WAIER-Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Student Research Prize Information 2024

The Western Australian Institute for Educational Research [WAIER] was established in the 1929 for the purpose of promoting and disseminating new educational research generated, for the most part, here in Western Australia. One way WAIER supports educational researchers is through research funding. We are delighted to offer this opportunity to students in higher education, generously sponsored by the Fogarty Foundation.

The Fogarty Foundation invests in education to provide opportunities for individuals to realise their potential and to change and enrich lives. The Foundation supports activities and programs across the broad spectrum of the community, especially working with schools in low socio-economic areas and developing the capacity of those who will be leaders in our state (https://fogartyfoundation.org.au/).

Aim of the WAIER-Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Student Research Prize

Our aim is to support educational researchers conducting research directly relevant to early childhood, primary, secondary, or tertiary education. This prize, sponsored by the Fogarty Foundation, supports educational researchers studying at an approved higher education institution.

The total prize money available is $5000. These funds may be used for purposes including, but not limited to:

• Education, e.g., fees associated with attending a forum, conference, tertiary study; 
• Resources, e.g., the costs of purchasing a textbook, digital recorder, software, data analysis, reimbursement for participants.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an approved postgraduate education course (MEd, MPhil, EdD, PhD) at a higher education institution in Western Australia;
• Either reside in Australia or have a visa that will be valid for the duration of the prize.

The application process:

1. If you are applying for funding to conduct research, please provide a brief outline of the proposed study. 
2. If you are applying for conference funding or study assistance not associated with a specific research project, please provide details of the activity and a clear statement outlining the proposed research benefits. 

In addition, all applicants are required to provide:

1. Evidence of enrolment in an MEd, MPhil, EdD or PhD at a higher education institution in Western Australia.
2. Evidence of meeting residential/visa requirements.
3. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max. 5 pages) that includes evidence of previous academic success; for example, academic transcripts, awards and/or details of conference papers.

4. Contact details of two referees who will be approached for information about the applicant. Referees should be conversant with the proposed study or project and/or attest to the capacity of the applicant to undertake such research / activities.
5. An indication of the planned outputs arising from this funding, that includes details of a related presentation at the next available WAIER Forum.

Criteria for assessment:

• Potential to contribute to education in Australia, particularly Western Australia;
• Evidence of previous academic excellence;
• Clear statement of relevance and value of proposed use of funds for professional, educational or conference purposes; and
• Clarity of the proposal.

How the program works:

To confirm that the money has been spent in accordance with the budget, prize recipient(s) will be required to:

1. Submit the WAIER Acquittal Form within 12 months of receiving the funds; and
2. Provide receipts for all expenses that require funding. 

Any queries about the funding may be directed to the WAIER Treasurer, Dr Gregory Hine (email:  gregory.hine@nd.edu.au ).

If successful, applicants will be required to:

1. Ensure the funding is used within 12 months from the notification of the success of the application. It is an expectation that any unexpended funds will be refunded to WAIER.
2. Complete and sign the financial acquittal (WAIER Acquittal Form), verifying expenditure of monies received. Within this form provide a summary, in layman’s terms, outlining key outcomes and/or findings achieved in relation to the funding.
3. List any publications, clearly identifying whether; (a) published, (b) in press, (c) submitted for publication, or (d) in preparation, unpublished papers and conference presentations arising from this funding, acknowledging the support of the WAIER-Fogarty Research Prize, or other research-related outcomes.
4. Present an oral presentation at the annual WAIER Forum in the year following the receipt of the prize. 
5. Provide a synopsis of the research/findings for the WAIER website. 

Successful applicants are encouraged to submit an article to the journal Issues in Educational Research. In any publication, regardless of the journal, the contribution of the WAIER-Fogarty Research Prize must be acknowledged. 

How to apply:

Submit application ‘Attention: WAIER Fogarty Prize’, via email to waier.grantsandawards@gmail.com

Applications will close 19 July, 2024. The successful recipient will be notified via email. In addition, an announcement will be placed on the WAIER Website. 

The successful recipient(s) will be announced at the WAIER Research Forum, to be held at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, on the 17^th August 2024.

For more information view the information guide. You can visit our Previous Grants & Awards page for updates on the recipients.