What is Co-Lab?
Co-Lab is 3C’s specialist lab for PhD candidates and early Career Researchers who want to undertake research that will change society for the better.
We conduct industry-engaged and industry-relevant research. We use a collaborative model in which PhD candidates, undergraduate and postgraduate students, senior academics, and Early Career Researchers work together to examine issues related to communication, especially in the fields of health, the environment, and social issues. Co-Lab also explores digital aspects of communication, such as social media, social influence, and digital communication.
We work with transdisciplinary research themes and partners
Through a critical and reflexive interrogation of communication practice and scholarship, we create a space to engage with multiple stakeholders from the private sector, public sector and civil society organisations. We envisage communication as a means to foster sustainable enterprise and social change. Our competitive advantage lies in merging transdisciplinary perspectives (from social marketing to cultural studies), research methods (from social-science-based quantitative and qualitative research to textual analysis) and objects of analysis (from marketing campaigns to media representations) to this end.
Research strategies range from experiments to grounded theory and ethnography. We actively encourage interdisciplinary research, which often means multi- or mixed-methods research. Research is conducted to explore, describe, or explain.
What do we research
The main research themes of Co-Lab align with those of 3C:
- Communication and Audiences
- Health Communication
- Social Marketing Communication
Our current Co-Lab PhD candidates are undertaking research projects that traverse these themes, and you can read about their current projects.
How we operate
Co-Lab operates as a peer support network and research training platform. It works alongside the Research Cafeteria as a resource to assist higher degrees by research (Masters, PhD), early career researchers and others by providing introductory sessions in specific areas related to communication and media research. The seminars are held fortnightly and are open-ended in terms of the content. The agenda is set by the members according to their interests at the time. Anyone, including candidates, can attend as they see fit and if the seminar topic suits their interests. The seminars are supported by a series of Theory Pods which reside in the Research Cafeteria. Theory Pods are prepared by the Co-Lab team and other experts in their respective fields. At present, there are over 90 Theory Pods in the Research Cafeteria. It is called the Research Cafeteria because you can pick up what looks good to you and leave anything that does not interest you alone. The Research Cafeteria is only available to staff and students of RMIT University.
Apply or find out more
If you are interested in pursuing a PhD or Masters by Research with Co-Lab, approach one of the members of 3C or email us to find out more. Project proposals must be aligned with Co-Labs’ core themes, and proposals that align with existing 3C projects will be prioritised.
You can learn more about RMIT’s eligibility requirements and application process.
Note that you must secure agreement from member supervisors before applying.
