GRS Supervisor SeminarResearch Proposals

Graduate Research School Supervisor Professional Development Program

How to Prepare and Submit a Research Proposal

• Why does the GRS request a research proposal?

• Research proposal guidelines & coversheet

• Review process & resources

Why are research proposals required?

To develop students’ understanding of the research area and their research project

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

• provides them with an opportunity to obtain feedback on ideas

To develop students’ management plans

• helps them to build a work plan & set timelines

• formalises commitments from all parties involved in the research project

• provides structure for discussing roles & responsibilities 

• outlines resources needed to successfully complete the project

To develop students’ writing skills

• makes them practice their academic writing skills

• opportunity to start building their grant proposal writing skills

What is the UWA format for research proposals?

• Research proposal guidelines

• Administrative information

• Students enrolled in the 

– EMS Faculty OR HMS Faculty – submit 2 hard copies of the coversheet and proposal to the GRS

– FABLE OR Science Faculty ‐ submit proposal onlinethrough 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 the latest forms be downloaded?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

Research Proposal Structure and Format

• 15 pages maximum

• Be considerate of the reviewer – content & formatting

When are proposals due? 

• Due date – see milestones in studentConnect & staffConnect

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

studentConnect and proposal due dates

Review Process

Questions…

Is the scope & aims of the research clearly defined?    Is the research design appropriate? 

Does the budgetmatch 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 Resourceshttp://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/proposals/format

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

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

Next Retreat: 19th and 20th June

Research Proposal Writing Retreat Program outlineTUE 19 JUN9.00 –9.30 Arrive, coffee and tea available and set‐up laptops

9.30 – 10.00 Introductions, ground rules and an introduction to “Low Stakes” writing

10.00 ‐11.00 Optional Workshop on Parts A & B of Research Proposal Guidelines or quiet writing time

11.15– 12.30 Dedicated writing time and consultations with Graduate Education Officers  (GEOs) on request

12.30 – 1.30 Lunch break (lunch will be provided)

1.30 – 3.00 Dedicated writing time and consultations with GEOs on request

3.30 – 4.40 Works in progress sessions (groups of 4: section A or B of Research Proposal Guidelines)

4.40 – 5.00 Goal setting for tomorrow

Research Proposal Writing Retreat Program outlineWED 20 JUN9.00 –9.30 Arrive, coffee and tea available and set‐up laptops 

9.30 – 10.00 Introductions, ground rules and an introduction to “Low Stakes” writing

10.00 ‐11.00 Optional Workshop on Parts C‐F of Research Proposal Guidelines or quiet writing time

11.15– 12.30 Dedicated writing time and consultations with Graduate Education Officers  (GEOs) on request

12.30 – 1.30 Lunch break (lunch will be provided)

1.30 – 3.00 Dedicated writing time and consultations with GEOs on request

3.30 – 4.40 Works in progress sessions  (parts C‐F or updates from yesterday)4.40 – 5.00 Close

Graduate Education Officers

Dr Krys HaqExt. 2095

Dr Jo EdmondstonExt. 7010

Dr Michael AzariadisExt. 1726