The Higher Degree Research (HDR) Development Team delivers a suite of initiatives designed to support the success of HDR candidates and their supervisors throughout their research journey.

Our programs for graduate researchers include:

  • HDR Induction

  • The HDR Development Program

  • The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition 

All programs are developed in collaboration with research leaders, HDR candidates, and academic and professional staff. Through innovative, evidence-informed initiatives, we aim to empower HDR candidates with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving academic and professional landscape.

Find more information about these programs below.

HDR Induction is a comprehensive, full-day program designed to equip candidates with the essential knowledge, tools, and connections needed to navigate their candidature with confidence.

This event runs twice each year, one week before session commences. HDR Induction is mandatory for incoming candidates.

View the Autumn 2026 Program on our HDR Induction website.

The HDR Development Program is a series of targeted workshops focused on building practical research capabilities alongside transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and career readiness.

You will shortly be able to view the 2026 Program on our Program of Events website. 

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition is an internationally recognised competition that challenges candidates to communicate the impact of their research in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience.

Eligible candidates first compete in a Faculty Heat. Winners then progress to the UOW 3MT Final, an institution-wide celebration of HDR research, where they compete for a place in the 3MT Asia-Pacific Semi-Final.

Further details are available on the UOW 3MT website, which will be updated shortly with the 2026 key dates.

The HDR Information Hub is a repository of HDR training and development resources. On this site you will find a host of workshop recordings, links, and modules that we have developed over the years.

If you have any questions about HDR Development, please contact hdr-development@uow.edu.au.