For some HRB funding calls, lead applicants are required to hold a PhD, however the HRB recognises that the applicants may have varied career trajectories and non-linear career paths. To accommodate this, the HRB provides a formal process through which the applicants can demonstrate that their research experience is equivalent to that of a PhD holder. It is important to note that PhD equivalent research experience is not an equivalent to PhD qualification, however if approved, it allows the applicant to be considered for some of the HRB funding opportunities which require PhD.
Based on the European framework for researchers and new Charter for Researchers, the HRB adopts this definition.
What is considered a PhD equivalent research experience?
The research experience must typically:
- Be a substantial experience in conducting research by demonstrating four years full time equivalent (FTE) research experience* at post-graduate level. This is measured from the date when a researcher obtained a primary degree.
- Involve original research.
- Result in an original contribution to knowledge.
- Be documented and verifiable (e.g. research outputs such as publications).
HRB requirements for PhD equivalent research experience
In line with the definition of PhD equivalent research experience, the following criteria must be fulfilled by individuals applying to equivalency.
Applicants must provide:
- A description of the research roles and research project(s) and related timelines (expressed as months) which together must add up to at least 4 years at 1.0 FTE* research experience.
AND
- At least one peer-reviewed, original research publication, typically as leading (not senior) author. If the individual is not the leading author, then their contribution to the published research must be clearly outlined to demonstrate they played a significant role and contribution to research knowledge.
AND
- Two other research outputs which can be a combination of other peer-reviewed publications (not necessary as leading author) and/or other research outputs**.
**Published book chapters, reports to government, research data and datasets, research materials, databases, audio/video products, national and/or international reports, patents, models and protocols, software production, evidence of influence on health policy and practice, outreach and/or knowledge translation activities, media coverage or other relevant activities and/or any other relevant outputs that have resulted in a significant impact in their field.
*What is full-time equivalent research experience?
HRB considers research experience as the time spent actively engaged in research activities leading to original knowledge contribution. This involves activities such as experimental design, data collection, performance of experiments, data analysis and more.
Time spent in taught course work, lecturing, supervising or non-research roles (e.g. clinical activities) is not considered as active research experience.
Active research experience does not to be full time. If the research was conducted part time, the duration will be adjusted accordingly to reflect its full-time equivalence (FTE). For example:
- Six years at 0.67 FTE = 4 years FTE
- Eight years at 0.5 FTE = 4 years 1.0 FTE
Furthermore, active research experience does not need to be consecutive which means if a researcher conducted research across different periods of time, the time will be calculated based on the combined, non-consecutive, active research time. For example:
- One-year full time in 2019 = 12 months of reckonable time towards the full 48-month requirement.
- Four months full time from January to April in 2021 plus four months full time from September to December 2021 = eight months of reckonable time towards the full 48-month requirement.
- Six months at 0.5 FTE from March 2022 – August 2022 = three months of reckonable time towards the full 48-month requirement
Applicants must submit a completed form containing all required information to the HRB. The HRB PhD equivalent research application form is available to download here.
HRB assessment of the application
HRB staff will review the application and its supporting documents to determine whether the applicant has sufficient and documented research experience that is comparable to that of a PhD holder. Some clarifications and/or further information may be required prior to an outcome being issued. Once the review is complete, HRB staff will confirm with the applicant whether HRB PhD equivalent experience is granted or not.
Once a researcher is granted PhD equivalent research experience by the HRB, it is valid for all HRB funding schemes that require PhD or equivalent experience under eligibility criteria, and does not require renewal.
Should you apply for PhD equivalent research experience?
Please note the following:
- Recipients of a Doctor of Science (DSc) are considered PhD equivalent and do not need to apply for PhD equivalent research experience.
- Professional and taught doctorate degrees are not considered as PhD equivalent research experience (e.g. Doctoral programmes in clinical psychology). Time spent conducting original research as part of a professional doctoral degree is reckonable towards active research experience.
- MD degree is not considered as PhD equivalent research experience, but the time spent in research during the MD (e.g. 18 or 24 months) may be used for calculating PhD equivalent research experience.
- For recipients of more than one undergraduate degree, the date of the earliest degree will be considered for eligibility purposes and calculation of reckonable active research experience, post degree.
- Individuals currently studying for a PhD qualification are not eligible to apply for HRB PhD equivalent research experience.
- Individuals who have already completed a PhD qualification have no need to apply for HRB PhD equivalent research experience.