Track Record Statement

All research submissions require a track record statement which differs from a CV.

What is a track record statement?

  • A track record statement is an argument demonstrating the researcher/s’ capacity to carry out the research.
  • Via a track record statement you will convince the assessors that you have the research skills, experience and ability to manage the project. 
  • Tell the assessor about yourself in prose, as opposed to a list of achievements as in a CV. 
  • There are usually strict guidelines about what can and cannot be included. If you have ANY queries contact the Research Grants and Development Team. 
  • Keep your track record statement up to date and to hand. It can be used for a variety of funding proposals, promotion applications and will even make the HERDC Publications collection easier.
  • Once a track record is structured and written up it should only need minimum time to revise for a specific funding opportunity.

Significant contributions to this research field

  • This is not everything you have ever done. Keep to a maximum of half a page.
  • Choose two or three significant things you have contributed to the research field in which the application/proposal fits 
  • Describe the contribution 
  • Describe why it is significant 
  • Explain how other people have recognised its significance 
  • What has been the impact of the research?

Other evidence of impact and contributions to the field

Avoid using a dot point list as it will not identify differences of impact and/or significance. Keep to a maximum of half a page.

Include:

  • Editorships
  • Research training supervision 
  • In-press or non-refereed publications 
  • Patents 
  • Honours, awards and/or prizes 
  • Commercial reports 
  • Any relevant industry experience 
  • Other professional activities

Other opportunities for research

Many funding agencies now allow/request a short statement outlining any circumstances that may have slowed down or restricted your research and publications.

Detail:

  • If you are an early career researcher and not yet had time to develop a track record include, for instance, any planned publications etc.
  • Any lengthy work in industry 
  • Any interruptions to your career, such as illness, parenthood, carer responsibilities, or any other circumstances/responsibilities 
  • Avoid gloomy and disheartening tones

Publication/dissemination/output lists

  • Generally, list the last five years only
  • Show that you have an understanding of what constitutes your key research disseminations 
  • Sort and categorise: books, edited books, book chapters, journal articles, conference proceedings, creative works and so on
  • Differentiate between refereed and non-refereed outputs 
  • Do not include in press publications if they are still under review 
  • Put forthcoming publications last 
  • Use asterisks to identify publications relevant to the application/proposal

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