The University of Sydney Nano Institute Student Ambassador Scholarship

1. Background

a. The University of Sydney Nano Institute Student Ambassador Scholarship has been established to assist postgraduate students achieve practical experience, develop skills and contribute towards the goals of Sydney Nano through its researcher development programs, giving visibility to the study of nanoscience in innovative and creative ways.

b. The scholarship embodies Sydney Nano values of:
I. Culture - embracing equity, diversity and inclusion
II. External engagement – building an engaged community of champions with a team-focused mindset and mission.
III. Experimentation – championing bold ambition within a protected space for experimentation and iteration.

c. Ambassadors (scholarship recipients) will be provided with opportunities to develop their skills in research communication, project management and leadership.

d. Ambassadors will benefit from participation in Sydney Nano activities and projects that will support both their personal development and the institute's objectives.

e. This Scholarship is funded by The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano).

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 at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must be conducting research relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology from any disciplinary perspective.

c. Applicants must be a recipient of a primary scholarship from the University of Sydney that provides a stipend allowance.

d. Applicants must be located in Sydney.

e. Applicants must be a Research Student Member of Sydney Nano.

f. Applicants must have a letter of support from their respective primary supervisor.

g. The Scholarship will be awarded subject to the applicant obtaining a valid Working with Children Check.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. Academic Merit,
II. Curriculum vitae,
III. Prior experience of engagement/research communication activities, and
IV. A Personal Statement outlining the following:
• An example of engagement/ research communication activity showing innovation/creativity.
• An example of engagement/ research communication activity showing organizational skills e.g. approaching stakeholders, taking initiative and independence
• What skillset do they bring and what do they want to develop.

b. The Scholarship will be awarded on the nomination of a selection committee consisting of Sydney Nano Director (chair), General Manager, and a representative from Sydney Nano’s Research community who demonstrates commitment to our values.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $5,000 per annum for up to two years, and cannot be extended.

b. The Scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of research period 2 and research period 3.

c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Director, Sydney Nano and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university without prior approval.

d. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

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

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship, excluding any additional sick leave and parental leave.

7. Research Overseas

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship.

8. Suspension

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, Sydney Nano 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 scholarship.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,

II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis from Sydney Nano,

IV. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,

V. on receipt of another supplementary stipend scholarship(s) that increases the overall supplementary rate paid to a student to more than 75% of the primary amount. In such circumstances, the supplementary stipend scholarship of the higher value prevails,

VI. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII. if the student 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.

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 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.

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.