Frequently asked questions

Interns (those doing a post-grad Diploma, MSc or PhD)

Who is eligible to be an AMSI industry intern?
Ideally interns must be undertaking post-graduate studies at an Australian university and have a strong background in the mathematical sciences. Those based at AMSI member institutions that have just completed a PhD with strong mathematical and statistical capabilities are welcome to apply too.

I am an undergraduate student. Am I eligible for an internship?
Not at this time. The AMSI Industry Internship program is for post-graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. However, students may apply for an internship to take place in the summer before they commence their Masters or PhD, providing they have been accepted into a Masters or Doctoral program at an Australian university.

Can I apply for an AMSI internship if I am attending a university outside Australia?
No. You must be either enrolled at an Australian university or have recently completed your MSc or PhD at an Australian university or have some association with an AMSI member university.

I am not an Australian citizen but attend an Australian university. Am I eligible for an internship?
Yes you are eligible as long as you are enrolled at an Australian university and the terms and conditions of your visa allows you to work in Australia.

What is the turn-around time on approvals after the proposal has been submitted?
It takes approximately 2 - 3 weeks for approval of an internship proposal.

Can an internship be held outside of Australia?
Foreign companies can be industry partners but at present the internship has to be conducted in Australia with a mentor based at AMSI member institution.

I am an international student holding a student visa can I apply?
If you are an international student and you are allowed to stay in Australia on a student visa. You need to be aware that your visa must allow you to work in Australia.

Before applying for this program please check with your supervisor or university and find out if you can legally work in Australia. There is information on Australian Immigration website about working while studying.

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Mentors

What is expected of an academic mentor?
AMSI expects academic mentors to oversee the scientific rigour of the research project, ensure the intern is paid their allowance, oversee reporting and actively engage with the industry partner. To foster a relationship with industry partners Mentors should touch base (meet or talk on the phone) with their industry partners at least once per month.

What is in it for me when I act as an academic mentor?
The academic mentor will receive $5K for their support and supervision of an intern. This money will be paid to the university to support the internship project or cover related expenses; i.e. travel associated with the internship, the purchase of computers or conference expenses etc.

I am interested in taking part in AMSI internship program but do not have an industry partner. Can you assist me with finding an industry partner?
Yes we can assist with locating an appropriate organisation if your research interests can be well defined and if you can suggest several prospective partners. This is the most difficult method of securing a partner and can take a considerable amount of time.

Can the industry partner be outside of Australia?
The eligibility of a foreign company to participate in the scheme shall be considered on a case by case basis. AMSI will need to be convinced that the equivalent opportunity is not available with a Australian partner.

Is any money taken out of the grant for overhead by my university? In other words, do we get the full amount of the internship grant?
The mentor's university may not take any of the funding from the internship grant for overhead.

Who prepares and submits the proposal, the intern or the mentor?
Project proposals should be developed collaboratively and submitted by the academic mentor.

I hold an adjunct position at an Australian university. Am I eligible to participate as an academic mentor and receive the internship grant?
An adjunct fellow is eligible to be a mentor for a intern and receive $5K for their support and supervision.

Is an internship renewable?
While not technically "renewable", a follow-up proposal can be submitted to further research undertaken in a previous internship. However, this second proposal will be considered using the same procedure as the original internship. Please note that the final report must be submitted for the original internship before the second internship proposal will be reviewed.

Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
Proposals can be submitted at any time.
Are funds paid to the intern considered a scholarship or employment?
In January 2008 we made an application to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) requesting that the funds for interns be considered a tax-free scholarship. The application is still under consideration by the ATO as of September 2008. Until we have been notified to the contrary, interns will need to be employed by their host university and may be liable to pay PAYG tax.

Is it possible to extend the internship period beyond the end date stated in the Terms and Conditions agreement?
The internship award is usually awarded for 3, 4 or 5 months. The schedule in your Terms and Conditions agreement will state the "End Date" of the award. Any funds not spent by this End Date must be returned to AMSI unless an extension is granted. To obtain an extension, you must contact AMSI before the End Date and provide a justification for your request.

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Industry

What is AMSI's policy regarding Intellectual Property (IP)?
AMSI makes no claim whatsoever to IP. Our default position is that ownership of Project Intellectual Property created during the project will vest upon its creation in the Industry Partner. See clauses 4.1 to 4.4 of the Terms and Conditions Agreement for details.

What is the program's policy regarding confidentiality and disclosure?
We support the creation of confidentiality and non disclosure agreements between participating parties providing the reasonable rights of interns and their mentors are maintained. It is important that these agreements don't impair the ability of academic mentors or interns to publish their results or for a student to complete his/her thesis. In some instances, these agreements can call for delays in the period before which publications should take place.

Can our industry contribution be "in-kind"?

No. Industry partners are required to contribute $3,000 per month towards a 3-5 month internship.

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