Research Fellows

Speaker 1

The most important thing that motivated me to apply for the VCRF program, is that it allows me to take my career in an exciting direction. I have all the support to go on the projects that I'm passionate about. My long term research goal is to apply innovative molecular biology approaches to benefit human and animal health. It's great being able to play a role and make a meaningful impact in helping the elderly to lead quality long lives.

Speaker 1

And this has also allow me to develop exciting collaborations with international partners. I'm so pleased that I can build my career at a supporting university like RMIT. The most valuable part about being an RMIT VC Research Fellow, is the multidisciplinary collaboration. The program has opened doors for me to establish new collaborations with key staff from different schools and Enabling Capability Platforms.

Speaker 1

My key piece of advice for someone considering applying this year is that potential applicants study the research, focus and research groups at RMIT and see how their research aligns with the school's focus research areas. Importantly, what expertize can they bring into RMIT?

Speaker 1

The motivation to apply for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship is my ambition to change the world. Automated provides all the facilities and support that is required. RMIT provides the intellectual environment and leadership and mentorship that is that no other institute provides. RMIT university provides freedom to work. It provides the freedom to lead so you can lead big projects. So you can hire staff.

Speaker 1

You can lead PHDs as well as you can initiate new research areas which have an impact beyond academia. If someone is competitive and they want to establish their own research area to change the world, I would recommend them to applying for the Vice-Chancellor Research Fellowship as it provide all those components which are required to fulfill their research needs, as well as to improve their skills and to be considered as tomorrow's leaders.

So I saw the Ph.D. as a driving license and to expand after that, you needed a pathway or a program that can help you define yourself in the research and academic career. The VCRF program just seems to fit the bill. What got me attracted to the program was it's not like any other fellowship where most of the fellowships you get define projects.

You have given outcomes and it's very academic focused. Whereas I was looking for being in organizational science area and more with a psychology sort of background. I wanted to make sure that there's some sort of impact I can create in the real world, not just academic outputs. And I wanted to sort of intellectual freedom to kind of build my own research program.

And the VCRF program allows you to do that. You're not set in stone. You get to create your own and kind of find yourself in the process. I'll say if someone wants to apply, give it a go, because what's there to lose? I mean, if you've done your PhD, you've done the hard work. Now's the time to reap the benefits and the reward.

And I think the VCRF program allows you to do that. You make great connections. There's a whole heap of like minded people. If your program fits and aligns, then you'll find already an established network of people who are doing this at global level. And you can be part of something, something meaningful.