Budding researchers will be heartened by a $100, 000 injection by Charles Sturt University into funding for research into science, agriculture and information technology.

The $100 000 will be divided between 21 research grants to prospective Honours students, who have completed degree studies and are looking to commence careers in research.

According to the coordinator of the Faculty's Honours programs, Associate Professor Nick Klomp, the Honours degree is the most challenging year that a university student can face.

"The Honours year is where students learn to do research. The typical student conceives and designs a research project, completes the work and writes a substantial thesis that presents the findings in the context of current theory and knowledge," Professor Klomp said.

"Along the way, the student usually presents seminars on their work, completes a thorough literature review in their area of study and learns research methodologies and data analyses - all this in one year of full-time study."

Professor Klomp explained that in addition to the steep learning curve, there were great benefits for the student.

"The program is exciting and challenging, and students take pride in the high grades they gained to be selected for the course," he said.

Australian universities use the results from Honours programs to help decide who receives further education through PhD studies and scholarships. Employers and funding agencies can also rely on Honours results to help select employees and for promotions.

"Sound research in an Honours thesis can often be published in scientific journals, which is also important for future job prospects."

Students from any Australian university can apply for Honours research grants with CSU's Faculty of Science & Agriculture. Projects should follow current research being carried out on CSU's four campuses and should be completed on that campus.

Applications for Honours research grants for 2000 close on 30 September.