Involving undergraduate students in genuine research: A case study of the Griffith University Honours College

For almost ten years, the Griffith Honours College in Brisbane, Australia, has been offering high-achieving undergraduate students an opportunity to have a genuine, paid, research experience through a Research Bursary. Offered during the Summer and Winter breaks each year, staff from across the university open their current research work to these students, to give them a taste of what real research is and how it happens. Between Summer 2012/2013 and Winter 2020, 268 undergraduate students took part in Research Bursary experiences, where they were paid a $500-$750 bursary for approximately two weeks’ research experience. This chapter is a case study of that process in 2020, from the perspectives of a research mentor, four students, and the Manager of the Griffith Honours College. We cover a little of the history and data behind the Research Bursaries, but the majority of this chapter examines the reflections of staff and students involved in the process, including why they became involved and what they gained from the experience. Combining both reflection in and reflection on practice, this case study provides a snapshot from the perspectives of all those involved in the Griffith Honours College Research Bursaries scheme, giving insight into the value of this unique undergraduate research experience