GRS Seminar How to Prepare and Submit a UWA Research Proposal

Graduate Research School Seminar Series

GRS Seminar Series http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/resources/seminars

How to Prepare and Submit a Research Proposal

• Why does the GRS ask you to submit a research proposal?

• Research proposal guidelines & coversheet

• Review process & resources

Why write a research proposal

To develop your understanding of your research area and your research project

• makes you think more deeply about the details of the research

• provides you with an opportunity to obtain feedback on ideas

To develop a management plan for your project

• helps you build a work plan & set timelines

• formalises commitments from all parties involved in the research project

• provides structure for discussing the roles & responsibilities

• outlines resources needed to successfully complete the project

To develop your research writing skills

• makes you practice your academic writing skills

• is an opportunity to start building your grant proposal writing skills

What is the UWA format for research proposals?

• Research proposal guidelines

• Administrative information

• Students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences OR the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences – submit 2 copies of the coversheet and proposal to the GRS

• Students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law & Education OR the Faculty of Science - submit their proposal online through the Delphi portal

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https://delphi.grs.uwa.edu.au/

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https://delphi.grs.uwa.edu.au/help/

Where can I download the latest forms? http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/forms

Research Proposal Guidelines

A. PROJECT TITLE & SUMMARY

B. RESEARCH PROJECT

• Provide a short descriptive title of no more than 150 characters (~20 words). • Provide a brief summary of the proposed project in 250 words or less.

• Aim(s) and Background: Describe the aim(s) of the project and briefly review the literature relevant to the project.

• Research project: Describe how the project is significant, how it addresses an important problem, and/or how it is original. Outline the conceptual framework, design and/or methods. Justify these with reference to the literature and indicate how the literature has been systematically reviewed to ensure that the proposed research does not reproduce previous research. Describe how the anticipated outcomes of the project will advance the discipline.

• Creative component (optional): If the project includes a creative component, describe this creative component and the link between this component and the proposed thesis.

• Reference list: Provide publication details of the literature cited.

Research Proposal Guidelines

C. RESEARCH PROJECT DETAILS

• Confidential /sensitive information: How will this managed?

• Intellectual property: Is an IP agreement required?

• Fieldwork: Where, when , VISAs required, costs?

• Skills audit: Is additional training required? - Skills Audit proforma

• Research project communication: Papers, conferences presentations, book chapters etc. Thesis as a series of papers?

• Approvals: AEC, HREC, Biosafety, GM, Radiation etc

• Data management: See data management toolkit

• Research project plan: Gantt chart or timeline

Research Proposal Guidelines

D. RESEARCH TRAINING

• Research Training Plan: Provide a plan of research training from enrolment to thesis submission.

• GRS milestones - due dates for RP, AR & CC (PhD only) • ACE completion date • coursework enrolments (as appropriate) • annual leave periods • research training activities

• Confirmation of Candidature: PhD candidates only

• Working hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (30 hours)

Research Proposal Guidelines

E. BUDGET

• Proposed budget for project • Justify the major items

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$1850 Graduate Research Student Travel Award - only funding from GRS

Research Proposal Guidelines

F. SUPERVISION

• List of the proposed supervisors – minimum 2 • Principal • Coordinating • Principal & Coordinating • Co-supervisor(s)

• Contribution to supervision not <10% for any one person

• Brief description of role – each supervisor

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Research Proposal Structure and Format

• 15 pages maximum

• Be considerate of your reviewer – content & formatting

• The guidelines outline what you need to address in your proposal, not necessarily the exact structure of your proposal

When is your proposal due?

• Due date – see milestones in StudentConnect

– Instructions for how to find milestones available online at: http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/candidature

When is your proposal due?

Review Process

Questions…

Is the scope & aims of the research clearly defined? Is the research design appropriate? Does the budget match the likely costs of the research? Have all necessary approvals been sought (such as ethics & safety)?

Is academic writing at the required level? Is referencing used appropriately? Are the proposed supervisors suitable & available for the research period? Are there any conflicts of interest in supervision?

Online Resources http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/proposals/format

Research Skills Workshops & Workshop Booklets http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/resources/workshops/

Research Proposal Writing Retreat http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/resources/communities#retreats

Graduate Education Officers

Dr Krys Haq Ext. 2095

Dr Jo Edmondston Ext. 7010

Dr Michael Azariadis Ext. 1726