HDR Wellbeing, Engagement and Research Culture Project

What is the WERC Project?

Launched in 2019, the HDR Wellbeing, Engagement and Research Culture (WERC) project is a collaboration between HDR candidates, UQ researchers, and the Graduate Research School aimed at understanding and improving the HDR experience.

Following a pilot study in 2020, annual surveys were conducted from 2021 to 2023. These examined factors shaping candidate wellbeing and engagement, including motivation, sense of meaning, supervisory relationships, research culture, belonging, career identity, and HDR–life balance.

Project outcomes

The WERC project has produced annual UQ-wide snapshot reports and tailored reports for eligible enrolling units (see below). Findings identified high levels of psychological distress and burnout, alongside considerable variation in candidates’ experiences of research support.

Drawing on these findings, the project team developed recommendations focused on supervision, research culture, and support services. The research has informed a range of changes across UQ, including the increase to the stipend, HDR Support Map, early-candidature check-ins, improved induction and orientation materials, and advisor training.