The Edna Briggs Scholarship in Physics

1. Background

a. Established in 2018 from a generous donation by Dr Barbara Briggs, who graduated from the University of Sydney, this Scholarship provides support to students studying physics at the University of Sydney.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a PhD within School of Physics, Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit,
II. curriculum vitae, and
III. a personal statement outlining how the scholarship will assist them in their degree.

b. Preference will be given to applicants who:

I. identify as female,
II. can demonstrate financial hardship and/or carer responsibilities via relevant supporting documents such as Centrelink statements and/or signed medical letter.

c. 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 delegate(s).

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $10,000 and will be paid as a one-off payment in the relevant research period the recipient is enrolled in.

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. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

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. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
IV. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
V. if the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

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.

6. 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 2023 (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 Student Charter 2020 and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

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.