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The Edna Briggs Scholarship in Physics

A postgraduate research scholarship
This scholarship provides financial support to students conducting research in physics.

Highlights

Value Eligibility Open date Close date
Up to $7,500
  • PhD or master's by research degree in physics
10 July 2023 06 August 2023

How to apply

Apply here.

Benefits

This scholarship is valued up to $7,500 and is awarded as a one‐off payment.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have a conditional or unconditional offer of admission, or be currently enrolled in either a PhD or master's by research degree in the School of Physics.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

  • identify as female
  • demonstrate financial hardship and/or carer responsibilities
  • do not hold an alternative primary scholarship, such as a Research Training Program Scholarship, offered by the University of Sydney.  

Background

This scholarship provides financial support to students undertaking a higher degree by research program in the School of Physics.

Edna Briggs (BSc, 1917) was the first woman to graduate in physics from the University of Sydney. More than a century on, Edna's daughters, Dr Barbara Briggs and Margaret Wright, are still drawing inspiration from their late mother. Both daughters followed in her footsteps and studied science at Sydney.

Edna was a pioneer for women in physics, excelling academically at a time when science and academia were the domain of men. Barbara and Margaret established the Edna Briggs Scholarship for Women in Physics in their mother's name to ensure that her life and achievements continue to inspire more young female scientists.

1. Background

a. Established in 2017 by a gift from Dr Barbara Briggs who graduated from the University of Sydney, this Scholarship provides financial support to students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research Program in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must have a conditional or unconditional offer of admission for studies in either a PhD or Masters by research degree, or be currently enrolled in a PhD or Masters by research in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants without an unconditional offer of admission may apply and be selected, however, no scholarship offer will be sent until the applicant has an unconditional offer of admission.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit,
II. curriculum vitae, and
III. a personal statement which demonstrates their financial need and/or carer responsibilities of children/family members.

b. Preference will be given to applicants who identify as female.

c. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial hardship and/or carer responsibilities.

d. Preference will be given to applicants who do not hold an alternative primary scholarship, such as a Research Training Program Scholarship, offered by the University of Sydney.

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the nomination of a selection committee consisting of the Head of School in the School of Physics and the Dean of the Faculty of Science, or their nominated delegates.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued up to $7,500 and is awarded as a one-off payment. The amount awarded will be indicated in the offer letter.

b. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of Head of School of Physics and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university.

c. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

d. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing Eligibility

a. Recipients must continue their enrolment in their research studies within the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. commences part-time study without prior approval,
III. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,
IV. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,
V. accepts an alternative scholarship, administered by the University of Sydney, valued at $6,000 per annum or more for the same purpose as this Scholarship, unless otherwise approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Science to hold both and the other scholarship permits,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

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

c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.