Australian Synchrotron Thesis Medal 2010 Process and Policy

Background

The Australian Synchrotron Thesis Medal recognises excellence in the area of synchrotron science amongst postgraduate students in the completion of their PhD studies. 

The Australian Synchrotron invites applications for the Thesis Medal from PhD graduates whose thesis includes research that was undertaken at the Australian Synchrotron, or through research undertaken at the Australian National Beamline Facility (ANBF) or whose work was undertaken under the auspices of the Australian Synchrotron Research Program (ASRP). 

To be eligible, applicants must have completed their PhD whilst enrolled at an Australian or New Zealand University and must have been awarded their PhD between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010.  Applicants may still apply if their PhD has been awarded but not conferred within this time period.

The 2010 Australian Synchrotron Research Medal will be awarded at the 2010 Australian Synchrotron User meeting and the applicant will be invited to present an overview of their work at a plenary session during this meeting.  The award will include reasonable travel costs to attend the meeting and a monetary prize valued at $2500 to support the career development of the successful applicant.

Eligibility criteria and conditions of award

• The award is made annually to the PhD student who is judged to have completed the most outstanding thesis of the past two years with a strong focus on work undertaken utilising the Australian Synchrotron, the ANBF or under the auspices of the ASRP.
• Candidates are able to nominate themselves, however, a letter of support for their application is required from their PhD Supervisor(s).
• Nominations to be assessed by a Medal Selection Committee appointed by the Head of Science at the Australian Synchrotron.
• If the Medal Selection Committee is unable to identify a thesis of sufficient quality amongst the applications submitted, an award will not be offered. 
• The Applicant must be available to present their work at the 2010 Australian Synchrotron User Meeting, which will take place in Melbourne from 22-24 November and must be registered to attend this meeting.

Application process

To apply for the Australian Synchrotron Thesis Medal, applicants must supply the following:

•  A letter of support providing an overview of the research undertaken during the PhD candidature of the applicant, their academic achievements and future plans for their research career.
• Three printed copies of the thesis, along with evidence of the thesis being passed.
• Letters of support from the candidates’ PhD supervisor and Head of Department or School describing the significance of the work and the contribution it has made to the relevant field.
• Copies of the examiners’ reports.
• A list of publications resulting from the thesis.
• A copy of the applicant’s CV.

The Australian Synchrotron will retain one copy of the successful thesis.  All other copies will be returned to the applicants at the end of the selection process.

Queries?

Any queries should be addressed to Dr Christine Latif, Head of External Relations, via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Applications should be forwarded to:

Professor Ian Gentle
Head of Science
Australian Synchrotron 
800 Blackburn Road
Clayton Victoria 3168

Applications close Monday 16 August 2010.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Click here to find out about the 2008 Australian Synchrotron Thesis Medal in biology and life sciences, which was awarded to Dr Fleur Tynan.