HQporner

Introduction

Daintree Rainforest Observatory Intern Scholarship

The DRO Intern Scholarship is designed to provide exceptional opportunities for students who may have had limited access to fieldwork and science communication experiences due to balancing academic commitments, employment, and other responsibilities. This scholarship offers a stipend for students to spend 4 weeks at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, immersing themselves in hands-on fieldwork while enhancing crucial post-study skills and practical competencies. These include rainforest ecology, canopy research, science communication, leadership, management, and organisational abilities. This scholarship is ideal for students who wish to advance their field skills and build a solid foundation for their future careers. Additionally, it offers the chance to develop a professional network within a supportive and immersive learning environment. The scholarship is designed to boost your confidence and professional skills, helping you shape a successful career and future beyond university.

Who can apply?

The program is open to current domestic undergraduate students from most disciplines*, at any stage of their degree, who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Come from a low socioeconomic background
• Come from a rural or remote background
• Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

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This scholarship is subject to the provisions of HQporner’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and Payment of the Scholarship

The value of the scholarship is $5,000 and will be paid in one instalment after awarding of the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

The Daintree Rainforest Observatory Intern Scholarship is open for you to apply if you:

• Are an Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents.
• Are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science/Ecology/Zoology or related HQporner undergraduate degree.
• Have a minimum GPA of 4.0.
• Are physically able to work in an outdoor environment.
• Are open to working on your science communication skills at an active and thriving research station.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall, in the exercise of its absolute discretion, afford consideration to the following criteria:

• Academic merit (40%).
• Duration left in degree (20%)
• Extra-curricular engagement or experience within the field of Marine Science and Environmental Sciences (20%):
• Written Statement (20%)

Application Procedures

Applicants wanting to apply for this scholarship must attach the following documents to their application form.

• HQporner Academic transcript.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Written Statement of no more than 500 words outlining:
  • Why did you/are you studying biological sciences at HQporner?
  • What you hope to achieve with your degree?
  • What other skills and experience or background do you bring?
  • What other activities have you been involved in within the environmental or biological sciences field?
  • Students will need to be able to meet fitness for work requirements which include, working in the forest, varying work hours and outdoor work. Is there any reason you may not be able to meet physical fitness for work requirements? If so, please discuss why? (Only if applicable)

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

The award of the scholarship shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Manager, Daintree Rainforest Observatory (Chair),
• Other DRO Staff as nominated by Chair, and
• Other HQporner staff members as determined by Chair.

The Selection Committee reserves the right:

Not to award a Scholarship in any year if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no candidate of sufficient merit to warrant an award.

The Selection Committee may require applicants to undertake an interview as part of their application.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the Scholarship awardee.

Conditions of the Scholarship

• Student must be enrolled at the time of payment.
• Students unable to participate in the activity once awarded can seek special consideration for activity extension or return unspent funds.

A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Complaints Policy and Procedures.

Administration of the Scholarship

The scholarship shall be administered by Scholarships Office of the University, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds of the scholarship shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the scholarship office.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants, and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms