Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Monoclonal Antibodies

1. Background

a. This Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to a PhD student who is undertaking research in a project in ‘Novel Predictive Tools for the Selection and Engineering of Aggregation-Resistant Biologics Mainly Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies.’

b. This Scholarship is funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled to study full-time in a PhD within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must be domestic students.

c. Applicants must be willing to conduct research in a project in ‘Novel Predictive Tools for the Selection and Engineering of Aggregation-Resistant Biologics Mainly Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies.’

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,
II. cover letter (detailing interest in subject area), and
III. two academic referees.

b. Shortlisted applicants are required to attend an interview.

c. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the relevant research supervisor(s), or their nominated delegate(s).

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance for up to 3 years. The value of the stipend per annum is outlined below:

I. Year 1: $35,000,
II. Year 2: $35,700, and
III. Year 3: $36,414.

b. Extension of the Scholarship is not permitted.

c. The scholarship is for commencement in Research Period 3, 2022 or a later research period approved by the research supervisor. The commencement of the Scholarship can be deferred if the recipient:

I. has their candidature approved for deferral till a later research period, and
II. receives approval from Associate Dean (Research Education), Faculty of Medicine and Health to defer the Scholarship to the later research period.

d. If the Scholarship duration is not completed by 15 June 2025, the Scholarship will be automatically terminated unless extension of the Scholarship is approved by Associate Dean (Research Education), Faculty of Medicine and Health and the funding source.

e. No other amount is payable.

f. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to attending and passing the annual progress evaluation.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carer’s leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient is not permitted to conduct research overseas.

8. Suspension

a. Suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. if the recipient ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,
IV. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend scholarship where it is of higher value,
VI. if the recipient suspends, or
VII. if the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship.

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or
III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

12. Privacy and Confidentiality

a. The recipient is required to keep all confidential information disclosed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc or the University of Sydney confidential and ensure it is not disclosed to a third party without the prior written consent of the University of Sydney or Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, as appropriate, or as required by law.

13. Other Requirements
a. The recipient must submit all publications, presentations and their thesis to Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc for approval before publishing.