Research News and Funding Opportunities

In this edition:

  1. Anticipated ARC Funding Schemes
  2. Research Round Tables are back!
  3. Conversations when you have missed out on your Cat 1 Grant
  4. ERIC

1. Anticipated ARC Funding Schemes for 2025-2026

If you are interested in applying for any of the following schemes please contact foe-research@unimelb.edu.au as soon as possible. Especially if you are interested in the Future Fellowship scheme.

2. Research Round Tables are back!

Date: Thursday 29 May

Time: 1-2pm

Venue: Conference room 915 or zoom https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/88690538459?pwd=acGnD73i6NnvsiEf7rIIvfzBzopUuD.1&from=addon

 If prompted for a password, please enter: 852925

Each month a new theme will be discussed. This month the theme is wellbeing.

Education’s Wellbeing Equation: Essential or a Luxury?

Hosted by Professor Nikki Rickard, Centre for Wellbeing Centre

Panel will include Professor Jon Quach from the Learning Intervention Academic Group, Professor Pasi Sahlberg from the Teacher Academic group, Professor Dianne Vella-Brodrick, Dr Tan Chyuan Chin and Dr Catherine Smith from the Centre for Wellbeing Science

3. Conversations when you have missed out on your Cat 1 Grant

Professor Kate Reynolds and Professor Julie McLeod have been meeting with researchers who have missed out on category 1 funding (ARC, NHMRC, MRFF). Many thanks to everyone who has participated.

4. Reductions to ERIC content – Implications for researchers and students

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education. It is widely used for literature reviews, systematic reviews and industry projects, systematic reviews and industry projects. ERIC is available via their webpage and publisher platforms. Most University of Melbourne users access ERIC via the EBSCO or ProQuest platforms subscribed to by the Library.

What’s happened?

  • The number of records added to the ERIC collection will be significantly reduced going forward due to the US government reducing overall federal spending
  • Subject matter was not considered during the process to identify which sources would be made inactive
  • All record currently in ERIC will remain available. The number is actively cataloged sources will be reduced by around 45% from April 24, 2025
  • There has been a delay in notifying publishers impacted. Once notified, a final list of retained sources (journal and non-journals) will be posted

Implications for researchers and students

Currently, there are no specific details regarding the content impacted. We understand this is due to significant reductions in the workforce at the U.S. Department of Education. We know that the scope and comprehensiveness of the ERIC database will be impacted, and coverage of journals and grey literature will be reduced. As this is a dynamic issue, the library team will stay in touch with our professional networks and platform providers to gather information.

The Education Library team is closely monitoring developments and as more information is provided, the team will develop and share advice with the FoE community on alternative platforms for literature discovery to support the learning, teaching and research needs of the Faculty.

For a full range of search tools and databases we encourage you to review the resources listed on the Educational Research Library guide. For support with research resources, please contact Educ-librarians@unimelb.edu.au.