Iplex Higher Degree Research Grants

The Iplex Higher Degree Research Grant is open for you to apply if you are:

1. Enrolled full-time in higher degree research at JCU (Masters by Research or PhD);
2. Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa; and
3. Identifies as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (all research area);
   
   OR
   Non-indigenous students conducting research about one of the following fields:

• Research that will connect, make resilient or support a sustainable Townsville;
• Natural Resources;
• Hydrogen manufacturing and infrastructure;
• Plastics recycling; and any other area related to Iplex business, the Haughton Pipeline Project or Sustainability.

If you are a successful applicant of this grant you will receive $4,000 to assist with research costs such as, but not limited to:

• Purchase of equipment;
• Travel and associated field trip expenses;
• Analytical services;
• Library visits to appropriate labs to learn new methods; an/or
• Conference attendance (if the student is presenting their research work).

Payment of the grant will be made in 1 lump sum to JCU student research account (IRA), after awarding.

Prior to completing an application, you should carefully read the Grant Rules below.

Applicants wanting to apply for this grant must attach the following documents to their application form.

1. Academic record;
2. One written reference; and
3. Written statement of approx. 500 words discussing:

• Your career aspirations and why you have chosen this particular degree and major;
• Your study goals and commitment to your chosen program (you may like to provide an example of how you have overcome a challenge or difficult situation as demonstration of your transferrable skills);
• The impact this grant will have on your ability to attend university;
• Expectations of your work experience at Iplex and availability to participate in work experiences;
• What are your thoughts on the future of hydrogen energy as an alternative energy source OR a Sustainable Townsville, and how do you see your education in engineering contributing to its development and implementation?

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.
The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and you will receive an email confirmation it has been received. After the closing date it will be individually assessed and put forward to a selection committee who will rank your application against others who have applied. Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

Introduction

The Iplex Education Fund aims to support students at James Cook University to fill skills gaps in the development of future jobs for Townsville and research to create pathways for school leavers and support a diverse industry future including for Indigenous students.

This award is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and payment of the Grant

If you are a successful applicant of this grant you will receive $4,000 to assist with research costs such as, but not limited to:

• Purchase of equipment;
• Travel and associated field trip expenses;
• Analytical services;
• Library visits to appropriate labs to learn new methods; an/or
• Conference attendance (if the student is presenting their research work).

Payment of the grant will be made in 1 lump sum to JCU student research account (IRA), after awarding.

Eligibility Criteria

The Iplex Higher Degree Research Grant is open for you to apply if you are:

1. Enrolled full-time in higher degree research at JCU (Masters by Research or PhD);
2. Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa; and

3. Identifies as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (all research area);

   OR
   Non-indigenous students conducting research about one of the following fields:

• Research that will connect, make resilient or support a sustainable Townsville;
• Natural Resources;
• Hydrogen manufacturing and infrastructure;
• Plastics recycling; and any other area related to Iplex business, the Haughton Pipeline Project or Sustainability.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Criteria are:

• Academic merit (20%);
• Commitment to study and career goals (30%);
• Response to technical question (50%);

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants wanting to apply for this grant must attach the following documents to their application form.

• Academic record;
• One written reference; and
• Written statement of approx. 500 words discussing:
  • Your career aspirations and why you have chosen this particular degree and major;
  • Your study goals and commitment to your chosen program (you may like to provide an example of how you have overcome a challenge or difficult situation as demonstration of your transferrable skills);
  • The impact this grant will have on your ability to attend university;
  • Expectations of your work experience at Iplex and availability to participate in work experiences;
  • What are your thoughts on the future of hydrogen energy as an alternative energy source OR a Sustainable Townsville, and how do you see your education in engineering contributing to its development and implementation?

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.
The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

The award of the grant shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Iplex representative (chair), and
• An appropriate pool of JCU Representatives.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the grant.

Conditions of the Grant

If the recipient defers their study, funding will be held in the student IRA up to 12 months and if the recipient does not return to their studies at the end of 12 months, unspent funds will be returned to the Iplex Grant account.

A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Appeals Policy.

Administration of the Grant

The grant shall be administered by the Scholarships Office, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

Moneys payable in any year to the holder of an award shall be paid at such times and in such amounts as the Committee deems appropriate to the circumstance of each case.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms