New SERAP guidelines have been developed that clearly articulate the purpose of SERAP, its guiding principles and the updated steps involved in preparing and submitting SERAP applications. 

The updated guidelines set out a simplified and streamlined application and assessment process intended to:  

• deliver outcomes to SERAP applications more efficiently 

• reduce burden on researchers by providing them with early feedback about their research questions and methodology; and  

• provide an opportunity for the department to decline involvement in low-quality or low-relevance research at a preliminary stage. 

To initiate a SERAP application, researchers will now be required to submit a SERAP Expression of Interest (EOI). The purpose of the EOI is to collect key project details and identify alignment with departmental priorities. The EOI should only take 15-30 minutes to complete and requires general information about the proposed research (for example, it does not ask for specific project details such as schools to be approached, participant numbers or timelines).  

The Research and Partnerships team will then provide any initial feedback and, if required, set up a meeting with relevant department stakeholders. This meeting will provide an opportunity for researchers to consider pragmatic design suggestions from the department’s perspective before moving forward to complete the full application. Following this initial contact, the Research and Partnerships team will email any further feedback and a link to the new SERAP application form. 

A new SERAP application form has been developed to support researchers to include sufficient information about the aims, methodology and expected impacts of the proposed research project. Researchers will be prompted to provide information on: 

1. The potential benefit of the research to students, teachers, schools and the department, including alignment to the department’s research priorities as identified in Research for NSW Public Education –  A Guide to Our Evidence Needs. 
2. The likelihood that these benefits will be realised through the research design and methods.   
3. The potential risks to participants and the department and how they are effectively minimised, mitigated or managed.  
4. The time and effort required of teachers, students, schools and department staff as participants, co-investigators and facilitators. 
5. The ethical conduct of the research, and whether the participants are given the respect and protection that is due to them. 

Commencing in 2025, SERAP applications will be assessed by an Outcomes Committee to determine approval status. The committee members will include senior department policy professionals and subject matter experts who will support the Research and Partnerships team with decision making and ensure approved applications align with Our Plan for NSW Public Education and the department’s research priorities. 

Following the committee’s assessment, the department may choose to impose additional conditions and requirements. Applicants will be advised of any additional conditions as part of the assessment process. 

The Research and Partnership team is committed to improving the way the department supports and partners with researchers. All researchers are encouraged to get in contact with the department during the initial planning stages of a project. Early consultation with the department will help researchers sharpen their project designs so their research can be successfully carried out in NSW public schools.