Initial Review

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Ensuring your research is on track

The Initial Review is a key milestone in your graduate research journey. It confirms that your research proposal is academically rigorous and achievable within the timeframe of your degree. In collaboration with your supervisors, you will address financial and resource needs, intellectual property, ethics, authorship, and compliance requirements.

You will also reflect on your Graduate Research & Innovation Training (GRIT) development needs and document the activities you have completed so far.

Timeframes for Initial Review completion

  • PhD and Master of Philosophy: within six months (or part-time equivalent) of starting your candidature.
  • Master of Research: within three months (or part-time equivalent) of beginning the research component.
  • Joint award students hosted by Adelaide University and graduate research students transferring from another institution: within two months of arrival.

Early completion is encouraged.

What you’ll need to complete the Initial Review

To successfully complete your Initial Review, you must:

  • finalise and sign your Candidature Agreement
  • complete the Graduate Researcher Induction and Research Integrity courses
  • obtain your Open Research and Contributor ID (ORCiD) and upload it into Aurora
  • submit your Research Proposal using the AUGRS template, including supporting documents (e.g. Gantt chart or completion plan)
  • discuss financial resourcing and any School funding available
  • explore the option of a funded research internship with an eligible partnership organisation
  • Where possible secure any required ethics or compliance approvals
  • complete hazard training if applicable
  • understand any intellectual property considerations which may impact your research project
  • prepare a Data Management Plan in line with the University’s Research Data and Primary Materials Policyrelevant policy or procedure
  • discuss and agree on authorship arrangements for publications resulting from your research
  • confirm access to the minimum resources needed for your research
  • provide a summary of your GRIT progress to date.

Before you begin your Initial Review

Log in to myAdelaide and check:

  • your personal details are up to date
  • your supervisory panel is correctly listed - only your Principal Supervisor can approve your Initial Review
  • your candidature details (e.g. research topic, attendance mode/load) are accurate.

It is essential you advise the Graduate Research School of any changes by submitting a Change of Supervisory Panel application before you access the Initial Review form and commence the review process.

Familiarise yourself with the University’s expectations for conducting research responsibly, ethically and with integrity.

You are not required to complete a Confirmation of Candidature Review.

  • Use the provided template to develop your research proposal.
  • Estimate the total costs of your research beyond basic infrastructure support.
  • Obtain any required ethics or compliance approvals (e.g. animal, human, gene technology, biosafety). If approvals are pending, include an expected clearance date.
  • Complete hazard training if applicable and record the dates.
  • Review any intellectual property (IP) considerations:
    • If your project is being carried out for or with others outside of the University, obtain copies of any relevant agreements with these organisations.
    • Obtain details of any external organisation you are employed by that might reasonably have an interest in the IP developed for the project or in the confidential information.
    • Determine if you will require access to any restricted data/materials.
  • Prepare a Data Management Plan using the approved template and review the relevant policy or procedure.
  • Confirm access to the minimum resources needed for your project, including travel for field work or conferences, and identify any School funding available for research-related costs.
  • Note any major equipment or facilities you will need and how often you will access them.
  • Discuss and document authorship arrangements for future publications.
  • Familiarise yourself with the University’s Authorship Procedure, Academic Integrity Policy and the appropriate use of generative AI.

  • Read the Graduate Research & Innovation Training (GRIT) requirements for your degree program.
  • Ensure your completed GRIT activities are recorded in GRIT Online with supporting evidence.
  • Save a PDF of your GRIT progress to date (within one week of when your Initial Review will be submitted).

Review process

Step 1

Graduate research student

Book a meeting with your supervisory panel at least three weeks before the due date to discuss your research proposal, associated needs and your progress (including GRIT) since starting in candidature. During or after the meeting, complete the graduate research student sections of the review form and submit it to your Principal Supervisor at least two weeks before the due date.

Step 2

Principal Supervisor

The Principal Supervisor reviews your submission, provides an assessment of your progress relevant to the standards and timeframe for completion, requests any additional information or required changes to the form, and nominates a School approver.

Note: Co-/External Supervisors have view only access.

Step 3

School approver

The School approver reviews your progress and the recommendation of your supervisors and other relevant discipline experts, then meets with you and certifies the form on behalf of the School.

Step 4

Dean of Research (or delegate)

The Dean of Research (or delegate) is responsible for final certification. Following this, the Graduate Research School undertakes final processing. 

If there is an IP component to your research proposal, your form will be reviewed by the Graduate Research School before advancing to the Dean of Research (or delegate).

You’ll be notified of the outcome via email once the review is complete.

Tracking your review

It is your responsibility to monitor progress via the review dashboard and follow up with your supervisor or School if needed. If you anticipate delays, request an extension via your Principal Supervisor.

Additional information

Graduate research students transitioning from the University of South Australia who completed a six-month progress review are exempt from the Initial Review.

Graduate research students transitioning from the University of Adelaide who completed the Core Component of the Structured Program (CCSP) milestone are also exempt.

You can save your Initial Review as a draft and return to it later. However, you must submit it for your Principal Supervisor to complete their section.

Contact the Adelaide University Graduate Research School

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Phone us

From within Australia

08 8313 5882

From outside Australia

+61 8 8313 5882

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Email us

graduate.research@adelaide.edu.au

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Visit us

From 5 January – 5 February
Schulz Building, Level 10
Adelaide, South Australia

From 10 February
205 North Terrace
Adelaide, South Australia

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm