Resources for current HDR students
Managing your HDR candidature
Everything that you will need to know relating to your higher degree by research candidature is available on the Adelaide Graduate Centre (AGC) website, such as:
- Completing your milestones
- Managing your candidature
- Your thesis and examination
- Conduct of research
- Student support
- Research Student Handbook
- Forms
You will need to refer to this information throughout your research studies.
RESEARCH students handbook AGC Info & Tools for current students

ECMS are committed to providing and maintaining the highest possible standard of health, safety and wellbeing (HSW) for our students. As a student, it is also your responsibility to take reasonable care to protect your own safety.
HSW Induction for HDR students
The HSW induction process for HDR students will help you to consider and mitigate any risks that may arise during your research.
Other important safety information, HSW requirements and training activities are available at ECMS Faculty HSW. You may need to refer to this information throughout your research studies.
Before accessing a lab or workshop you will be required to complete the Staff & HDR Hazard Management Induction. Your supervisor will determine if you require this training.
Our faculty offers research facilities, including cutting edge test chambers, labs, workshops and equipment that you may need to access during your research studies.
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ECMS lab and workshop access and support
The ECMS teams of lab and manufacturing technicians listed below can provide support for your project.
- Labs – Chemical Operations
- Labs – Electronics & Instrumentation
- Labs – Energy & Aerodynamics
- Labs – Structures & Natural Resources
- Prototyping & Manufacturing
It is recommended that if your research is likely to require the support of any of the above teams, to get in contact with them early in your candidature to discuss how they can assist you.
Important: To request access for any ECMS lab or workshop you must complete the required HSW inductions and risk assessments for the research activities that you will be undertaking. Please refer to the HSW induction process for HDR students.
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ECMS lab and workshop tours
If you would like to know more about the labs and workshop spaces that you can utilise within our faculty, please register your interest to attend a tour.
Register your interest
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Specialist IT support
ECMS have a designated team to provide specialist IT support to our researchers and HDR students, such as:
- Specialised IT consultation
- Engineering IT systems and applications
- Linux, Windows, Embedded Systems, High Performance Computing
- Systems integration and customisations
- IT procurement and licence management
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Research technology
The university’s research technology support offers many systems, tools and training opportunities which you will be able to access throughout your research studies, such as:
- HDR Student Tools
- High Performance Computing
- Research Data
- Storage options
- Your Research Profile
- Research-specific training.
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Remote access to IT systems and resources
The university provides systems and resources to support HDR students when working from home.
- Virtual private network (VPN): allows us to create a secure connection from home to our university network over the internet. You will be required to set up Duo two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA.
- ADAPT: cloud based access that allows you to mimic your desktop to access software and files.
- Remote desktop: remote login to your allocated desktop machine requires VPN.
- Software for personal devices: some software such as Office 365 and Matlab is available to install on personally-owned devices. HDR students will have access to Software for Staff.
- Zoom: video communication tool that enables you to participate in meetings or conferences and host online learning environments.
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Technology self-help guides
If you want to try to fix a problem yourself, HDR students should refer to the self-help guides for staff.

Getting the most out of your MPhil/PhD
The University of Adelaide and ECMS also offer a wide range of career development, support and socialising opportunities. We hope that your life on campus is a happy and supportive one.
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CaRST Program
The Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) Program is an opportunity for research students to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills to become a more effective and well-rounded researcher, increase your employability and prepare for careers both in academia and industry.
Throughout your candidature, you will need to discuss your skills, plans and development progress with your supervisor to ensure you gain maximum value from the CaRST program.
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Training and development opportunities for ECMS research students
ECMS also offers training and development opportunities, facilitated by STEM researchers and industry partners, aimed towards the specific needs of our faculty’s research students. You will be informed of any upcoming workshops and sessions.
Any suggestions for specific training that you would like to be considered can be sent to the ECMS Research Development team who oversee the development needs of our faculty’s research students.
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Your research profile
The University supports a number of tools that will help you build your researcher identity.
- Researcher Profiles are designed to increase the visibility of you and the valuable work that you undertake. You are strongly encouraged to create a Researcher Profile – click login to begin creating yours.
- ORCiD is the persistent digital identifier which distinguishes you from every other researcher.
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Industry engagement opportunities
Industry programs and placements offer exceptional opportunities for you to apply and further develop professional skills in your specific field and chosen career.
Participation in these unique industry engagement programs will provide a strong complement to your academic studies, build skills and expertise and develop a professional network.
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Career services
The university supports students from all disciplines to increase employability, find opportunities and learn career-ready skills to plan for your future.
All HDR students can access the university’s free online platform called CareerHub.
CareerHub is accessible to students from enrolment up to one year post-graduation from any degree. Here you will find job opportunities, internships and placements, upcoming events, workshops, resources and more.
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Life on campus
The university offers a range of support services to all enrolled students seeking to address issues that may be affecting their study and life. We’re here to help. Some of these support services are:
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Library services for researchers
The ECMS Liaison Librarian will be able to provide an introduction or refresh your knowledge on some of the university’s library resources and support available to research students, such as:
- Interlibrary loans
- Reciprocal borrowing
- Thesis access
- EndNote support
- Research data management training
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Developing your writing skills
The Writing Centre aims to help all students in their development as writers offering one-on-one consultations.
They support all students through any and all stages of their writing process, from initial idea to final revision, and everything in between.
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Developing your maths ability
For maths help, please speak to your supervisor to determine the specific help you need.
Your supervisor can then follow up with the Postgraduate Coordinator in Mathematical Sciences regarding suitable maths courses you could attend to help improve your ability.
Life on campus will provide many opportunities to build your professional and social networks. Make time to connect with fellow research colleagues and build a network that will support you throughout your career!
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ECMS HDR student representatives
Our faculty has an established HDR student representative network.
If you haven’t already met the HDR Rep for your school, please introduce yourself!
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Stay in touch on social media
There are a number of social media networks you can join to keep connected and informed about what is happening across the university communities.
Student groups and societies:
- Adelaide University Postgraduate Society on Facebook
- Adelaide University Union on Facebook
- EngieHeard group on Facebook (private group managed by current ECMS students)
Other university accounts to follow:
- AGC on Twitter
Stay connected with ECMS on social media, keeping up-to-date with opportunities and news around the Faculty (scholarships, internships, job opportunities, free pizza on campus):
- Faculty of ECMS on Facebook
- @ecms.uofa on Instagram
- @ecms_uofa on Twitter
- Faculty of ECMS on LinkedIn
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ECMS Connect
ECMS Connect is a weekly internal email round-up of news across the Faculty, featuring many opportunities for HDR students.
Past opportunities have included information about the 3MT competition, internships, scholarships and much more.
Also, if you have something you're really proud of or want to communicate to the Faculty, you can submit your news, event or achievement here.
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Social and sporting clubs
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Collaborative spaces
In addition to your local school and research centre areas, here are a few other locations on campus where you could meet up with colleagues.
The Common Room located in the Ingkarni Wardli Building on level 5 is an open space with an outside terrace available to all HDR students enrolled with the ECMS Faculty. You are welcome to use this area to meet up with your colleagues for lunch or casual get-togethers.
The UniBar is a place on campus to relax with friends and colleagues – located in Union House on the ground level with seating that spills out into the Cloisters courtyard which is a perfect spot on a sunny day.
Hub Central is located in the heart of the North Terrace Campus where you can meet with others, use University services and unwind – retail, food outlets, independent study spaces, computer spaces, project rooms and much more.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ECMS Research Development team by email: ecms.hdr@adelaide.edu.au
Adelaide University Union
Established in 1895, the AUU aims to make student life fun and accessible, and to give students a voice at the University.
Adelaide university union
University of Adelaide Clubs
The University has more than 130 clubs … cultural and religious clubs, political and cause-based clubs, activity and hobby clubs, as well as clubs aligned to courses and faculties at the University of Adelaide. No matter where you come from or what you’re interested in, the University of Adelaide has a club for you!
Full list of university of adelaide clubs
Sporting Clubs
Interested in recreational activities and opportunities for competitive sport? The University has nearly 40 sporting clubs available.
See sporting clubs