Research Ambassadors at Victoria University provide peer-to-peer research support to research (including honours) students and staff.
Their support includes:
The program provides employment opportunities for HDR (Higher Degree by Research) students to:
Research students in the program need to apply skills obtained through their studies or other experience, and in doing so identify a portfolio of skills relevant to their career goals.
The model is based on the SOAR (Support, Opportunities, Advice and Resources) Centre ambassadorship program at Edith Cowan University.
Victoria University's Research Ambassadors are providing online support. Online appointments are available throughout the year, except on Victorian public holidays or University closures.
Bookings are essential. Book an appointment with a Research Ambassador.
Research Ambassadors offer a range of skills and expertise to support research students and staff in becoming active members of the Victoria University research community. They support professional development by directing researchers to relevant training and VU services. Honours students are also welcome to use the service.
Advice for building research skills is available in the following general areas:
You may also want to talk to an Ambassador for help with a specific application or piece of software. This includes:
Research Ambassadors not only offer their extensive research skills for peer-to-peer training, but are also available for a chat about anything to do with your research or student experience. They can be used as a sounding board for ideas and questions you may have in relation to your candidature.
They are also a great contact if you have a question but do not know who to direct it to. If they don't know the answer to your question, the Ambassador will find out and get back to you.
Ambassadors also provide support for cultural, academic and campus transition, including:
Research Ambassadors run one-hour workshops throughout the year on a range of different research topics. These short workshops consist of presentations, discussion, problem-solving and peer-to-peer support and are run in a relaxed and informal learning setting.
Both research students and staff are welcome. Topics include:
To book Research Ambassadors’ mini-workshops, view the online calendar on the Researcher Development page.
If you have any suggestions for future workshops, email seekRA@vu.edu.au.
Read the Research Ambassador's biographies:
Book an appointment for online support with research-related queries.
The Research Ambassadors provide support via online appointments throughout the year, except on Victorian public holidays or University closures. Bookings are essential.
Are you interested in becoming a Research Ambassador?
Recruitment occurs twice a year at the start of each semester.
For more information please contact VU Research Services Librarian Cameron Barrie by email: cameron.barrie@vu.edu.au
