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Industry Sponsorship

Where Industry Accesses Innovation

Central to the RLP is the opportunity for organisations to sponsor a student research project. Sponsoring student research projects creates invaluable partnerships and relationships across research and industry. It allows organisations to connect and collaborate with the next generation of high-calibre research leaders who work to solve focused and organisation-specific challenges.

Student research projects undertaken by PhD, Masters and Honours researchers provide an alternative, cost-effective solution to challenges industry faces, helping to rapidly unlock organisational innovation, capability, capacity, and skills.

Sponsoring student research projects also enhances professional development providing crucial networking, mentorship, and professional support opportunities, all of which assist in creating adaptable, industry-ready graduates.

There are numerous full scholarship packages available for Industry organisations to sponsor. Our packages are fully flexible and can be customised to industry sponsor needs.

Honours

$17,000

PhD

$39,000

Masters by research

$29,000

Masters by coursework

$17,000

Become an Industry Sponsor Organisation

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Join a growing community of businesses securing their future by investing in the future leaders of the sector.

Benefits

Benefits to Industry Members
  • Low-cost and well supervised mechanism to have key challenges addressed through applied research specific to your organisation
  • Access to high-quality students that are fully supported by mentors, peers and supervisors through WaterRA
  • Research provided through Australia's leading universities
  • Researchers and Universities linked directly to your organisation
  • Extra staff for your organisation as students are not linked to organisational headcount
  • National and international exposure through student presentations and publications
  • Student projects DO NOT attract university overhead fees
  • Low-risk with cost effective, flexible funding options with your investment in securing the next generation of water professionals
Benefits to Research Members
  • Work with the largest utilities in Australia on industry-driven projects with a clear and direct path to research impact
  • Deep engagement within the water sector allowing you to further your networks and reputation within the industry
  • Access WaterRA's mentor and professional development program, designed specifically for water industry professionals
  • Have your expenses covered through an operating and travel allowance
  • Increase the exposure for your research outcomes through allocated conference and network support
  • Student projects are categorised as 'Category A' funding and do not incur overhead fees
  • Scholarship package provides leverage for supervisors to attract the best students

Frequently asked questions

How long are student research projects?

Project duration depends on the degree undertaken and can be up to:

  • 1 year (Honours)
  • 2.5 years (Masters)
  • 4 years (PhD)

What is the working arrangement between the student and the industry partner?

The primary aim of the program is for the student to gain relevant professional training and skills within a workplace setting, relating to their area of study. Students do not undertake day-to-day commercial activities, but focus on a short term, self-contained research project related to their field of study. There is no employment contract between the student and the industry partner and as such the student is not held to obligations whilst undertaking the internship. Students remain enrolled at the university whilst completing the internship and receive a scholarship, not a hourly rate. The project contract outlines that the industry partner is under no obligation to create an employment relationship with the student and that the primary purpose of the internship is for the intern’s educational purposes.

Are students covered by insurance?

The student is covered for insurance by the University once enrolled at the university. Insurance coverage ceases when the student submits their Thesis.

What is the program's policy regarding confidentiality and disclosure?

We support the creation of confidentiality and non‑disclosure agreements between participating parties providing the reasonable rights of interns and their mentors are maintained. It is important that these agreements don’t impair the ability of academic mentors or interns to publish their results or for a student to complete his/her thesis. In some instances, these agreements can call for an embargo period before which publications should take place.

What is WaterRA's policy regarding Intellectual Property (IP)?

WaterRA makes no claim whatsoever to IP. Ownership of Project Intellectual Property created during the project is co-shared between the sponsor and the university, unless otherwise agreed.

Can our industry contribution be "in kind"?

Sponsorship of the scholarship package is cash funding only. Supervision can be included as in-kind contribution throughout the project.

Can an organisation who is not a member of WaterRA sponsor a scholarship package?

Yes, we recognise that non-members such as councils have research related issues requiring investigation.

Can more than one organisation sponsor a student project?

Yes, we have a number of members interested in the same research issue and can share the cost to have the student investigate a number of sites.

Can the industry partner be outside of Australia?

The eligibility of a foreign company to participate in the WaterRA program is considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

As funding industry partner, do I choose the PhD student?

Yes, the industry partner and academic supervisor ultimately have the final say in which student is selected.

How are projects developed?

The industry partner identifies a research issue and submits a Project Initiation form. The university and student are listed if known.  If not, WaterRA will connect you to a research organisation and assist in acquiring a student.  An informal chat or formal interview depending on your requirements can be arranged to shortlist the candidates and select a student.

Can philanthropy fund student projects?

Yes, according to ATO requirements WaterRA has DGR1 status and students must be Australian citizens or Permanent Residents.

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