2027 Summer Research Program

Duration: 6 weeks (11 January to 19 February 2027)
Hours of engagement: 25 to 30 hours per week, total 150 to 180 hours (negotiable)
Delivery mode: The applicants will be required on-site for at least some of the project work, particularly at the start in order to undergo some training with the dataset and briefings on the ethical requirements for the project.
Location: Some of the work may be done remotely, but it is preferred that most of the time is spent on-site. It is expected that the research team will meet with the supervisor at least once/week.

The summer project will focus on reading, analysing and coding a large dataset pertaining to experiences of torture in Indonesia. Original materials are in Indonesian (and some regional languages), and applicants will need native speaker/advanced reading level capacity in Indonesian and English. Once coded, applicants will input information into a database (training to be provided), as well as translate select sections of the original materials into English. The work involves careful attention to detail, self-motivation, and sensitivity.

The materials are highly confidential, and successful applicants will be required to adhere to strict ethical and data security protocols. Because of the nature of the materials, applicants should be aware that the content may be distressing. The advisor (A/Prof. Pohlman) will be on-hand throughout much of the summer to meet and debrief about the project, but will be away for some of it for fieldwork (but will still be contactable via email and zoom).

Students will read testimonial materials written in Indonesian (and some regional languages), and translate them into English. They will then (with training) allocate codes to the content within these testimonies, and then enter those codes into a database. They will have regular contact with the supervisor as well as hands-on training.

This summer project is part of larger attempt to map the spread and occurrences of torture during Indonesia’s military regime (1965–1998). The project combines qualitative and quantitative elements, and involves training in translation, coding and dataset-building. During the project, successful applicants will work on sensitive materials using a human rights’ archival approach.

Because of the sensitivity of the materials, there will be no opportunities to publish outcomes from the summer project; any student who works on the project will be acknowledged for their contributions in future published outcomes (with their consent).

This project requires either native speaker/advanced speaker fluency in Indonesian and English (i.e., if you have studied Indonesian to at least the end of the second year level, you can apply!). Students with an interest in Indonesia, human rights, documentation of serious abuses, or history/law should apply.

Successful applicants should demonstrate careful attention to detail, self-motivation, maturity and sensitivity. Only those students prepared to adhere to strict ethical, confidentiality and data security protocols should apply.

Students will work with Assoc. Prof. Annie Pohlman, in the School of Languages and Cultures (HASS faculty). You will work with other students on the project on translation tasks, and meet (at least) weekly as a group with the supervisor for training, and to discuss issues that arise within the materials.

The materials are testimonies of experiences of torture and related abuses, and so it is also important that participants in this project take part in weekly meetings so that they are able to debrief about the materials, and to have the opportunity to raise any concerns.

There are limited additional opportunities directly related to this project because all materials are confidential; thus students are not able to present on any of the data they handle. They are, however, encouraged to take part in presentations and other networking opportunities during the summer, and to reflect on their research experiences.

A/Prof. Pohlman would prefer to meet with applicants prior to submission of applications, to discuss the ethical and other guidelines of the project. At least one week prior to the deadline, please email her (a.pohlman@uq.edu.au) to make an appointment.

YES, students should contact the supervisor before applying.

Direct enquiries to: A/Prof. Pohlman (a.pohlman@uq.edu.au)