Science Associate Deans Research meet in Melbourne Posted in Events, News, Research on August 20, 2024 by Glenda Key. The 2024 ACDS National Research Forum, the annual conference for Science Associate Deans Research; Higher Degree by Research, and Deans (or equivalent) was held at the Melbourne city campus of La Trobe University in late July. Forty-five delegates representing 26 Universities from across Australia were represented including all but one Go8 and strong participation from the IRU and ATN networks and other ACDS member universities. The event was held over two days and included a combination of guest speakers and discussion sessions on topics of relevance to university science research leadership. Guest speaker presentations by Cathy Foley on Australia’s National Research Priorities and the role for Australian University Science, Chennupati Jagadish on the current initiatives of the Australian Academy of Science and the recently announced strategic review of R&D in Australia, and Christina Twomey on outcomes of the ARC Review and ARC funding initiatives all made strong impressions including on the need to: inspire students in science and equip people with the skills required for the future; understand the importance of seeing things from a government perspective (science does not win votes). Be clear on what we can control (research topics, research assessment, evidence vs opinion, equity, diversity & inclusion in science). Presentations on preparing HDR students and providing support for ECRs for rewarding careers by Laura Navarro (ATSE) and the presentation by Mari Kondo on EMCR initiatives of the AAS resonated with the audience, as did the presentation by Aaron Mentha on Entrepreneurship. The presentation by Jane Fitzpatrick on the Australian National Fabrication Facility, NCRIS) was enlightening. Breakout-sessions by ACDS member university Associate Deans of Research were well received and continue to build the ACDS Research Network Community of Practice. Topics considered in these sessions included: Understanding the funding landscape for university science research and the need for, and importance of, research translation and impact. Presenter and Chair: Tony Willis ACDS, Panel leads: Bronwyn Barkla (Southern Cross University), Heath Ecroyd (Uni Wollongong), Frederic Leush (Griffith); The importance of the Associate Dean Research (or equivalent) – defining the role and strategies for success – Session chair: Coral Warr (La Trobe), Panel leads: Steven Reddy (Curtin University), Alaina Ammit (University of Technology Sydney), and Andy Martin (University of Melbourne). The conference dinner was a great opportunity for networking with peers and the after-dinner speaker Niall Byrne challenged the audience to think about the changing landscape of communicating the value proposition of Australian University science to industry and government. The ACDS Executive Committee will consider outcomes from the forum as part of planning for strategic initiatives and projects for 2025 and looks forward to working with the Steering Committee for the 2025 NRF to be held in Tasmania. Presentations from the Forum have been shared with participants and will be available on the website soon.
