshops are via Zoom. HDR students can claim CaRST points for attendance. For any queries contact the Liaison Librarians at liaisonlibs@adelaide.edu.au

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 new 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.

Wellbeing

Safer Campus Day: Bike Engraving Event

This free event helps students with the safety of their bikes by engraving them with a unique identification number -- making recovery easier in case of theft. 

When: 19 March 12:30PM - 2:00PM

Where: Hub Central

Neurodivergent Study Skills Workshops Semester 1 2025 

Registrations are now open for the Neurodivergent Study Skill Workshops. The Neurodivergent Study Skills Workshops are facilitated by The University of Adelaide's Disability Support Services. These workshops are taught from a neuro-affirming and strength based approach by a neurodivergent facilitator and 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.  These workshops are open to all students, no matter their diagnosis status, and you do not need to be registered with Disability Support to attend.  Please feel free to refer your students to these workshops. Registrations and further information can be found here

Neurodiversity Peer Mentoring Program

Disability Support is currently recruiting for its Neurodiversity Peer Mentoring Program for Semester 2 2025.  Volunteer Mentors will assist their neurodivergent mentees and provide advice around study habits, executive functioning, academic skills, and managing studying whilst neurodivergent. Applications and further information on the role can be found here.

If you would like to learn more about neurodivergent support at The University of Adelaide visit the Neurodiversity Project webpage.

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.

Adelaide Graduate Research School Website Links

• Adelaide Graduate Research School Website
• Adelaide Graduate Research School Newsletters