• Gain insight into the value of research to industry
• Could realise a solution to an industry problem
• Receive courtesy membership to the ACU Library
• Co-author publications arising from the HDR project in accordance with ACU’s Research Authorship policy*

• Help shape the investigation
• Offer an end-user’s perspective to the research as it progresses
• Mentor the HDR student on industry practices
• Provide access to research participants and specialist equipment for the project
• Encourage industry collaboration at the early stages of a researcher’s career
• Facilitate exposure to board meetings, networking occasions and employment opportunities
• Assist with research translation and commercialisation plans
• Provide feedback on thesis chapters and milestone documents*

• Provide industry expertise to the supervisory panel
• Share the supervisory load

* If the Principal Supervisor considers it appropriate for the Associate Supervisor (End-user) to be involved in these activities.

No. However, Principal Supervisors are encouraged to consider the value of including an Associate Supervisor (End-user) on a panel. Many of the HDR projects carried out at ACU are conducive to and would benefit from end-user associate supervision.

Note that different expectations apply for candidates on a grant-supported or Industry PhD scholarship. See the FAQ below for further details.

Where a PhD candidate's scholarship approval requires them to be embedded with, or undertake a research internship with, a research end-user, an Associate Supervisor (End-user) should be appointed wherever practicable to support the candidate throughout that engagement. This reflects the value the role brings to these candidatures, including strengthening the connection between the project and the end-user environment, supporting research translation and impact, and enhancing the quality of ACU's partnership with the end-user organisation. Principal Supervisors should discuss this with the Graduate Research School as early as possible in the candidature.

An Associate Supervisor (End-user) is not required to hold academic qualifications, although s/he may. An Associate Supervisor (End-user) should have expertise in the area of the HDR student’s project.

No. The role of Associate Supervisor (End-user) is voluntary and is based on reciprocity; that is, both the end-user and ACU benefit from the association.

There is no right or wrong time in an HDR student’s candidature to appoint an Associate Supervisor (End-user). It depends on the role you want the person to play. An Associate Supervisor (End-user) can be appointed during the admission process, or if the candidate is already enrolled, through completion of the Change of Supervision form (available in Orion).

The Principal Supervisor is responsible for defining and managing the contribution of an Associate Supervisor (End-user). ACU’s Higher Degree Research Regulations, Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy, Research Authorship, Intellectual Property and any other relevant policies must be observed.

Faculty Associate Deans (Research) are delegated to approve an HDR supervisory panel, including the appointment of an Associate Supervisor (End-user).