SETAC AU Postgraduate Research Publication Award

SETAC AU Postgraduate Research Publication Award

This is an Australasian Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry award that recognizes the publication of original research by higher degree research students. The students are recognised for being lead author on a peer-reviewed research manuscript published in an international journal.  The purpose of the award is to encourage students to publish their research and to promote this research to the broader SETAC community.  The research must have a significant impact (or potential impact) in the field.

Nominations should be emailed to the SETAC AU Secretary at australasia@setac.org by Friday the 18th July 2025. 

Recognition

Receipt of this award acknowledges the high quality and impact of original research published by the postgraduate student, and the contribution of this research to the field of Environmental Toxicology and/or Chemistry.

Nominations

Candidates may self-nominate, or can be nominated by their research supervisor(s). Nominations should include a one-page cover letter with a brief statement (<300 words) that includes an explanation of the student’s specific contribution to the work, the significance and innovation of the research, and impact or potential impact of the paper.

The cover letter should also include:

• Details of current SETAC student membership;
• University enrolment status; and
• Supervisor contact details.

Applicants should also submit the following:

• A PDF one page CV; and
• A PDF copy of the publication.

Prize

The winner will be invited to prepare a one-page research highlights segment for SETAC AU Endpoint to convey their research findings to the SETAC AU community. A certificate will be presented to the winner with a cash award of $500, ideally this presentation will occur at the first SETAC AU conference dinner after the award is decided.

Eligibility

• Must be a Full SETAC Australasia member (i.e., "Free" or "Explorer" SETAC members are ineligible) as at 30th June of the year of application.
• A currently enrolled higher degree research (HDR) student, or former HDR student provided no longer than 12 months has elapsed since conferral of a HDR degree.
• A paper can only be submitted once for this prize.
• The student will have made the major contribution to the research paper, as indicated by being first author or equal first author (either directly by author order or by formal written acknowledgement by all other authors). If this is not the case an explanation should be included.
• Eligible papers must be published (or in press with doi or proof of acceptance) in the 12 months prior to the nomination closing date in a peer-reviewed international journal.
• The student must have been enrolled in a HDR degree for no more than 4 years for PhD or no more than 2.5 years for MSc (equivalent for part-time students).

If a student or research paper is nominated that does not meet one or more of the eligibility criteria, a further explanation (max 100 words) must be provided that makes a case to the assessment panel as to why an exception should be made.

Assessment criteria

Papers will be judged by the SETAC AU council, with a minimum quorum of two members who may seek referees' reports based on:

1. Applicant’s contribution to the paper (as detailed in the cover letter) (5 marks)
2. Innovation and originality of the research including contribution to the field (10 marks)
3. Scientific rigour of study as conveyed in the paper (10 marks)
4. Clarity of organisation and writing style (5 marks)