Background
The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) was established in 1986 and continues to undertake research to facilitate the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. Our vision is healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems in the Murray-Darling Basin. The mission of the MDFRC is the generation, synthesis and communication of freshwater ecological science fundamental to the protection and enhancement of the natural assets of the Murray-Darling Basin.
The MDFRC operates two research laboratories located along the Murray River, at Wodonga and Mildura. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the MDFRC website www.mdfrc.org.au to view information about current projects.
This Honours Prize will be administered at the Mildura laboratory.
Purpose of the Prize
To encourage research that is of direct relevance to the environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems and catchments in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Subject areas
Freshwater ecology including but not limited to: water quality; fish biology, ecology and habitat; vegetation ecology; weir pool manipulation; environmental flows and waterway connectivity.
Number of Prizes
One prize may be awarded each year; however the MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize may not be discharged every year if suitable applications are not received.
Prize
A $5,000 stipend.
Eligibility
All students intending to commence Honours in either semester one or semester two 2010.
Selection criteria
The recipient of the Honours Prize will provide a carefully researched project proposal indicating scope for peer reviewed publication from their research, must have an MDFRC Mildura researcher as a joint supervisor of their project and will conduct some or all of their Honours research from the Mildura laboratory.
Submitting your application
a) Speak to potential thesis supervisors at your University and MDFRC Mildura; identify a potential project.
b) Write a project proposal. This should be no more than four (4) pages, but should include title, brief literature review, objectives, methods and scope for peer reviewed publication. The standard format for scientific reporting is recommended. Your supervisors should have strong input into your proposal.
c) Include your resume, with your academic results.
d) Include a letter of endorsement from your supervisors.
Applicants are strongly advised to target their project proposal towards issues related to environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems.
All applicants will be advised by mail of the success or otherwise of their application. Short-listed candidates may be called for an interview.
Applications
Written applications should be addressed to:
Michelle Kavanagh
“MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize”
The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre
PO Box 3428
Mildura Vic 3502
Applications are due by 5pm on Wednesday 31 March, 2010.
No late applications will be accepted.
Terms and conditions
1) The Prize will be paid in two (2) equivalent amounts at the beginning of 1st and 2nd semester of study (The MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize 2010 is valued at $5,000 in total). The prize will be paid into the student's nominated bank account. The second payment will be made subject to the submission of a progress report from the applicant's supervisors, indicating progress, and notification that the student is an on-going enrolment at their institution
2) The recipient must acknowledge sponsorship by The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre in all publicity and reports.
3) The recipient will be required to email a .pdf version of their final thesis to the MDFRC Knowledge and Communications Manager: r.sinclair@latrobe.edu.au. Recipients are also required to deliver a final project seminar to the MDFRC staff.
4) If a student is awarded the MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize and then subsequently defers from their Honours year, then the Prize will be forfeited.
5) An MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize is not necessarily awarded each year.
6) Determination of tax implications for the recipient of the MDFRC Mildura Honours Prize is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Visit the link to the following Australian Taxation Office dichotomous key http://calculators.ato.gov.au/scripts/axos/axos.asp?CONTEXT=&KBS=iScholarship.XR4&go=ok
For further information contact Michelle Kavanagh, Knowledge Exchange Officer, The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura, email m.kavanagh@latrobe.edu.au
