University of Melbourne – University of Bonn: Call for joint PhD project proposals
Critical Dates
- 12 May 2022
Call for joint PhD proposals opens
- 19 September 2022
Applications due
- November 2022
Results released
Overview
The University of Melbourne and the University of Bonn have supported research collaboration through several initiatives, recruiting over 50 joint PhD candidates and funding six collaborative research projects to date. In 2022, the Universities are seeking to expand on these opportunities through a call for joint PhD projects. Applications are invited, and encouraged, from all faculties and research areas.
Up to six joint PhD projects will be funded across three separate pairs of Principal Investigators (PIs), comprising of one PI from Melbourne and one from Bonn. Each of these PI pairs will receive funding to support two joint PhD candidates, plus additional seed funding to support collaborative activities. Candidates and supervisors will join the established community of the Bonn–Melbourne joint PhD programs, offering opportunities to deepen and enrich their research networks.
Joint PhD candidates are enrolled at both institutions, perform their research under joint supervision, and are graded according to the academic standards of both institutions. Upon successful completion of the program, each candidate will be eligible to receive a joint PhD, recognised by two testamurs acknowledging the joint nature of the award.
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 criteria
See Guidelines (under 'Supporting Documents') for full eligibility requirements.
The supervisory team must consist of at least two Principal Investigators (PIs), one from Melbourne and one from Bonn. The PIs must have capacity to serve as primary supervisors for two jointly enrolled PhD candidates.
Melbourne
Melbourne academics must be registered to supervise as per the Supervisor Eligibility and Registration Policy and should be employed at Melbourne beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2027). If their employment contract does not extend beyond the submission date, alternative arrangements must be in place (see guidelines/application form).
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:
- Their primary employer has entered into a written agreement for this call to fund the Melbourne cash component of the collaborative activity; or
- They participate at their own expense if they are otherwise unaffiliated (for example, they hold an emeritus position).
Bonn academics
Bonn academics must be authorized to act as primary supervisor for PhD candidates according to the relevant regulations of the respective faculties. The primary supervisors should be employed at Bonn beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2027). If their employment contract does not extend beyond the submission date, then alternative arrangements must be in place, by either having:
- A named co-supervisor at Bonn beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2027); or
- A letter of support from the respective Head of Institute or excellence cluster detailing the arrangements in place to ensure continuity of supervision.
Funding
Up to three proposals will be funded, with each application supporting two joint PhD projects. Together the recruited candidates to these projects will form a 2023 cohort of six jointly enrolled candidates. The successful PIs will also receive seed funding to support the growth in collaborative activity.
University of Melbourne | University of Bonn |
Tax-free scholarship (stipend) for each Melbourne-based candidate. Refer to the Graduate Research Scholarship page for the full details. | Tax-free scholarship (stipend) of € 1,500 per month for each Bonn-based candidate. |
Tuition fee remission scholarship or waiver for both Melbourne- and Bonn-based candidates. | There are no tuition fees at Bonn. Melbourne-based candidates receive an additional one-time lump sum of EUR 500 to cover student service fees at Bonn over the course of their PhD candidacy. |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) single membership for any Melbourne-based international candidate who requires a student visa to study in Australia, when in Australia, and travel insurance whilst on Study Away. | OSHC for the duration of research in Australia for any Bonn-based candidates will be covered from the lump sum detailed below. Health insurance for Bonn-based candidates while in Germany will be paid from the candidate’s stipend. |
Relocation allowance for all Melbourne-based candidates to commence at Melbourne, up to a maximum of $3,000. | Relocation allowance for all Bonn-based candidates to commence at Bonn, up to a maximum of €1,500 will come from the lump sum detailed below. |
A $20,000 lump sum* to support Melbourne-based candidates and UoM PIs for relevant activities, including**: * Candidate travel * PI travel * Workshop costs or virtual collaboration expenses * Graduate recruitment | A €15,000 lump sum to support Bonn-based candidates and Bonn PIs for relevant activities, including**: * Candidate travel and OSHC * PI travel * Workshop costs or virtual collaboration expenses * Graduate recruitment |
How to apply
Review the Guidelines
Please review the guidelines before the submission.
Submit the application to Bonn
PIs from UoM and Bonn should submit one joint application, in English, via SmartyGrants
Supporting documents
Bonn-UoM Open call Joint PhD Guidelines
Information for Supervisors - Graduate Research Hub
Contacts
Melbourne contact | Bonn contact |
|---|---|
Ms Lanny Sandler Researcher Development Schemes Research, Innovation & Commercialisation The University of Melbourne | Dr. Christian Klöckner Partnerships and International Researchers International Office University of Bonn |