Research news

Applications for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship round (for commencement in 2025) are now open. The closing date for applications is midnight on 13 October 2024.

Australian Government Research Training Program

The Australian Government Research Training Program provides scholarship funding to universities annually to support domestic and international Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.

Under the administration of the Graduate School, Southern Cross University offers Higher Degrees by Research candidates the opportunity to apply for scholarships under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).

Each year, these domestic and international stipend scholarships provide a living allowance for HDR students recognised for their academic merit, research experience and/or research potential.

Available scholarships

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic Stipend Scholarships

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship provides a living allowance of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) tax-free, paid in fortnightly instalments.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Tuition Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarships

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarships are available to international applicants only. This provides a living allowance of AU$32,192 per annum (2024 rate indexed annually) and a Tuition Fee Offset. Students must be enrolled full-time, on-campus, for the duration of their candidature.

For further information and how to apply, please refer to the following:

• Australian Government RTP Scholarships Information to Applicants
• Australian Government RTP Scholarship Scoring Guidelines

For further information, click on: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships.

Spring is almost here and our training offerings are taking off. We have introductory courses in R and Python, Bioinformatics analysis and REDCap Modules, amongst other courses. Please check our QCIF training calendar and register soon, as we have limited spaces.

If you need any statistical advice, QCIF bioinformatics provides free consultations to help researchers on grant applications that include bioinformatics, biostatistics and biodata. For more information, visit our website: https://www.qcif.edu.au/support/qcif-members-advice

ResBaz is more than a conference – it's a two-day festival of digital research training where researchers from many different disciplines can learn, share knowledge and skills, and have fun!

You can host a presentation or workshop, volunteer to be a helper or organise a stall or social event – there are so many ways to be involved!

To learn more, visit the website.

Elsevier’s SciVal is an advanced analytics solution that enables flexible evaluation of any research field as well as the research performance of individuals, research groups, departments, institutions, and countries.

What’s the Scival Certification Program, and why should I get certified?

Completing the six-module SciVal Certification program will give you the skills to ensure you get the most out of Southern Cross University’s SciVal subscription.

Hosted on the Canvas learning management system, this interactive course will comprise short video tutorials, quizzes and support materials. All learning material has been updated to reflect SciVal's latest UI update.

While undertaking the course, an APAC community forum will allow you to interact and have discussions with other participants across the region. Australian and New Zealand participants will also have access to weekly open office hours with a local SciVal expert for the duration of the program.

The October cohort of the SciVal Certification Program will run from 14 October to 22 November 2024.

What makes me eligible to participate?

• be (or belong to) a SciVal subscription holder (but as places are limited, you’ll need to register)
• commit 1.5 hours per week for six weeks – modules will be released weekly, and all six modules must be completed by 22 November 2024

Please note that you must attain 80% or more on each of the final course quizzes to receive certification.

How do I register?

Complete this registration form by 13 September, and SciVal will email you shortly afterwards to confirm your registration and advise you of the next steps.

What if I’m not available to complete the course in October/November?

If you can't make the October cohort, there’s an option for you to indicate your preference for the March 2026 cohort.

You can find out more here: https://www.elsevier.com/en-au/products/scival/certification

Don't worry if you missed Dr Scott Jukes' live seminar - you can catch the recording of his insightful discussion on how rivers can transform our thinking and approach to education.

This seminar is perfect for those interested in nature, teaching and innovative educational ideas. Dr Jukes delves into how riverscapes influence our cognition, and the importance of engaging with our environment in a more-than-human world.

Watch the replay, then continue the conversation!

Learn more here: SEAE Seminar Series

Check out the ABC’s recently-aired news story about Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and Dr Ben Liu’s work on growing Australian varieties of coffee beans, and the burgeoning local industry that’s developing

The SEAE Research Grants Workshop presented by Associate Professor Aspa Baroutsis on 9 August 2024 was a tremendous success!

Attendees gained valuable insights into the grant writing process, from articulating research impact to effectively using metrics. The hybrid event provided an opportunity for both in-person and online participants to engage in discussions, receive mentorship and refine their grant proposals.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas – let’s continue building on this momentum with our future grant applications!

Decolonising Design in Africa, by Southern Cross University student Dr Yaw Ofosu-Asare, is reshaping design education across the continent.

This pioneering work examines the colonial legacies embedded in current pedagogical practices, and advocates for integrating Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices and African philosophies into modern design education.

The book’s interdisciplinary approach and inspiring case studies make this a must-read for educators, students and practitioners aiming to foster a more inclusive and socially-conscious future in design.

You can find out more about Decolonising Design in Africa here.