Sydney Quantum Academy Undergraduate Research Scholarship

1. Background

a. This Scholarship is funded by the Sydney Quantum Academy and provides talented undergraduate students with an invaluable opportunity to undertake an exciting 6-week project from one of SQA’s four partner universities, supervised by a leading quantum researcher.

b. The aim of the program is to provide opportunities to students partway through their undergraduate degree to develop their research skills and inspire them to consider a career in quantum technology or related field in the future.

2. Eligibility

a. Domestic applicants must be enrolled either in an undergraduate program at The University of Sydney or be an undergraduate student attending a university in NSW.

b. International students are also eligible to apply if they are enrolled at an SQA partner University.

c. Applicants must have completed a minimum 72 credit points of study towards their undergraduate degree by the time they commence their research project.

d. Applicants must be available for the full research project period, and not have other commitments that would interfere with their ability to complete the project. Once selected recipients must be able to engage in a project on a full-time basis (35 hours/week for 6 weeks during normal working hours unless advised otherwise by the supervisor).

e. Applicants who were previously awarded an SQA Undergraduate Research Scholarship are not eligible to apply.

f. Any other requirement in accordance with SQA eligibility criteria at the time of application.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:

I. academic merit, and
II. a personal statement demonstrating relevant experience, studies and/or interest in quantum technology.

b. Preference will be given to female applicants for some of the projects on grounds of encouraging gender diversity in quantum technology.

c. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Sydney Quantum Academy.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $3,333 (fixed amount) and is tenable for the duration of the research project.

b. The Scholarship will be paid in two equal instalments, the first occurring near the beginning of the research project and the second in the fourth week of the research project.

c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university without prior approval.

d. Students who participate in a research project do so on a voluntary basis. No employment relationship is created between participating students and the University.

e. Recipients cannot hold another similar research scholarship whilst on this Scholarship.

f. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

g. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must meet the requirements of the research project and continue to be enrolled in their undergraduate degree for the duration of the six-week research project.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. withdraws from the Scholarship,
III. fails to meet the equivalence of 72 credit points full-time study completion requirement by the time of commencement of their research project, unless an exception has been agreed,
IV. the research project undertaken is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
V. is absent at any stage during the research project period without approval from their supervisor or reasonable excuse, such as medical reasons or carer’s responsibilities.
VI. is determined by the SQA and/or the University to have provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,
VII. undertakes an additional placement with another faculty or university during the tenure of project period,
VIII. commences or continues to undertake employment (paid or otherwise) that interferes with ability to complete the project,
IX. does not resume participation in the research project at the end of a period of approved leave,
X. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application, or
XI. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

c. SQA reserves the right to:
I. suspend a Scholarship in the instance that a complaint or concern is raised about the conduct of the recipient, and
II. terminate a Scholarship and request reimbursement of funds in the instance where the recipient has been found to have engaged in misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

7. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a candidate engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the candidate’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship) a candidate may be aware that their Scholarship funding from SQA may be discontinued.

b. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the code of conduct and policies of the University at which the candidate is enrolled or undertaking their research project, breach of the code of conduct and policies and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

8. Privacy Statement

a. The information provided by applicants will be used and disclosed by the SQA, in accordance with the above Conditions of Award. It will be used for the purposes of managing and accessing your scholarship application and, for recipients, in the administration of the scholarship. The information may be shared with one or more of the SQA partner universities in the context of administering the conditions. This administration includes publishing the names of scholarship recipients in publicly accessible SQA and partner materials and channels.

b. The supply of information is voluntary but if failing to provide all the information requested, SQA may be unable to process your application. The information will be held by the University of Sydney, for the scholarship. For requests to update or access personal information, contact: info.sqa@sydney.edu.au.