IMB Summer Internships

What is the UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program?

UQ's Summer Research Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students engaged in research projects over the Southern Hemisphere summer holiday period. This experience provides students with the opportunity to work with a researcher in a formal environment in order to experience the research process and discover what research is being undertaken in their field of interest. IMB combines genomics, biology and chemistry in an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment to explore the information contained in the genomes of humans, animals and plants and apply this to disease states, and the development of therapeutics and industrial products.We have state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research culture, providing an ideal environment to obtain valuable experience.

IMB research is divided into four main areas:

• Genomics and Computational Biology
• Molecular Genetics and Development
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Chemistry and Structural Biology

What are the benefits?

Undergraduate research at UQ provides:

• an opportunity to develop new skills and enhance employability;
• access to research networks and connections with staff and postgraduate students;
• supervision by outstanding researchers;
• access to world-class facilities and experiences to which you may not otherwise have been exposed;
• the possibility of obtaining credit towards your degree (subject to the degree rules and structure of your program*);
• a scholarship for qualifying students to receive an allowance equivalent to $300 per week, paid jointly by UQ's Office of Undergraduate Education and IMB.

Non UQ-enrolled students (international and domestic) who are not based in Brisbane or not within 100km of the research site can apply for a one-off payment of $1000 per student to subsidise travel and accommodation expenses.

Applicants should seek academic advice from their faculty or home institution regarding recognition for summer research activity.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program, students must:

• be completing an undergraduate or masters by coursework degree,
• be currently enrolled in an Australian or international university,
• have completed at least two years of study;
• be studying for a degree relevant to the research discipline to which they have applied;
• have a high level of academic achievement during their undergraduate degree;
• have the potential to and an interest in undertaking postgraduate study;
• be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency; and
• be eligible for a visa to visit Australia if they are an international student.

Students may be eligible to receive this scholarship more than once, at the discretion of IMB. However, if the number of applicants exceeds funding available, preference will be given to first-time recipients.

What will be my time commitment and obligations?

The period of eligibility for scholarship payments is up to 10 weeks, generally commencing in mid-November and concluding in mid-February. Cody Mudgway will be able to provide details on the starting date and expected workload. The research period is normally broken into two parts to allow for the Christmas break when the University is closed. The allowance is not normally paid during periods away from the University and will only be paid for a maximum of 10 weeks. The research scholar and the supervisor will negotiate the duration of the project and the workload requirements.

Summer research scholars are expected to participate in an ongoing research project or to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research work. Where appropriate to the project, additional discipline-/project-specific obligations may also be required, such as training in research safety and ethics.

How can I apply for the UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program?

Applications open on Saturday June 1, 2013. Please check back then.

What are the assessment criteria?

Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account:

• the availability of projects and supervisors,
• the academic merit of the applicant,
• reasons provided for wanting to participate in the program,
• the quality of the project, and
• funding.

Who is the relevant contact officer?

Cody Mudgway, Postgraduate Administrative Assistant
Phone: 07 3346 2133   Fax: 07 3346 2101
Email: postgrad-office@imb.uq.edu.au

Cody can answer any questions you have about the program, and guide you through the application process.

 What are the taxation and Austudy implications?

It is the responsibility of all scholarship recipients to make their own enquiries and seek independent advice regarding tax liability or impact on Austudy payments arising from receipt of this scholarship. Educational scholarship benefits are not usually regarded as income in determining the level of Austudy benefits. Please visit the Centrelink website for further information as it relates to your particular circumstances. The Summer Research Scholarship is an exempt equity and merit-based scholarship. According to current Centrelink guidelines, up to $7,223 of equity and merit-based scholarships is exempt from the income test. This applies to all payments with a personal, partner or parental income test. Any amount of the scholarships over $7,223 is still considered personal income and may affect your Centrelink payment rate. Please note, this is a guide only and you should always refer to the Centrelink website for information.

Scholarships/stipends will be tax free to the student provided they are:

• a full-time student,
• enrolled at a University,
• not employed or about to be employed by the University,
• not wholly or principally providng labour in return for the scholarship/stipend,
• not required to provide any services in the University in the future under the terms, and
• principally used for educational purposes.

If any of these conditions are not met, payments to the student will be taxable and PAYG will need to be withheld by the University.

I am an international student, do I need health insurance?

International (including New Zealand) citizens in Australia as summer research scholars are encouraged to purchase a travel insurance policy before they arrive in Australia. Medical and hospital insurance associated with travel insurance can be arranged before leaving home, or obtained from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) after arrival in Brisbane. Proof of cover may be required.

Do I need any other insurance?

Domestic students who are required to travel to Brisbane to participate in the program are advised to take out an appropriate travel insurance policy if they wish to be covered against any travel risks. All UQ Summer Research scholars should note that they will only be covered by the University’s public liability insurance to the extent that an accident occurs at the University for which the University is at fault.

What if the research project/period is terminated early?

The University reserves the right to terminate a scholarship at any time and at the University’s sole discretion if the conduct of the Summer Research Scholar is deemed to be unsatisfactory, or if ill health seriously interferes with the research. If a scholarship is terminated for any reason prior to commencement of the scholarship period, the University will not be liable for any costs, and if terminated during the scholarship period, the University will, at its sole discretion, determine if any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

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