16 September 2025

AGRS e-News

Message from the Co-lead, Graduate Researcher Transition Project Manager

Dear All,

Please join Carolin Plewa and I for an update on the transition to Adelaide University for Graduate Researchers. We will update you on the minor changes we are making to progress reviews, the new Researcher Development Program, what to look

out for towards the end of this year and early next year, and importantly the things that are not changing. There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions during the session so please add the below details to your calendar and make every effort to attend.

Date: Wednesday 24^th September

Time: 2:30pm – 3:30 pm

Webinar Link: Available here

Kind regards,

Diana Reed

Co-lead, Graduate Researcher Transition Project Manager, Candidature and Examinations

Adelaide Graduate Research School

Division of Research and Innovation

Tip of the Month

Annual Review 2025 milestone due on 30 September 2025, this is only 2 weeks away. This milestone needs to be completed even if you are taking a Leave of Absence. Comprehensive information about the Annual Review can be found on the Adelaide Graduate Research School website, including our frequently asked questions.

Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) is offering prizes from Just Bliss Chocolates: https://www.justbliss.com.au/. Prizes for the 300^th, 400^th and 500^th annual reviews completed and submitted to the AGRS as well as the additional 3 students, randomly selected from amongst those completing their reviews prior to 30 September 2025, are still available.

Celebrating Students' Success

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

Samantha Bateman – Adelaide Medical School
Chang Dong – School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Georgina Irish – Adelaide Medical School
Yudong Liu – Adelaide Business School

Celebrating Our 2025 3MT® Winners! 🎉

Congratulations to all our finalists who competed at the 2025 University of Adelaide Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final — an incredible achievement in itself!

A special congratulations to:

Ané Kritzinger (School of Biological Sciences) — Winner and People’s Choice Award for her presentation “Shining light behind the bottle: from fraud to fatality.”

Sachin Kumar (School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences) — Runner-Up for his presentation “What if your thoughts could glow?

HDR International Student Welcome Session

Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm ACST

Location: Hughes 113

Details: Students are invited to join Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) and International Student Support (ISS) to:

Find out important information on managing your candidature, leave conditions, support services, scholarships and more
Hear from current HDR students about their experiences
Network and make connections with other new HDR students

Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/higher-degree-research-hdr-international-student-welcome-24-september-2025

All international students who have commenced in the past three months are invited to attend.

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

Working with your supervisor workshops

The relationship you have with your supervisor is crucial in determining your PhD experience. They are your primary source of guidance as you undertake an individual research project and even the best student/supervisor relationships can experience periods of strain through the ups and downs of research. In this workshop you will learn what you can do to establish a positive working relationship with your supervisor and ultimately get the most out of your HDR experience.

Working with your Supervisor (Faculty of HMS)

When: 17 September 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
CaRST Credits: 2 credits, Domain D
Delivery mode: In person

Register here.

Working with your Supervisor (Faculty of ABLE)

When: 22 September 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Credits: 2 credits, Domain D
Delivery mode: In person

Register here.

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:

Writing Bees for HDRs

Are you a Master’s by research or PhD student? Join the Writing Bees to connect with other students and work on your thesis in a supportive environment. It doesn't matter what stage you are at in your degree. Sessions run for three hours and are hosted by an experienced research writer who can provide writing support. Please bring a fully charged laptop or other device to work on during these sessions. Registration information can be found here.

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

24 September: 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.

University Library

Library workshops for researchers

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.

30 September, 11am: Grey literature for systematic reviews. Learn tips for finding grey literature for systematic reviews via key databases & websites. Register.

9 October, 11am: Introduction to strategic journal publishing. Evaluate predatory journals, assess open access opportunities, and maximise the impact of your research. Register.

16 October, 11am: Understanding predatory publishing. Learn to assess a journal or conference to identify whether it is legitimate or predatory. Register.

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

Visualise Your Thesis 2025 competition winners

Congratulations to all who participated in the University Library’s 2025 Visualise Your Thesis Program. We received 20 entries, and our 3 excellent judges - Sian Woolcock, Laura Parry and Christopher Ford - were impressed with the submissions. Our winners are:

1^st Prize: Kelli Rust – The science of hidden smiles

2^nd Prize: Sebastian Deverson – The importance of being flexible when defending a belief

3^rd Prize (joint): Sachin Kumar – What if your thoughts could glow? | Damjana Bojatic – Microbial manipulation in primary sclerosing cholangitis

People’s Choice: Mubeen Rehman – Exploring the value of water as an investment

Kelli will be representing the University of Adelaide in the International VYT competition occurring in October. All entries can be viewed on the Visual Your Thesis Webpage.

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.

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.

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.