Commencing and Current Research Scholars

Each research unit should contact you to provide specific induction/facility access information or Workplace Health and Safety advice relevant to the area you will be participating in.   

All scholars are invited to attend the Welcome Event which is hosted the week before the official program start date. This is an orientation event that provides additional information about the program, guest presentations, and an opportunity to meet your fellow scholars. 

For many of you, this may be your first research experience. While each research unit will have different procedures, please find a few tips and tricks below which may give you insight into what to expect when you commence the program.

UQ is a BIG place

It might take a day or two to make sure you have access to facilities, databases and library resources, and it might take some time to complete all the necessary orientation paperwork.

You will meet some amazing people

Research happens at all levels of the University, and depending on your research environment it is likely that you will engage with and be supervised by a variety of staff including your supervisor, post-docs, higher degree by research students, honours students, and other undergraduate researchers. Make the most of this opportunity to meet other people in your field!

You may be pushed out of your comfort zone

It is quite likely that you will be learning about research topics that are different from the content you have completed as part of your coursework. Don't worry if you are expected to learn new things - that is the whole point of participating in the research program. Never be afraid to ask questions or seek help from your supervisor or other staff in your research unit.  

You may have more autonomy than you are used to

Many first-time researchers are surprised that research can be a rather fluid and independent process. To help provide structure to your project, we encourage you to meet with your supervisor early in the research process to set goals, deadlines, reporting lines and determine how you both expect to communicate with each other.  

It's not all glamour

Participation in this research experience is in many ways like a job, and while there is flexibility in the program you are expected to abide by the conditions of the program and your letter of offer. This means that you are expected to engage during regular working hours and complete set tasks. You might also be asked to complete tasks that seem a little repetitive - this is all a part of the research process and sometimes the most amazing discoveries are uncovered this way.

Consider the bigger picture

Keep an open mind throughout the process. This experience doesn't have to define what you do in your future career, in fact, the experience may serve as an indicator that research isn't the best fit for you, and that's OK. Instead, take some time to truly reflect on the new capabilities and mindsets you do gain from the experience and consider how they will influence your choices and performance going forward.  

Have fun

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the diverse range of people who work and study at UQ. You can meet other research scholars at centrally coordinated events such as the Welcome and Celebration events and Skills Training workshops, as well as other events coordinated by your research unit.

We provide a number of programs and services that will help you make the most out of your research experience.

Skills Training Workshops

Considering this might be your first research experience, we offer a suite of skills training workshops designed to help you develop new knowledge and capabilities that will complement your research experience. Once you have accepted your offer you can register your attendance via StudentHub.

Training topics will be offered as either self-paced modules, Zoom sessions, or face-to-face sessions at the St Lucia Campus (bookings are essential).  

Maintain your Library Access

If you are graduating and re-enrolling in another program at UQ, you must notify the Student Enrichment and Employability Development Team so they can arrange specific library access for you otherwise you will lose it during the transition. Please contact your research unit directly if you have any questions about your level of access.

UQ Library Support 

UQ Library has a team of librarians who can assist you with your research projects. Contact the librarian team to discuss your information and research needs.

The UQ Library also has online training available including access to LinkedIn Learning Courses which cover key software applications used at UQ.  Other resources are listed below:

• Services for Researchers
• Research Tools & Techniques
• The Publishing Process

Shuttle Bus

Scholars who are based at campuses other than St Lucia can use the complimentary intercampus bus service to attend events & sessions. Every effort will be made to make sessions accessible to scholars online too.   

At the conclusion of the program, Student Enrichment and Employability Development will invite you to attend a Research Showcase which is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the program. This event also provides an opportunity for selected scholars to present their research to the cohort.

Understanding what you have learned from an experience and seeking opportunities to apply it is critical for developing your employability. 

Presenting Your Research

There are plenty of opportunities to take your experience to the next level by presenting your research to others. Here are a few opportunities to consider:

• UQ Science Student Research Conference
• Australasian Conference for Undergraduate Research 
• Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
• Perhaps you could ask to present your research to your supervisor or UQ research team to gain some extra practice.

Employability Award

To enhance your employability, we encourage you to engage in the process of self-reflection as a means of identifying what capabilities and attributes you have developed through the research experience. By completing this process, you will become better equipped to effectively communicate your potential in future job applications. 

Did you know?

The Summer and Winter Research Programs are recognised as a Supplementary Activity towards the Employability Award (providing you aren’t receiving credit or professional practice hours for your participation). To find out more about the program and what you have to gain from participating, visit the Employability Award website.

Watch Summer Research Scholar Kahlia Van Dyk explain how her research experience has enhanced her employability (0:00-1:14).

Student Enrichment and Employability Development, and participating research units would appreciate any feedback or recommendations that you may have to enhance the program. At the conclusion of the program, you will be sent an evaluation survey.