The Early Career Researcher Development Program

This innovative program, first delivered in 2002, works with academic staff wanting to gain the skills and strategic knowledge needed to become active researchers. To date, a total of 59 staff have successfully completed the program.

The 2008 program is facilitated by Professor Warren Payne and Dr Joel Epstein and will build upon the positive evaluations of previous years by offering:

• Additional, extended workshops to complement the seminar series
• Individual and panel discussions with experienced researchers
• Opportunities for mentoring, networking and collaboration
• Preparation and implementation of individual development plans
• Extensive guidance and practice in the development of research grants
• A significant portion of the program is geared towards each successful applicant having the opportunity to apply for an internal research grant up to $10,000.

Places in the 2008 course have been filled and the course is underway. Participants have committed to attending all sessions (held on Thursday mornings.) A timetable for the program is available.

Aim:

The aim of the ECRDP is to enhance scholarship at the University by assisting staff to develop a more focused, strategic and productive research program.

Objectives:

At the end of the program, participants will have:

• Deepened their understanding of the nature of scholarship, including the roles and responsibilities of researchers
• Developed an awareness of the various approaches to, and strategies for, becoming a more productive researcher
• Selected a topic or problem upon which to focus and build their intellectual capital
• Cultivated networks with other researchers both within and outside the University
• Gained an appreciation of the benefits of collaborative, inter-disciplinary research
• Become aware of resources available to support research activities and how to access them
• Prepared an individual development plan that charts out their research goals, objectives and strategies for the next three years and
• Produced at least two pieces of scholarly work (including a grant application and a paper)

Application Process:

1. Applicants should first submit a Registration of Interest form and forward this to the Research & Graduate Studies Office.
2. Applicants should then complete the Early Career Researcher Development Program Application Form. The application form must be submitted in hard copy format and returned to the Research & Graduate Studies Office by 5:00 pm on Friday 14 March 2008. Please note that applications must be supported and signed off by your Head of School.
3. Inquiries are to be directed to Joel Epstein, Institute for Regional & Rural Research & Innovation, phone 5327 9129 or email j.epstein@ballarat.edu.au
4. Applicants will be advised whether they have been accepted into the program.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Previous Participants in the Program

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003