GUIDELINES FOR 2009 BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH LABORATORY (BRL) RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Two undergraduate research scholarships ($500) will be offered by the Biomechanics Research Laboratory to students interested in research projects pertaining to older people and falls prevention. Falls are a significant problem for the elderly and occur due to a multitude of risk factors, some of which include foot problems and inappropriate footwear. The current research projects are focused on helping us better understand how footwear design and foot structure and function affect falls in older people so that we can design safer footwear to reduce falls incidence.

Aim of the Scholarship:

The aim of the BRL Research Scholarship Program is to provide research opportunities to high-quality undergraduate students within the School of Health Sciences who demonstrate interest in pursuing a research qualification (e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc (Hons)). The scholarship will offer students an opportunity to evaluate for themselves, and demonstrate to others, their potential for research work. Successful applicants will:

• actively participate in research projects pertaining to older people and falls prevention, which is in the research theme of foot structure and function and footwear design;

• assist in research projects in the areas of landing mechanics and injury prevention, the biomechanics of breast health and innovations in biomechanics;

• gain skills in biomechanical data collection and analysis;

• develop research skills in biomechanics; and

• contribute to the research program in the BRL.

Eligibility:

A student is eligible to apply for a Research Scholarship if they demonstrate a passion to participate in research and a desire to pursue a research qualification in 2010. Students must have completed a minimum of 2 years of a relevant undergraduate degree at a standard acceptable for admission into a research program.

Student Responsibility:

The student will abide by the BRL Research Guidelines Policy. Under the conditions of the award, the student is not required to provide services to the University during the tenure of the scholarship.

Assessment Criteria:

Selection is a competitive process. The following merit criteria will be taken into account by the Faculty Research Committee in ranking Research Scholarship applications:

• eligibility of the student;

• academic record of the student;

• motivation of the student to participate in research;

• potential benefit to the student’s research skill base.

Application Procedure

Applicants must complete the application form provided and attach a short Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).

For further information

For further information please contact Dr Bridget Munro (bmunro@uow.edu.au; (02) 4221 5140 or Ms Karen Mickle (kmickle@uow.edu.au; (02) 4221 4262).

Submit your application by email to kmickle@uow.edu.au by Friday 10^th July 2009

APPLICATION FORM FOR 2009 BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH LABORATORY (BRL) RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM