The AARE Award For Doctoral Research in Education

The Australian Association for Research in Education makes an annual award known as "the AARE Award For Doctoral Research in Education". The first award was made in 1989. The award comprises a citation from the Association together with a return airfare to the Conference.

This award is intended as a recognition of excellence in educational research by doctoral students. Normally only one award will be made each year. It is seen by the Association as a way of recognising the high quality contribution made to educational knowledge by graduate students, and at the same time promoting dissemination and furthering of research.

Criteria for the Award

The main criterion for assessment of excellence in doctoral research in education will be the contribution made to theoretical, empirical, and/or methodological knowledge in education. In particular, preference will be given to studies which make a conceptual advance in educational theory, policy and practice, which point to the methods of improving educational practice or pioneer innovation, which contribute through disciplined research to knowledge on which new educational practices may be based, or which contribute to advances in methodology of educational research, evaluation and dissemination.

Other criteria include originality and thoroughness in carrying through the research and the quality of presentation of the work. Other things being equal, theses which are judged readily adaptable to scholarly and professional dissemination will be preferred. Given that the above criteria are met, no preference will be given to any particular substantive issues that might be addressed.

Procedures for Making Award Nominations

Anyone who has been awarded a doctoral degree from an Australian institution in the two years prior to 30 June in the year of the award is eligible. Nominations close on 30 June each year. Theses accepted for the degree after this date may be nominated in the following year.

Nominations may be made from qualified Faculties, Schools or Departments of Education by the Dean or relevant Head. No more than one nomination may be made in any one year from each institution.

Nominations should be accompanied by a copy of the abstract, and, where possible, full examiners' reports. Institutions are also requested to submit a report supporting the nomination. Examiners' reports should contain the names of the examiners. Full copies of short-listed theses will be requested when necessary.

Applications should be sent to:

Award Selection

In each year, a Committee of six persons is appointed by the AARE Executive to recommend an award.

In making the selection the Committee may seek opinions from assessors. The award thesis will be chosen from a short list of four finalists by members of the Committee.

The Committee will normally select one thesis for the award, but may, in exceptional circumstances, select a tie of no more than two theses, or recommend that no award be given.

The final decision on the award must be ratified by the AARE Executive Committee.

The award will be made during the Annual Conference of the Association and notified in the newsletter. A report from the Award Committee will be made at the same time.