Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness

In the VCA Lab, we are committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and to ensuring that everyone who joins our lab finds an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative -- an environment where they feel like they belong. We welcome people from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

We recognize that diverse research teams are the strongest, and that diversity of perspective and experience helps us to both do better research and be better researchers. We are therefore committed to encouraging diverse perspectives, discussions, and ideas. As a lab, we work together to understand people’s needs and make them feel seen, valued, and respected. Our goal is to create an experience that teaches values and tools that last a lifetime and lays a strong foundation for future careers.

Our commitment to you

We commit to continually striving to make the VCA Lab a place where you can show up as your whole self each day, feel safe and supported, and contribute in every way.

What do we ask from you?

That you are passionate about research, excited about cognitive psychology, that you share our inclusive values, and that you respect and support others in the lab.

Who are we?

Current and past lab members as well as our research collaborators have brought unique ideas and expertise from 12 different countries around the world. We speak a variety of languages including Arabic, ASL, Farsi (Persian), French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, and Taglog. We also represent different religions, life backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Each member of the lab has brought a unique perspective and great ideas – we look forward to yours!

Talk to us!

Do you have suggestions about things that we could change or improve? Ideas as to how we could make things easier or more equitable? We definitely want to hear them. You are welcome to drop by Lisa's office (G40_2.44) any time or email to set up a time in advance (L.Jefferies@griffith.edu.au)

Learn more about Racism and Anti-racism:

The Harvard Gazette's A reading list on issues of race

Business Insider's list of 22 books on race and white privilege

Books by Indigenous Authors:

Penguin Randomhouse list: Must-read Books by Indigenous Authors

Publishers Weekly: 10 Essential Native American Novels

Books by LGBTQIA+ Authors:

Penguin Randomhouse: The Ultimate LGBTQIA+ Pride Book List

In the VCA Lab, we believe

The importance of Indigenous Knowledge

Scholarship Opportunities:

QIC Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship. The aim of the QIC Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship is to support Indigenous students studying an undergraduate degree at Griffith University. QIC believes in diversity of thought, backgrounds and experiences that strengthens relationships and delivers meaningful benefits to its people and clients. Value $10,000. Click here for more information and to apply.
Indigenous Commonwealth Education and Accommodation Scholarships. The Indigenous Commonwealth Education Scholarship and Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship are for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who have experienced financial hardship, and/or education disadvantage that has impacted their ability to achieve their full potential. The Indigenous Commonwealth Education Scholarship is valued at $12,000, paid over a maximum of eight payments. The Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship is valued at $22,000, paid over a maximum of eight payments. Click here for more information and to apply.
Griffith University Indigenous Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship. The scholarship is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research candidates. It provides a living allowance of approximately AUD$38,854 (2022 rate, indexed annually) per annum;— paid as a fortnightly stipend, and a relocation allowance. Sick leave, parental leave and leave ofabsence provisions also apply. Click here to see instructions on how to apply.
Indigenous Australian Higher Degree Research Top-up Scholarship. The Indigenous Australian Higher Degree Research (HDR) Top Up Scholarship provides supplementary financial support to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander research candidates of up to $10,000 per annum. Click here for more information and to apply.
Arrow Energy Scholarship. The Arrow Energy Scholarships aim to deliver quality learning opportunities for our Traditional Owner partners and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the Go Further Indigenous Scholarships scheme. The scholarships will provide financial assistance for the purpose of pursuing academic excellence. Full-time scholarship: Maximum value is $10,000 payable in two instalments. Part-time scholarship: Maximum value is $5,000 payable in two instalments. Click here for more information and to apply.
The Lawrence R Tedesco Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous Students was established to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are experiencing financial hardship and undertaking study in any bachelor degree. Maximum value is $5,200, payable in instalments. Click here for more information and to apply.
The Leneen Forde Zonta Scholarship is for female students enrolled in an undergraduate degree at Griffith University and are experiencing financial hardship. The scholarship is valued at $2,000 and paid as a one-off payment. Click here for more information and to apply
The Patience Thoms Indigenous Australian (Honours/Postgraduate) Scholarships are designed to assist Indigenous students moving onto honours and graduate studies at Griffith University. The scholarship aims to provide financial support for Indigenous students who require such support to complete further university studies. Maximum value of $4,000, paid in two instalments. Click here for more information and to apply
International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship rewards outstanding international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs at Griffith University. Click here for more information
Rachel Hunter Refugee Scholarship. For commencing students from a refugee background who have experienced financial hardship, and/or educational disadvantage that has impacted their ability to achieve their full potential. Maximum value of $20,000, paid in installments of $2,500 for a maximum of eight payments. Click here for more information
Capstone Editing’s grants and scholarships aim to invest in the future of academia and reward academic excellence, while easing both the financial burden of study for students and the inequities experienced by academic women in the workplace. Click here for more information.
Capstone grants (Multiple grants available):
- https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/research-grant
- https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/conference-grant (A grant to fund postgraduate students to attend important domestic or international conferences of benefit to their research)
- https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/laptop-grant (Post-graduate: A grant aimed at overcoming economic barriers to academic success by providing students with the computer equipment necessary to excel in their studies)
- https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/honours-scholarship (A scholarship aimed at providing students with the financial resources they need to produce original, high-quality research when completing their Honours degree)