School of Languages and Cultures

2026 Winter Research Program

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Engage in a formal research project over the winter break with the UQ Winter Research Program.

The UQ Winter Research Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students wishing to gain experience working alongside a researcher in a formal research environment in their area of interest at UQ.

Each project will be offered for a period of four (4) weeks between 29 June to 24 July 2026.

Successful applicants will receive a $2,000 grant.

Participation is open to undergraduate (including honours) and master by coursework students who are currently enrolled and will remain at UQ for the entirety of the research program.

Please check your eligibility before submitting an application.

Applications will open on 23 March 2026 and will close on 12 April 2026.

Check out some testimonials from previous scholars.

  1. Exploring pragmatic and categorial aspects of family discourse
  2. Data Analysis in Korean language use by Korean background speakers
  3. Professional conference interpreters’ use of interpreting strategies in real-life Chinese/English simultaneous interpreting at the United Nations
  4. Navigating the AI Revolution: Understanding How GenAI Tools Transform Academic Writing for International EAL Students
  5. Enhancing Infectious Disease Communication for High-Risk Populations
  1. Indigenising Japanese language curriculum: Building learning resources to connect Indigenous cultures and histories in Australia and Japan
  2. How prior language experience shapes new language learning
  3. Mass-mediated women’s voices: experiences of tidal flooding in Indonesia
  4. Connecting the Stolen Generations: The effect of ‘family reunions’ on Stolen Generations survivors
  5. Postmemory and childhood in letters by high school students to executed and disappeared teenagers during the 1973–1990 Chilean dictatorship.

4. Navigating the AI Revolution: Understanding How GenAI Tools Transform Academic Writing for International EAL Students

Project title: 

Navigating the AI Revolution: Understanding How GenAI Tools Transform Academic Writing for International EAL Students

Hours of engagement & delivery mode

Winter program: 29 June – 24 July 2026

Hours of engagement: 25 – 30 hours per week

A minimum of three pre-arranged meetings will be held during the project. These will take place on the St Lucia campus (face-to-face). However, if work commitments or travel make in-person attendance difficult, virtual meetings via MS Teams can be arranged. The research team is committed to providing a supportive and flexible working environment that accommodates the student's schedule and commitments.

Description:

Project background

This Winter Research Project establishes the foundation for a larger research study and potential publication on the pedagogical and ethical implications of using GenAI tools in academic writing.

The project will focus on two key writing processes:

  1. Brainstorming ideas using GenAI and
  2. Using GenAI to support proofreading and editing.

Written responses of in-class activities collected via handouts will provide the primary data for subsequent semi-structured interviews.

Research Questions

  • RQ1: How do EAL international students perceive the usefulness of GenAI in supporting their academic writing? 
  • RQ2: In what ways do AI-assisted writing tools, such as GenAI, influence the academic writing development of EAL international students? 

Aim
This project aims to address the current research gap concerning the influence of GenAI tools on the academic writing practices of EAL students.

The project has ethics approval. Ethics ID: 2025/HE000905

Approach

  • This project employs a collaborative mentorship approach where the student researcher will work as an integral member of the research team.

The student will receive structured guidance through weekly one-on-one meetings with supervisors and participate in joint analysis sessions to develop critical thinking skills. The researchers are committed to the student's academic and professional growth, providing personalised feedback and training where necessary.

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables:

Expected Learning Outcomes and Deliverables

Learning Outcomes
Through the active participation in this project, the successful applicant will:

  • Develop strategic skills in literature searching, reviewing, and synthesising.
  • Contribute to co-authoring a literature review with guidance from experienced researchers.
  • Gain expertise in thematic analysis including coding, theme generation, and analytic note-taking.
  • Build a professional network through collaboration with experienced researchers.
  • Enhance their CV with substantial research experience relevant to graduate studies or research careers.

Deliverables
In this project, the successful applicant will be involved in:

  • Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive review on topics including GenAI in higher education, EAL student academic writing development, AI-assisted learning tools, and ethical considerations in AI use for academic purposes.
  • A first-draft thematic analysis of collected data, including written responses for in-class activities and interview transcripts (initial coding, theme development, and analytic notetaking).

Research Skill Development

The successful applicant will strengthen their abilities in:

  • Academic conventions, including editing, proofreading, and APA7 referencing.
  • Systematic literature searching and synthesis techniques.
  • Writing with clarity, precision, and conciseness in academic contexts.
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to academic language development and higher education research.
  • Broadening their understanding of academic culture, with particular emphasis on the pedagogical and ethical implications of AI use in higher education.

Students may have an opportunity to submit as a co-author for a later publication.

Suitable for:

The project is suitable for a student with a background in Applied Linguistics, Education, TESOL, English Language and Literature, or related fields. The successful candidate must demonstrate:

  • Proficiency in academic writing and research methods
  • Interest in qualitative data analysis
  • Preferably (but not necessarily) have experience in conducting literature reviews or qualitative research
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the research team
  • Genuine interest in the intersection of AI and language education
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Basic proficiency in literature search using the UQ library, Google Scholar and other AI tools
  • Commitment to collaborative learning and professional development

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Teresa Hsieh and Ms Franciele Spinelli

Further info:

Should potential applicants have questions about the project, they are welcome to contact Dr Teresa Hsieh (t.hsieh2@uq.edu.au) and/or Ms Franciele Spinelli (f.spinelli@uq.edu.au) via email prior to submitting an application.