University of Toronto – University of Melbourne: International Research Training Group - Call for Proposals

Overview

The University of Toronto (U of T) and the University of Melbourne (UoM) continue to develop their strategic partnership through the Toronto – Melbourne Research Training Group, offering opportunities for research collaboration and engagement.

In 2024, U of T and Melbourne are calling for project proposals from all research areas to establish up to 8 pairs of supervisors (PIs), with each supervisory team supporting one joint PhD candidate.

Each of the successful supervisory teams will receive a funding package that includes tuition fee waivers/remission scholarships, a stipend, health insurance, and relocation support. Recruited PhD candidates will be enrolled at, and will meet the academic standards and requirements of, both institutions. They will be co-recruited and co-supervised by collaborative teams through an arrangement known as a jointly awarded PhD through joint education placement (this mechanism is aligned with the existing policies of both institutions). All candidates will work towards submission of a single thesis that meets the requirements of both institutions and undertake a final oral examination. Upon completion, the candidates will be eligible to graduate with two testamurs/parchments – one from each University, noting the partnership with the other – and participate in the convocation ceremonies at both universities, should they choose to do so.

This call for joint PhD project proposals is open to applications from academic supervisors only. If you are a prospective candidate interested in applying for a joint PhD, please refer to the information available here.

Eligibility

The supervisory team must comprise of at least two Principal Investigators (PIs), one from U of T and one from the University of Melbourne. The PIs must have capacity to serve as primary supervisors for jointly enrolled PhD candidates. Each PI must meet the supervisor eligibility criteria set by their own institution

The University of Melbourne

Melbourne academics must be registered to supervise as per the Supervisor Eligibility and Registration Policy. Primary supervisors should be employed at the University of Melbourne beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2030). If their employment contract does not extend beyond the candidates’ submission date, then alternative arrangements must be in place, by either having:

1. A named co-supervisor employed at the University of Melbourne beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2030); or
2. A letter of support from the respective Head of Department/Head of School detailing the arrangements in place to ensure continuity of supervision.

For more information, including forms for supervisor registration, please consult the information for supervisors section on the Graduate Research Hub.

Honorary employees whose primary academic affiliation is with the University of Melbourne are eligible to lead an application as a PI if they are a registered Principal Supervisor at Melbourne, and either:

1. Their primary employer has entered into a written agreement for this call to fund the Melbourne cash component of the collaborative activity; or
2. They participate at their own expense if they are otherwise unaffiliated (for example, they hold an emeritus position).

Melbourne academics must not have outstanding Progress Reports or Final Reports from any other University of Melbourne Researcher Development Scheme.

The University of Toronto

U of T academics must be Faculty members in continuing appointments, eligible to hold research funds at U of T and have Full School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Graduate Faculty Membership. U of T staff with status-only appointments are not eligible to participate in the call.

Supplementary notes for all applicants

Previous recipients may not reapply to the scheme as a PI but may participate in a project as a co-investigator.

Adherence to respective equality/equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies are a core feature of this scheme to ensure that all participants can do their best work, thrive and succeed. Applicant teams should consider how they can take meaningful steps in their future collaborations to foster an environment that values, supports and respects a diverse range of views, knowledge and experiences. Applicants should consider EDI as it applies to gender, indigenous peoples, disabilities, career stages and sectors.

Applications that do not satisfy these criteria will not be eligible.

How to apply

1. Review the guidelines

   Please review the guidelines before the submission.

2. Complete and submit the application

   A single, jointly-prepared application in English must be submitted via SmartyGrants by Friday 21 June 2024 1.00 pm AEDT (Melbourne)/ Thursday 20 June 11.00 pm  EST (Toronto). Applications should be written in English and for an audience proficient, but not expert.

   All Melbourne PIs must ensure that the Head of Department/School and Associate Dean (Graduate Research) endorsement is attached to the application using the approval forms also available under 'Supporting Documents' below. Melbourne applicants who hold an Honorary position must also complete the Honorary declaration form.

   All U of T PIs must ensure that the Department Chair endorsement is attached to the application

   If the application involves a PI from Melbourne's Faculty of Arts, the approval forms must be provided in addition to the supporting statement on how the candidates will be the Faculty’s PhD coursework requirement.

Supporting documents

- Toronto - Melbourne Joint Call Guidelines 2024/25

- Toronto - Melbourne SmartyGrants application form

- HoD and Associate Dean (Graduate Research) approval forms

- Honorary declaration form

Contacts