Initial Review

Ensuring your research is on track

The Initial Review is a key milestone in your graduate research journey. It confirms that your research proposal is academically rigorous and achievable within the timeframe of your degree. In collaboration with your supervisors, you will address financial and resource needs, intellectual property, ethics, authorship, and compliance requirements.

You will also reflect on your Graduate Research & Innovation Training (GRIT) development needs and document the activities you have completed so far.

Timeframes for Initial Review completion

• PhD and Master of Philosophy: within six months (or part-time equivalent) of starting your candidature.
• Master of Research: within three months (or part-time equivalent) of beginning the research component.
• Joint award students hosted by Adelaide University and graduate research students transferring from another institution: within two months of arrival.

Early completion is encouraged.

What you’ll need to complete the Initial Review

To successfully complete your Initial Review, you must:

• finalise and sign your Candidature Agreement
• complete the Graduate Researcher Induction and Research Integrity courses
• obtain your Open Research and Contributor ID (ORCiD) and upload it into Aurora
• submit your Research Proposal using the AUGRS template, including supporting documents (e.g. Gantt chart or completion plan)
• discuss financial resourcing and any School funding available
• explore the option of a funded research internship with an eligible partnership organisation
• Where possible secure any required ethics or compliance approvals
• complete hazard training if applicable
• understand any intellectual property considerations which may impact your research project
• prepare a Data Management Plan in line with the University’s Research Data and Primary Materials Policyrelevant policy or procedure
• discuss and agree on authorship arrangements for publications resulting from your research
• confirm access to the minimum resources needed for your research
• provide a summary of your GRIT progress to date.

Before you begin your Initial Review

Recommendations for completion

• Please submit your research proposal to the panel approx. 2 weeks prior to your meeting with the GRC. Your supervisor can advise you if they will send the proposal or if it should be sent by you directly.
• A review of your proposal will be completed by 1 -2 independent experts within the university or external but separate of your supervisory panel, with your GRC overseeing the progress review.
• The independent expert(s) will provide some written feedback, which will be shared with you and your supervisors.
• The GRC will meet with you independently (without your supervisors present) to discuss feedback and your experience as a graduate researcher throughout the first few months of your candidature. This is a valuable opportunity to check in how everything is going and to make amendments early if needed.
• Additional meetings with the overall panel may be required in some instances where significant concerns are raised.
• Any amendments to the research proposed should be captured but a candidate is not required to revise their research proposal unless significant concerns are noted by the GRC.
• If you would like to add to your written proposal and practice your oral communication skills, we encourage you to complete a video presenting your research proposal. This should not be longer than 3 minutes and can be submitted with your written research proposal. Please note that this is not required but is an option for those who would prefer to have an opportunity to talk about their research.       

Review process

Tracking your review

It is your responsibility to monitor progress via the review dashboard and follow up with your supervisor or School if needed. If you anticipate delays, request an extension via your Principal Supervisor.

Additional information