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Programmes of Research

Round 3

Humanities Research Institute Programmes of Research Round 3 - 2011 for funding in 2012-2013

Round 1

Humanities Research Institute Programmes of Research Round 1 - 2009 for funding in 2010-2011

Programmes of Research Round 3

The Faculty Research Institutes’ third internal funding round for Research Programmes opened in November last year and closed on 20 February 2012. Six bids were received and subjected to a thorough review from a Selection Advisory Panel, which included:

Professor Jim Albright, Director, ERIN
Professor Julie Byles, Director, PRC for Gender Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health
Professor Hugh Craig, Director, Humanities Research Institute
Professor John Germov (Chair), Pro Vice-Chancellor, FEDUA
Professor Margaret Harris, Research Development Director, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney
Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis, Faculty of Science & IT and representing the DVC-R
Professor Stephen Webb, Director, RISIW.

The Panel was unanimous in selecting two bids for funding in 2012-2013.

The Humanities Research Institute would like to congratulate the two programmes:

Religion in Political Life (RiPL) led by Dr Tim Stanley and to be administered by the Humanities Research Institute. Religion in Political Life is a very focussed and well-honed programme, building on an acknowledged Faculty research strength that was rated a 4 in the first ERA assessment. The bid conveyed authentic intellectual reach having a sharp and sophisticated conceptual frame. The Panel noted that this bid was at the cutting-edge of contemporary European thinking and had the potential for international links. The interdisciplinary team—Dr Tim Stanley, Associate Professor Roland Boer, Professors Hilary Carey, Terry Lovat, and John McDowell, and Dr Kath McPhillips—has an impressive track record, with evidence of existing collaborations, and a demonstrated capacity to undertake the project and deliver high-quality outcomes.  

Comparative and International Education Group University of Newcastle (CIEGUN), led by Dr Tom Griffiths and to be administered by ERIN. Challenging Dominant Policy Paradigms is a very polished, strategically poised and well-presented programme. It has convincing theoretical and conceptual weight underpinned by a solid methodological framework. The Panel thought it was an exciting proposal and had a great sense of ‘reaching out’ with a global scope, and thus having the potential to deliver distinctive and excellent outcomes. The team—Dr Tom Griffiths, Associate Professor Linda Newman, Dr Zsuzsa Millei, Dr Stephanie Bengtsson, and Dr Nisha Thapliyal—have relevant track records and expertise, and there was a genuine case for cohesion between all five members.

Both programmes will receive $50K per year for two years (i.e., $100K each in total).

This year the Mid-Career Researcher Fellowship was linked to programme bids. The Selection Advisory Panel was unanimous in deciding to award the Mid-Career Researcher Fellowship to Dr Tom Griffiths for Semester 2, 2012.


Applications for support of research activities are welcomed from all University of Newcastle Humanities researchers. The Institute will provide administrative and financial support where appropriate for visiting speakers (National and International), workshops and symposia, and for other research-related activities.

Staff who would like more information please contact Kristy Atkins, 4921 7915 or Kristy.Atkins@newcastle.edu.au to arrange an appointment with the Director, Professor Hugh Craig.