Research

Researching at VU

What sets research at VU apart? We offer our research students and staff many avenues for professional development. Researchers are also supported through access to excellent facilities and a range of opportunities for sharing their research.

In 'Researching at VU':

Research training & support

New researchers are offered research training to prepare for a research-related career with the support of our Office for Research.

In the first year of all VU doctoral degrees there is a structured research-skills program. In our Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) and professional doctorate programs, training in research skills is even more intensive to support smooth transition.

Each year our Graduate Research Centre runs a researcher professional development program. This includes more than 100 seminars and workshops which focus on building key research skills such as economic modelling, qualitative analysis and narrative inquiry. We also offer one-on-one consultations with statistical experts to support your specific project’s research design.

Our Language and Research Writing Support service offers workshops in English language and writing skills to help improve your research writing.

The VU library provides training workshops and individual support in areas such as research data management and Endnote. They also provide access to resources which support VU research staff and students throughout the research process.

You can also receive hands-on support from our Research Ambassadors. Research Ambassadors are experienced graduate researchers who will share their specialist skills with you and help you navigate your role as a researcher by providing peer support.

During your research career at VU, we will also offer you support in applying for research grants and funding to continue developing your projects.

Research facilities

VU is renowned for its excellent laboratories and facilities, including our specialised research centres and institutes.

When you research at VU, you will have access to outstanding facilities such as:

Sharing your research

We understand that publishing research is an essential element of a successful research career. That’s why we offer our research staff and students the support and opportunities they need to publish and disseminate research.

We can advise and assist you on tasks like establishing your research profile and author identity, getting your research published and making your research outputs publicly available.

Once you’re published, assistance is available for measuring your research impact via citation indexes, h-index and altmetrics.

We also offer alternative opportunities for sharing your research such as our Three Minute Thesis and 5 Minute Research Pitch oral research communication competitions.