Industry Researcher Development Program

As an IDP student, you will be expected to develop a range of research skills and capabilities as part of your doctoral program. In partnership with your supervisor, you will develop a Graduate Research Study Plan (GRSP) that articulates your knowledge and skills development needs throughout your research candidature. This plan should be based on the HDR Capability Framework, which outlines the capabilities required to develop research knowledge and skills relevant to a diverse range of careers. (Here are some suggestions on engaging with the GRSP and examples of appropriate goals and development activities.)

Once you have identified gaps in your knowledge, you should seek out relevant researcher development opportunities to achieve your GRSP goals. The Industry Researcher Development Program (IRDP) provides a fund of up to $1,500 per student for external researcher development activities that are not available at UTS.

Researcher development activities

UTS offers a range of researcher development activities via the Graduate Research School, the UTS Library, the Research Office and eResearch, as well as faculties, schools and other discipline groups across the UTS campus. When it comes to planning your researcher development program, these UTS-led activities should be your first port of call.

However, in some cases, the knowledge or skills development you require may not be available at UTS. In this case, you may be eligible for up to $1,500 funding from the IRDP to pursue external opportunities.

Eligible researcher development activities

Researcher development funding can be provided for a range of external activities, such as enrolment in a MOOC, opportunities available through a professional society or industry body, or engagement with other professional or research development initiatives as it relates to your doctoral program, among others.

The course/training/activity:

• can be undertaken in person or online
• can be offered as an extension to a conference program you’re participating in
• cannot be funded by any other source (such as your employer, UTS or another grant)
• must fit within at least one element of the HDR Capability Framework
• must be planned/documented in your GRSP
• must be approved by the Graduate Research School prior to your attendance
• must be offered through a recognised professional society, MOOC or other organisation involved in the promotion of research and professional practice.

You must provide evidence of having completed the activity. This can be a completion certificate or a written report on your learning. 

Funding

Funding is capped at $1,500 per student per candidature and can be put towards more than one activity. However, please note that funding can only be used for registration and training fees. It cannot be used for travel and accommodation costs. 

How to apply

To apply for funding, you’ll need to complete the IRDP fund application form, in consultation with the IRDP fund guidelines. Once you’ve completed the form, please email it along with any required supporting documentation to the Research Scholarships team. You will receive an email notifying you of the outcome.

Once your funding is approved, you should book and pay for the training and email a copy of the tax invoice/receipt to the Research Scholarships team for reimbursement.