Remit

To determine how we can encourage and support students in undertaking interdisciplinary research within the funding rules of ARC networks.

HCS Executive Contact Point

Kate Stevens [Chair, Training and Development]

Core Members

Emery Schubert (Chair); Helen Chenery; Sally Andrews

Comments

In the initial proposal, we suggested providing support for student attendance at HCS events, and also for overseas travel, as indicated in the appendix to this document. In the interim, we have also explored the idea of HCSNet studentships, whereby students would receive small grants in support of demonstrably interdisciplinary research projects:

1. At beginning of Year 1, the student sends in an application to become an HCSNet Student. Their application must demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of their proposed project, by including a short description of project, which can be published in our newsletter if their application is successful; identification of the contributing disciplines; the names of three people who will serve as a supervisory panel with clear evidence that they represent the interdisciplinarity; and a budget showing how they will spend their $500 grant on the purchase of books or journals in their secondary discipline.
2. At the beginning of Year 2, student can renew their HCSNet Student status by submitting their 'confirmation' document, or whatever the local equivalent is; basically a document that corresponds to a project proposal, providing evidence that their work is continuing in an interdisciplinary mold. If accepted, they get another $500. We put their proposal on the web.
3. At the beginning of Year 3, renewal on the basis of a project update which goes on the web; student gets another $500, basically for proving to us that they are still doing an interdisciplinary PhD.
4. At the end of Year 3, a final $500 when their interdisciplinary examiners are specified; or a 'completion bonus' when they actually submit their PhD.

This is provided simply as an example to give an idea of the degree of specificity we are looking for in proposals. In the initial proposal, we had allocated around $50k per annum for student travel bursaries, but this money might be spent in a variety of ways.

Target Deliverables

By January 27th 2005:
* A five minute presentation on possible activities in this area.

By February 22nd 2005:
* A status report on where the Working Group has got to (pdf format), incorporating ideas generated at the HCSNet Launch Meeting and subsequent discussion.

By April 1st 2005, a report that:
* identifies a range of mechanisms that would support PhD students who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research, along with indicative costings for each.