Cicada Innovations Postgraduate Research Placement Scholarship

1. Background

a. A Scholarship is available for an outstanding PhD scholar undertaking a ‘Cicada Innovation’ Innovation Experience placement. The Scholarship is funded by the NSW Department of Industry from the NSW Boost Innovation Fund.

2. Eligibility

a. This scholarship is offered subject to the applicant:

I. having successfully completed at least one year (equivalent full time) of study of a PhD; and

II. being currently enrolled full time in a PhD at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must have been selected to undertake a six-month placement with the Cicada Innovations Company through the University of Sydney in research periods 3 and 4, 2019.

3. Selection Criteria

a. There are no further selection criteria.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the Director, Graduate Studies, DVC (Education) Portfolio.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide fortnightly stipend, totalling $16,666 over a period of 5 months.

b. The maximum duration of the scholarship will not exceed five (5) months.

c. The Scholarship is for commencement in research period 3, 2019.

d. No other amount is payable.

e. Any existing scholarship with a value of 75% or more compared to this Scholarship will need to be suspended during the tenure of this Scholarship. This suspension is permissible for the Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship. Recipients should check the terms and conditions of any other scholarships held to determine their ability to apply for a suspension.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review and continued participation in the placement.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 10 working days recreation leave during the Scholarship period, which may not be accrued. The student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's and Cicada Innovations agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 5 working days sick leave during the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor and Cicada Innovations as soon as practicable.

7. Supervision

a. The recipient must agree to the faculty HDR Internship Coordinator being their sole supervisor during the period of the Scholarship.

8. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas during the Scholarship.

9. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award unless a legislative provision applies.

10. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, Cicada Innovations and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid amount.

11. Termination

a. Unless terminated earlier under this paragraph, the Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their PhD,

II. at the end of the placement,

III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

IV. if the recipient receives an alternative primary scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative scholarship where it is of higher value,

V. the student does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VI. if the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period of approved leave)

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,

II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or

III. the student has engaged in misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. Scholarship payments will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated.

12. Misconduct

a. Where a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds paid to the student, the University may require the student to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the student in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interest), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

13. Final Report and Participation in Events

a. Scholarship recipients must provide a final report at the conclusion of the Scholarship. The format of the report will be determined by the faculty HDR Internship Coordinator.

b. Scholarship recipients may be asked to participate in future events on the Cicada Innovations’ Innovation Experience or similar placement schemes.