Event Funding

Building stronger Graduate Research communities

A thriving Graduate Research community is built through connection, collaboration and shared experiences.

The Graduate Research Academy (GRA) provides funding to support events led by Graduate Researchers that contribute to building a connected and inclusive research community at Macquarie.

Student-led events provide opportunities to:

• connect with researchers across disciplines and cohorts
• share research experiences and knowledge
• develop leadership and event organisation skills
• strengthen belonging within the Graduate Research community

The Graduate Research Experience team can support organisers with guidance and advice to help plan and deliver successful events.

Funding available

Funding is available for events held during eligible funding periods:

• Up to $250 per event for School, Department or cohort-based activities
• Up to $500 per event for interdisciplinary activities involving meaningful collaboration across Schools/Department or Faculties

What types of events can be funded?

Examples of eligible events include:

• Graduate Research student symposia and presentation days
• networking and social events
• research discussion groups
• skill-sharing activities
• interdisciplinary events
• other activities that support Graduate Research community building

Funding is not intended for formal training programs or services already provided by the University.

Funding rounds

A maximum of six events will be funded per session, subject to available funding.

Eligible expenses

Funding may be used to support reasonable costs directly related to the delivery of your event. This may include:

• catering (e.g. light refreshments for attendees)
• event consumables (e.g. printing, name tags, stationery)
• materials required to support event delivery (e.g. workshop resources or supplies)

All expenses should be clearly linked to the purpose of the event and support participation, engagement and the overall experience for attendees.

Note: funding is not intended for the purchase of alcohol, student elections, or the endorsement of political parties, MPs, or related affiliations.

Who can apply?

Applications must meet the following criteria:

• The organising committee includes at least two current Graduate Research students.
• The event supports the Graduate Research community and is open to the intended cohort of Graduate Research students (Graduate Diploma, MRes, MPhil and PhD).
• The event encourages sharing of knowledge and experience across research levels.
• Organisers have considered accessibility, inclusion and participation options for students who cannot attend in person.
• Organisers have consulted with and received support from their School or Department Research Training Director(s).
• Interdisciplinary applications include representation from each participating group.

Successful applicants must provide a brief post-event report outlining the outcomes of the activity.

How to apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Plan your event: Work with fellow Graduate Research students to develop an event that supports connection, collaboration and community.
2. Consult your Research Training Director: Discuss your event idea, intended audience and timing with your School or Department Research Training Director(s).
3. Prepare your application information: You will need to provide:
   1. description of your event and intended outcomes
   2. information about your target audience and how the event supports inclusion
   3. proposed date, location and schedule
   4. a budget outlining planned expenses
   5. details of your organising committee
   6. confirmation of consultation with your Research Training Director(s)
4. Submit your application: [Apply for Graduate Research Student Event Funding]

Application review

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Research Academy, with consultation from relevant Schools/Departments where required.

Applications will be assessed based on:

• alignment with the aims of the scheme
• contribution to the Graduate Research community
• inclusiveness and accessibility
• feasibility of the proposed event
• availability of funding

Applicants may be contacted if further information or adjustments are required. Successful applicants will be notified by the outcome date listed for each funding round.

Delivering your event

Once your application is approved, you can move ahead with delivering your event with confidence.

The Graduate Research Experience team is available to support you throughout the process, including guidance on event delivery, engagement and logistics where needed. This is also a great opportunity to build your skills in leadership, coordination and community building.

Accessing your funding

There are two ways to manage approved event expenses:

• Staff-supported purchasing (preferred)
  Where possible, organisers should work with their Research Training Director or a staff member to arrange payment through University purchasing processes (e.g. staff credit card). This helps reduce the need for out-of-pocket expenses.
• Reimbursement (post-event)
  If you need to pay for items directly, you can request reimbursement after the event by submitting a Non-Order Payment Form (NOPF) with:

Students are encouraged to confirm arrangements in advance and avoid personal expenses where possible.

Reflecting on your event

After your event, you will be asked to submit a short report to the Graduate Research Academy outlining:

• what your event aimed to achieve
• how it was delivered
• participation and engagement
• how the funding was used
• key outcomes or learnings

This helps us understand the impact of student-led activities and continue improving support for the Graduate Research community.

Staying connected

We encourage organisers to continue building on the connections and momentum created through your event. Many successful activities grow into ongoing communities, collaborations or future initiatives.

If you’re interested in running future events or expanding your idea, the Graduate Research Experience team would be happy to support you.