Applications open for 2020 NCSEHE Research Grants Program

Request for research proposals

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The NCSEHE invites proposals from high-quality researchers and equity practitioners to conduct policy-relevant research aimed at supporting and informing student equity in higher education.

Funding for several research projects is available through a competitive selection process. It is anticipated that the majority of grants will be for between A$30,000 and A$40,000, although other amounts may be considered.

Grants will commence in August 2020 and should be completed within 12 months (no later than October 2021).

Research priorities

While proposals may focus on any relevant topic, the following themes have been identified as research priorities. In light of the COVID-19 situation, the NCSEHE particularly welcomes projects that address the areas below, with specific reference to potential inequities that COVID-19 has foregrounded in recent months.

1. Regional, rural and remote (RRR) disadvantage, including:
   • best practice online learning and support for RRR students; and/or
   • Work Integrated Learning in RRR areas, including incentives for employers and/or financial support for students.
2. Improving completion rates for equity students, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
3. Equity implications of non-ATAR entry pathways.
4. Course choice and student equity.
5. Emerging equity issues and emerging equity groups among domestic students: addressing significant challenges.
6. Institutional strategies to address students’ financial capacity and enhance their resilience in the wake of disruptions due, for example, to drought, bushfires, COVID-19 etc.
7. The implications of micro-credentialing for student equity.

In all cases, we are particularly interested in proposals that do one or more of the following:

• Employ innovative use of existing data sources, or identify and use new data sources, to analyse the issues above.
• Take a comparative approach, internationally, inter-state, or institutionally, to understand the issues identified above.
• Adopt an interdisciplinary and policy-focused approach.

Submissions

Instructions for applicants are available here, or by contacting Professor John Phillimore on +61 8 9266 2849 or via email ncsehe@curtin.edu.au.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 pm Western Standard Time on Friday 12 June 2020.

More information and applications.