Research culture fund for La Trobe researchers
2020 fund information and application guidelines
Sponsored by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), a number of grants of up to $1000 are available to La Trobe academic staff to support the enhancement of university research culture.
Purpose of the scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to encourage academic staff to take the lead in developing a range of academic, social and cultural activities that will enhance the research culture at La Trobe. The scheme is not prescriptive about whether the activities take place across schools, departments, physical locations or disciplines. It is about developing your research community and contributing positively to the research environment at La Trobe. Researchers may organise academic activities such as conferences and symposia, visual exhibitions, seminars, masterclasses and visiting speakers. This scheme will be particularly beneficial to researchers located at smaller campuses in the La Trobe network.
The RCF scheme cannot be used for activities that are the usual responsibility of Schools or departments (e.g. research strategy planning) and should not replicate/duplicate programs already delivered by central support areas.
This scheme is not intended for recurring events.
With the advent of COVID-19, working from home, and distancing, the challenges and opportunities for developing research culture are heightened. While face-to-face events are no longer feasible, let’s test our creativity and see what initiatives we can generate. For example, you could invite guest speakers and have an interactive Q&A, convene a book club, produce a research culture resource, hold a series of masterclasses with discussion between them, and/or cater using food delivery vouchers - use your imagination!
Proposals that secure additional financial support for the activity from departments, schools, RFAs or external bodies will be well regarded.
Benefits
By participating in this scheme, researchers will gain valuable experience in event organisation, grant application writing, developing institutional networks, communication, and project management. Mentorship and support in promoting initiatives will be available to successful applicants from the RED team in the GRS on request.
Eligibility information
Applicants must be research active academic staff at La Trobe University. Activities must be produced primarily BY and FOR researchers, and held by 31 December 2020.
Enquiries about the scheme can be sent to red.grs@latrobe.edu.au.
2020 applications have now closed
If you are keen to apply in this round, get together with other researchers in your community and come up with an idea and plan. Consult widely, be creative and think about what would make a difference to your research culture and community!
2020 Research Culture Fund awardees
| Lead applicant's name | Lead applicant's school | Project title | Brief project descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Ng | School of Allied Health | Celebrating Diabetes Research at La Trobe University for World Diabetes Day 2020 | This project consists of a three-hour virtual symposium and participant networking during World Diabetes Day. Past event: La Trobe University Diabetes Research Symposium |
| Carina Chan | School of Psychology and Public Health | Building capacity in cross-disciplinary research in Bendigo campus | This full day webinar/workshop aims to bring researchers to a ‘think tank’ and facilitate strategic research planning to generate ideas that will benefit from the integration of technology and innovative design. |
| Kim Johnson | School of Life Sciences | In a minute | One minute videos of researchers will be produced that provide a snapshot of the work being done by La Trobe to secure food that is sustainable and nutritious; this project is part of a broader National Science Week initiative. |
| Michael Stear | School of Life Sciences | Increasing awareness of mathematical biology among biologists | This project consists of a series of seminars/ tutorials on the application of mathematical approaches to solve biological problems. This will enable researchers to produce more effective papers with greater impact and higher citations. |
| Timothy Clune | La Trobe Business School | Lifting the Lid | A one-day research expo featuring short presentations (15 mins) and posters from staff and graduate researchers located at the Albury-Wodonga campus. |
Conditions
- Grants are available for projects that are run for the community of La Trobe researchers, and not to pursue individual development opportunities.
- Applicants must be current La Trobe academic staff members.
- Graduate research candidates are not eligible for this scheme.
- All projects must take place before the end of 2020.
- A written report must be sent to red.grs@latrobe.edu.au at the conclusion of the activity. A report pro forma can be found here [Word Document 75KB].
- Past awardees who have not provided an activity report are not eligible for this round of funding.