2021 royal brisbane and women’s hospital …...rbwh postgraduate scholarship – advice to...

RBWH Research Services

2021 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Postgraduate Scholarships

Advice to applicants

RBWH Postgraduate Scholarship – Advice to Applicants

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Published by the State of Queensland (Metro North Hospital and Health Service), April 2020

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To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au

© State of Queensland (Metro North Hospital and Health Service) 2020

You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the State of Queensland

(Metro North Hospital and Health Service).

For more information, contact:

Research Services, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Lower Ground Floor, Executive Offices, James Mayne

Building, RBWH, Queensland 4006, email [email protected], phone 07 3646 6025

for Research Services.

Disclaimer:

The content presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statements,

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Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Postgraduate Scholarships

Advice to applicants 2021

Funding Commencing in 2021 – Key dates

• Friday 1st May2020 – Applications open for Postgraduate Scholarships

• Friday 10th July 2020 - Applications close for Postgraduate Scholarships

• All applications to be made via Smarty Grants: https://metronorth.smartygrants.com.au/

Introduction

The RBWH aims to provide financial support in the form of scholarships for graduates at RBWH to undertake a higher research degree at a recognised Australian University, which will:

• support research that will directly affect the care provided to our patients, including translational research and

new models of care

• encourage research that fosters collaborations across departments, facilities and external partners

• support staff development.

Description

• RBWH Research Scholarships are awarded to RBWH employees (or prospective employees) in all disciplines,

to support staff to undertake higher degrees by research (PhD, MPhil or their equivalents) where the research

is carried out primarily at the RBWH.

• Both full time and part time research scholarships may be supported each year. These awards will be based

on merit and will be awarded on a competitive basis. It is intended that this funding be allocated in a way that

supports gender equity in research and takes into account career disruptions and ‘relative to opportunity’

considerations.

• Subject to successful progress, reapplication for a scholarship may be made annually, up to a maximum of

two years in total support for MPhil and three years in total support for PhD (whether the research is undertaken

on a full time or part time basis). Satisfactory progress must be demonstrated to secure a renewal of funding.

• The value of the scholarships will be based on NHMRC award rates (see appendix 1). Scholarships for all

staff (other than medical) must be used to either pay the scholar directly (where they will be working reduced

hours) or backfill their substantive position. Medical graduates on the approval from Executive Director of

Research RBWH may use their scholarship for other purposes that directly support the undertaking of their

research higher degree, for example, employing a research assistant to undertake some components of the

research.

• Scholarships are subject to tax. When scholarships are considered primary income (includes tax free

threshold) scholarship amounts are adjusted to account for the tax component.

• Top-up scholarships may also be awarded to recipients of competitive scholarships from other bodies (e.g.

NHMRC, ARC) where this is permitted. The value of this top-up scholarship in 2021 will be $8000 and reviewed

annually to be in line with other organisations that offer similar top-up scholarships. Any tax component is part

of the $8000.

• Scholarships are intended to cover the calendar year for which they are awarded, and payments will ideally

commence in January of that year. It is a requirement that funds are used by December of the award year. If

this is not possible, the scholar must submit a request in writing to the Executive Director Research RBWH

seeking permission to extend the period of the scholarship. Extensions cannot be granted beyond 30 June of

the year following the award year.

https://metronorth.smartygrants.com.au/


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• Scholarship payments are provided only for salary and cannot be claimed for conference, travel and

accommodation, thesis preparation and/or research consumables.

• Scholarship payments will not commence until proof of enrolment occurs and recipients must hold an

appropriate formal appointment (including a payroll number) at the RBWH to receive scholarship payments.

• The applicant must indicate approximately when they intend to submit their thesis. Scholarships are only

available up until thesis submission.

• The proposed research must not be concurrently funded by the ARC, NHMRC or any other organisation

currently listed on the Australian Competitive Grants Register (does not apply for top-ups). The committee

may liaise with other funding agencies to discuss any overlap between applications in order to avoid duplication

of funding. Requests to vary the terms of the scholarship must be forwarded in writing to the Executive Director

Research

Eligibility

• Applicants must be employees (or prospective employees) of the RBWH for the year in which they are applying

and undertaking a research-based higher degree.

• To be eligible to apply, applicants must, at the time of application have made prior arrangements with the

directors of departments (both in the educational institution and within the RBWH) in which they propose to

study have provided a specific study plan within a clearly defined area of research.

• The award is conditional upon the following, that the:

– recipient does not receive another scholarship or RBWH grant simultaneously for the same

research project (except in the case of applying for top-up scholarships used to undertake the

higher research degree project).

– funds are used to support the scholar’s time to conduct the research themselves.

– recipient provides evidence of their enrolment in a PhD/MPhil program prior to receiving the funds.

– recipient has an appointment at the RBWH for the duration of the scholarship and that their

research is conducted primarily at RBWH

– research has appropriate ethical clearance.

– recipient applies for appropriate SARAS leave, if applicable.

– presentation of the research be made at a hospital forum such as the Healthcare Symposium in

the next year or two.

– report on the outcomes of the research is provided to the RAC on completion of the research, or at

the end of 2021, whichever occurs earlier.

– scholarship funding will only be paid until thesis is submitted.

– Research projects which are supported by this funding will not be eligible for RBWH/RBWH

Foundation Project Grant Funding within the same funding period.

Application Process

• Applications are to be submitted through Smarty Grants. To apply for Postgraduate Scholarship please go to


• Applications will include:

– Details on what research the applicant proposes to do, the research based higher degree sought,

and whether the research will be full time or part time, and if part time, what proportion of the week

will be spent on research

– details of the applicant’s proposed research including potential benefits to the hospital and care of

our patients

– a detailed budget detailing how the research costs is to be covered.



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– evidence of employment or offer of employment

– an academic transcript (plus CV)

– the proposed supervisor’s CV (maximum two pages), including evidence of expertise in area of

proposed research

– certification from the relevant RBWH departmental director indicating that the applicant will be

acceptable to the department, and that departmental support and facilities will be provided for the

applicant’s work.

– budget approval from the relevant RBWH business manger

– applicants should provide details of any career disruptions and “relative to opportunity”

considerations.

– scholarships will normally be held for one year but may be renewed for a maximum of two further

years (three years in total) subject to satisfactory progress of the scholar’s research. Scholarships

are not automatically renewed. Applications for renewal do not require a full application but must

include:

• A detailed report on progress over the past 12 months (appendix 4)

• A certification from the principal academic supervisor of satisfactory progress.

• A statement from the relevant clinical service head of continuing support.

Assessment process

All eligible applications will be reviewed and ranked by a panel of independent reviewers. Final selection will be

overseen by the RBWH Research Advisory Committee. Applicants are assessed and scored on the following:

Criteria Weight

Applicants academic record 25%

Applicants postgraduate clinical, research and project management experience 25%

Research project, alignment to hospital purposes and benefits to patient care 25%

Track record of supervisors 25%

Notification of outcome of applicants

• Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome.

• Results are expected to be announced by 7th September 2021.

Reporting requirements

• Scholars must provide an annual report 12 month after commencement of the scholarship funding. If an

application is being made for renewal annual report will normally suffice.

• Any changes to the research degree enrolment circumstances prior to or during the Scholarship period should be

notified to the Executive Director Research RBWH. The committee reserves the right to review the applicant’s

scholarship in view of these changes and terminate the scholarship of this is deemed appropriate.

• Scholars who have received an RBWH scholarship should notify the Executive Director Research RBWH when

the higher degree is awarded.

• Appropriate recognition for the assistance of RBWH should be included in all publications resulting from work

undertaken during the tenure of a scholarship.


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Conduct of research

All research funded by the RBWH must comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/research-policy/research-integrity/release-2018-australian-code-responsibleconduct-research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct of Human Research 2018 https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2007-updated2018

Enquiries

All enquiries regarding the RBWH and RBWH Foundation Project Grants should be directed, in the first instance, to

the Research Support Officer, RBWH.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (07) 3646 2377.

Smarty Grants: https://metronorth.smartygrants.com.au/ www: https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/research/grants/rbwhgrants

Smarty Grants

Help guide: http://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/help-guide-for-applicants/ Applicant FAQ’s: http://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/applicant-faq%27s/

https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/research-policy/research-integrity/release-2018-australian-code-responsible-conduct-research



















https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/research/grants/rbwhgrants

http://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/help-guide-for-applicants/

http://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/applicant-faq%27s/


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Appendix 1

NHMRC 2021 Categories for Post Graduate Scholarships:

• Scholarship amount for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals: $36,211plus the advised tax on this

amount of $3,422 totalling a full scholarship $39,633

• Scholarship amount for Medical: $41,831plus the advised tax on this amount of $5,142 totalling a full scholarship

of $46,973

Appendix 2 – Application for new scholarship

2021 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Postgraduate Scholarship Renewal

The application must be completed using Smarty grants. This is an example of the Smarty Grant application only.

Personal Profile

Title

Surname

First name

Mailing address

Mobile phone no.

Primary phone no.

Email address

Summary Details

Current position, employing body and location

Department

Employment stream

Are you submitting a similar or duplicate application

to an alternative funding body? (please describe)

In which degree will you enroll?

At which university?

Are you already enrolled? If yes include date of

enrolment. (note: proof of enrolment will be required in order to release

funds)

Will you study full-time or part-time?

If part-time, what percentage of a full-time load?

What year will your thesis be submitted

(scholarships will only be paid until thesis is

submitted)

Research Proposal

Full title of proposed project (This will be used throughout the funding process and must

not be changed)

Short title of proposed project (if any)


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Details of where you plan to undertake your research

project (RBWH department) Institution:

Dept:

Name of the Head of the Department in which you

will conduct the research

Brief description of the proposed project (maximum 100 words)

Background (maximum 200 words)

Aims and objectives

Proposed methodology

Significance of research, alignment with hospital purpose and benefits to the care of patients

What further course of action is planned to continue

your research after expiry of the grant?

Details of Supervisors

Full name and title

Position held

Mailing address

Telephone no.

Email address

Details of Associate Supervisors

Full name and title

Position held

Mailing address

Telephone no.

Email address


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Budget

Use either of the two budget template to fill in the budget details and obtain Business Manager approval.

A copy of the template is available here. Upload a copy to Smarty Grants with your application.

Example budgets are provided in Appendix 2.

The completed budget must be signed by the Business Manager or upload other evidence such as a memo or email

that the Business Manager has approved the budget.

Medical Graduates Study Budget for the year 2021 Date

Name of Research Project

HREC & SSA Number

Sponsor/Funding Body

INCOME (add revenue) Amount $ Notes

Scholarship - excluding tax $ 41,831.00 Scholarship amount

TOTAL INCOME

EXPENSES Pay point / Hours / Other

Amount $ Paid by Grant $

In-Kind $* Notes

Labour

Consumables

Total Expenses

Total Budget Requested (less in-kind)

***Business Manager Approval:

Name: Date:

* Medical graduates on the approval from Executive Director of Research RBWH may use their scholarship for other purposes that directly support the undertaking of their research higher degree, for example, employing a research assistant to undertake some components of the research

**Proposed level FTE *** Please provide business manager approval

https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/research/grants/rbwhgrants


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Non-Medical Graduates Study Budget for the year 2021 Date

Name of Research Project

HREC & SSA Number

Sponsor/Funding Body


Scholarship - excluding tax $ 36,211.00 Scholarship amount

TOTAL INCOME



In-Kind $* Notes

Labour

backfill

Supervisor

Total Expenses

Total Budget Requested (less in-kind)


Name: Date:

* Scholarships for all staff (other than medical) must be used to either pay the scholar directly or backfill their substantive position



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Certifications

Please use the signature template and upload with your application

2021 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Postgraduate Scholarship Certification by the applicant Subject: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Scholarship Application

Proposed Project title: Name of the applicant: Proposed Project Title: Department: I, name of the applicant, certify that all details contained within the application are correct. I also confirm that the following documents have been provided as part of this application:

• My CV and academic record

• A brief (maximum of two pages) CV of each of my supervisor Applicant Signature: Date: / /


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Briefing Note for Approval(s) Subject: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Scholarship Application Proposed Project title: Principal Investigator: Declaration by the Head of Department, at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where the Principal Investigator/Site Coordinator will conduct the research. For the purpose of resourcing the research project: I certify that the project is appropriate to the general facilities in my department and that I am prepared to have the project carried out in my department My signature indicates that I support this research project being carried out using such resources. Head of Department Signature: Date: / / Name: Position/Department:

Supporting Head of Department Signature: Date: / / Name: Position/Department:


Principal Supervisor I certify that I have the necessary qualifications, experience and ability to supervise (name of applicant) in his/her postgraduate studies: Principal Supervisor Signature: Date : / / Name: Position/Department:

Business Manager – I certify that I have reviewed and approved the proposed project budget *Business Manager Signature: Date: / / Name: Position//Department: *Note. The Business Manager can sign the completed budget template or this approval brief.


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Appendix 3 – Example of Budgets

Medical Graduates Study Budget for the year 2021 Date 15/04/2020

Name of Research Project example of medical graduate scholarship budget

HREC & SSA Number 12345

Sponsor/Funding Body Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital


Scholarship - excluding tax $ 41,831.00 Amount requested

TOTAL INCOME $ -



In-Kind $* Notes

Labour

*Research Assistant - GR 6 **0.5 FTE $ 36,000.00 $ 36,000.00

Supervisor 8hrs $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00

Consumables

Pathology costs (blood samples for 30 patients) $4,200 $ 4,200.00

Total Expenses $ 44,200.00 $ 40,200.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 44,200.00

Total Budget Requested (less in-kind) $ 40,200.00


Name: Date:

* Medical graduates on the approval from Executive Director of Research RBWH may use their scholarship for other purposes that directly support the undertaking of their research higher degree, for example, employing a research assistant to undertake some components of the research



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Study Budget for the year 2021 - Non Medical Graduates Date 15/04/2020

Name of Research Project example of non-medical graduate scholarship budget

HREC & SSA Number 12345

Sponsor/Funding Body Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital


Scholarship - excluding tax $ 36,211.00 Amount requested

TOTAL INCOME $ -



In-Kind $* Notes

Labour

Backfill **0.4 FTE $ 36,300.00 $ 36,211.00

Supervisor 8hrs $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00

Total Expenses $ 40,300.00 $ 36,211.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 40,211.00

Total Budget Requested (less in-kind) $ 36,211.00


Name: Date:

* Scholarships for all staff (other than medical) must be used to either pay the scholar directly or backfill their substantive position



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Appendix 4 – Application for Scholarship Renewal

2021 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Postgraduate Scholarship Renewal

The application must be completed using Smarty grants. This is an example of the Smarty Grant application only.

Personal Profile

Title

Name

Surname

Current position

Mailing address

Department

Employment Stream

Mobile phone number

Primary phone number

Email address

Progress Report

Brief description of the general progress of the research

Explain the research findings to date

Explain the difficulties encountered


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Details of conference presentation (if any)

List of publications, journal articles and book chapters arising out this research (if any)

Balance of any scholarship money not claimed this year (if any with reasons)

Date for thesis submission

Certification

Please use the signature template and upload with your application

Certification by the applicant Subject: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Scholarship Application

Proposed Project title: Name of the applicant: Department: I, name of the applicant, certify that all details contained within the application are correct. I also confirm that the following documents have been provided as part of this application:

1. My CV and academic record 2. A brief (maximum of two pages) CV of each of my supervisor

Applicant Signature: Date: / /


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Briefing Note for Approval(s) Subject: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Scholarship Application

Proposed Project title: Principal Investigator: Declaration by the Head of Department, at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where the Principal Investigator/Site Coordinator will conduct the research. For the purpose of resourcing the research project: I certify that the project is appropriate to the general facilities in my department and that I am prepared to have the project carried out in my department My signature indicates that I support this research project being carried out using such resources. Head of Department Signature: Date: / / Name: Position/Department:



Principal Supervisor I certify that I have the necessary qualifications, experience and ability to supervise (name of applicant) in his/her postgraduate studies: Principal Supervisor Signature: Date : / / Name: Position/Department:

Business Manager – I certify that I have reviewed and approved the proposed project budget *Business Manager Signature: Date: / / Name: Position//Department: *Note. The Business Manager can sign the completed budget template or this approval brief.

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