Annual Research & Research Training Report to Academic …DVC (Research, Development & Industry) |...
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DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 1
Annual Research & Research Training Report
to Academic Senate
for the period 1 September 2017 – 31 August 2018
Professor Mary T Kelly
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development & Industry)
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Contents
Contents .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
5 Year Research Strategy from the University Strategy 2017-2022 ........................................................................ 4
Workforce ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
1. Research Focussed .................................................................................................................................. 5
Academic (Research) Staffing Profile .............................................................................................................. 5
Research Active Status .................................................................................................................................... 6
Research Fellowships ...................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Leadership and Progression Opportunities ............................................................................................. 10
Professional development: Vitae .................................................................................................................... 10
‘Granted’ program .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Professional development events .................................................................................................................. 11
The Conversation ........................................................................................................................................... 12
3. Gender balanced (SAGE) ....................................................................................................................... 12
4. High achieving and internationally recognised (ERA 2018 submission) ................................................. 12
Observations on the CSU ERA 2018 submission data .................................................................................. 13
Submission data ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Count of eligible outputs submitted for ERA 2012/2015/2018 ........................................................................ 14
Ineligible outputs ERA 2018 ........................................................................................................................... 15
Explanatory Statements ................................................................................................................................. 16
Culture .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
5. Ethical and of high integrity ..................................................................................................................... 16
Ethics and Compliance Unit ........................................................................................................................... 16
New model for Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)......................................................................... 17
Compliance Improvement Project (CIP) Update ............................................................................................ 17
New 2018 Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research .......................................................... 18
6. Innovative and partnership driven ........................................................................................................... 18
Continuum between research and innovation ................................................................................................ 18
Boosting Business Innovation Program (BBIP) .............................................................................................. 19
Discovery Translation Fund (DTF) ................................................................................................................. 20
AgriSciences Research and Business Park - AgriPark .................................................................................. 20
Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) ......................................................................................................... 21
7. Outcomes and impact driven: EI 2018 submission ................................................................................. 22
Impact Case studies ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Engagement indicators .................................................................................................................................. 22
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8. Collaborative with common goals ........................................................................................................... 23
Indigenous Research Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 23
University Research Centres ......................................................................................................................... 24
Students ................................................................................................................................................................ 25
9. Unique HDR programs linked to industry & community .......................................................................... 25
2017/8 Review of HDR Programs at CSU ..................................................................................................... 25
10. CSU cohorts prioritised incl. part-time..................................................................................................... 26
HDR Scholarships .......................................................................................................................................... 26
HDR Student Profile ....................................................................................................................................... 27
11. Sector distinction in supervision .............................................................................................................. 27
Fields of Education ........................................................................................................................................ 27
12. Internationalisation of student cohort ...................................................................................................... 29
HDR Student Load ......................................................................................................................................... 29
HDR Completions .......................................................................................................................................... 30
Environment .......................................................................................................................................................... 32
13. Sustainable first class infrastructure ....................................................................................................... 32
GRDC-funded infrastructure .......................................................................................................................... 32
Research Infrastructure Support Scheme (RISS) .......................................................................................... 32
Research Committee Working Groups .......................................................................................................... 33
14. Revised funding models.......................................................................................................................... 33
2018 Research funding .................................................................................................................................. 33
HERDC Income ............................................................................................................................................. 34
15. New KPIs and shared performance metrics ............................................................................................ 34
Strategy KPIs ................................................................................................................................................. 34
Consultation on Principles of Research Performance .................................................................................... 35
Research Office Review ................................................................................................................................ 35
16. Greater internationalisation through partnerships ................................................................................... 36
Appendix 1: Summary of Research Office Professional Development sessions in 2017 ...................................... 38
Appendix 2: Articles Published in The Conversation: 12 months to 20 August 2018 ............................................ 39
Appendix 3: ERA Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 42
Appendix 4: EI 2018 Impact case studies ............................................................................................................. 67
Appendix 5: NWGIC Director’s Report .................................................................................................................. 71
Appendix 6: PACT Director’s Report ..................................................................................................................... 74
Appendix 7: Graham Centre Director’s Report ...................................................................................................... 76
Appendix 8: ILWS Directors’ Report ...................................................................................................................... 78
Appendix 9: HDR Review ...................................................................................................................................... 80
Appendix 10: Principles of Research Performance ............................................................................................... 82
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 4
5 Year Research Strategy from the University
Strategy 2017-2022
Within Our Communities, the outcomes and pathways to delivery have been strategically determined as outlined
below:
To be an agent of change through impactful, solution-driven research the Our Communities component of
the University Strategy is inclusive of a five year research strategy, designed against the CSU Values, to
deliver a sustainable research portfolio.
Workforce
Research focussed
Leadership & progression opportunities
Gender balanced (SAGE)
High achieving & internationally recognised
Culture
Ethical and of high integrity
Innovative & partnership driven
Outcomes & impact driven
Collaborative with common goals
Students
Unique HDR programs linked to industry &
community
CSU cohorts prioritised incl. part-time
Sector distinction in supervision
Internationalisation of student cohort
Environment
Sustainable first-class infrastructure
Revised funding models
New KPIs and shared performance metrics
Greater internationalisation
through partnerships
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 5
The Annual Research and Research Training Report for the period 1 September 2017 – 31 August 2018 is
presented within the structure of the proposed 5 Year Research Strategy. While the Research Strategy as
outlined above has only been recently introduced, it is hoped that presentation of the last 12 months of research
and research training performance within this structure will provide context and be the first step in informing the
development of the Research Strategy more comprehensively.
The report highlights the themes in research and research training that have been pursued in the reference
period and the metrics and performance measures that have been monitored. The structure of the 5 year
strategy and the new intiiatives that it will introduce will increase the ability of the university to undertake longer
term planning and assessment. The report does not go into greater detail on matters that have been reported to
Academic senate during the reference period through the Research Committee Mminutes or at Academic
Senate.
Workforce
1. Research Focussed
Academic (Research) Staffing Profile
The following charts provide FTE data at 31 March for the period 2014-2018. Of particular note:
Total FTE of research focussed staff has increased by 33% 2017 to 2018, and notably at the Levels A-C
Total FTE of teaching and research staff has remained stable since 2016
In combining both research focussed and teaching and research FTE, over the period 2014 to 2018,
proportionally, the numbers of
o Levels A and E have remained steady;
o Level B has declined;
o Levels C and D have increased.
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Level E 12.93 16.8 14.55 10.35 9.45
Level D 2.81 1.6 2.7 3.2 4
Level C 6.55 4.12 2 4.02 7.22
Level B 13.26 10.51 10.1 9.36 12.98
Level A 17.17 18.35 16.8 15.13 22.16
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Research Focussed
Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E
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Research Active Status
Research Active Status has been assessed for the period 1 January 2015 – 31 December 2017 and is based on
the information contained within the corporate record systems including ResearchMaster, CRO, Banner Finance
system and Ascender Pay. The data has been provided for the purposed of this report at the institutional level
and by Faculty. Individual staff data will be released to staff, Heads of School and Executive Deans during
September 2018 ahead of the 2018 EDRS cycle. Staff included in the report are those with
- A work function of Research or Research and Teaching; and
- A position reported as being FTE of 0.5 or higher as at August 2018.
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Level E 47.46 33.74 32.8 33.55 29.85
Level D 55 47.1 46.2 52.16 59.6
Level C 121.79 119.7 123.9 127.75 132.66
Level B 376.02 257.65 245.85 227.15 214.03
Level A 24.2 17.2 12.6 14.53 14.4
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Teaching and Research
Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Level E 9% 10% 9% 9% 8%
Level D 9% 9% 10% 11% 13%
Level C 19% 24% 25% 27% 28%
Level B 57% 51% 50% 48% 45%
Level A 6% 7% 6% 6% 7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Research Focussed + Teaching and Research
Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E
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Research Active Status by Tier as at August 2018 for the period 2015-2017
(Academic Research Focussed and Teaching and Research only with an FTE of 0.5 or over)
Research Active Status by Tier as at August 2018 for the period 2015-2017
By Faculty
(Academic Research Focussed and Teaching and Research only with an FTE of 0.5 or over)
22
110
81
100
135
HDR STUDENT INACTIVE TIER1(D) TIER 1 TIER 2
0.00%
20.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
120.00%
Faculty of Arts andEducation
Faculty of Business,Justice & Behavioural
Science
Faculty of Science
TIER 2
TIER 1
TIER1(D)
INACTIVE
HDR STUDENT
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Staff who were assessed in the reference period 2014-2016 as Tier 1(D) (as reported in the 2017 Annual Report
to Academic Senate) were followed in their progress into the new reference period 2015-2017. As shown below,
29 of the staff progressed to Tier 1 or 2; 40 remained at Tier 1(D) status, 22 became inactive and 2 commenced
HDR studies. The remaining 40 which are shown below as not reported are those that have left the university,
changed work function to teaching only or other, or their FTE is now below 0.5 FTE. It should be noted that the
assessment of Research Active Status for staff above 0.5 FTE only is a direct result of consultation following the
release of the previous data in September 2017.
When the institutional profile is compared to the two previous reference periods, there is growth at Tier 1 and 2, a
reduction in the Tier 1(D) group but an increase in the Inactive group. This may be due in part to the improved
reporting mechanisms, but requires further analysis on a case by case basis, noting that the reference periods do
not each contain the same staffing lists year on year.
2018 data – reference period of January 2015 – December 2017
2017 data – reference period of January 2014 – December 2016
2016 data – reference period of January 2013 – December 2015
2
22
40
22
7
40
HDR STUDENT INACTIVE TIER1(D) TIER 1 TIER 2 NOT REPORTED
Staff Reported in 2017 with a Research Active Status of Tier1(D) - Status in 2018
4.91% 6.47% 4.02%
24.55% 18.75% 19.42%
18.08% 23.44% 21.88%
22.32% 17.41%13.62%
30.13%26.56%
23.88%
0.00%
7.37%17.19%
2018 2017 2016
2018 Reported Staff Compared to Previous Years
Not Reported
TIER 2
TIER 1
TIER1(D)
INACTIVE
HDR STUDENT
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Research Fellowships
In June 2018, the recipients of the Senior Research Fellowships and Research Fellowships were announced.
Over a two year period, these Fellowships represent an investment of more than $4M in our research capacity.
The Research Fellowships and Senior Research Fellowships are intended to boost research capacity within the
University by supporting dedicated research time and providing additional research resources for a number of
high-performing individuals. The Fellowships are specifically focused on achieving growth and increased
performance towards securing the future strength of research at CSU.
Built on the Research Narrative (introduced in April 2017), the Fellowships also seek to better enable cross-
collaboration and multi-disciplinary projects that lie within the research spheres and/or at the intersections of the
research spheres. All Fellowships must be in a research area which aligns to the Research Narrative and can
identify strongly with at least one research sphere.
For reference, the details of the call are available here, noting this call is now closed.
CSU Research Fellowships provide funding to support an increased research-focussed workload up to a
maximum of 60% FTE which is inclusive of the current research-focussed workload of the eligible staff member
as at time of application. Nine Research Fellowships were awarded in 2018.
CSU Senior Research Fellowships provide funding to support an increased research-focussed workload up to a
maximum of 100% FTE which is inclusive of the current research-focussed workload of the eligible staff member
as at time of application and is inclusive of a 30% FTE commitment to research leadership in the designated
research sphere. Two Senior Research Fellowships were awarded per research sphere within the Research
Narrative.
Resilient People research sphere entitled Walanbang mayiny which means very strong people:
Senior Research Fellowships
Prof. Sharynne McLeod, Faculty of Arts and Education
Prof. Jade Forwood, Faculty of Science
Research Fellowships
A/Prof. Karen Bell, Faculty of Arts & Education
Dr. Tamara Cumming, Faculty of Arts & Education
A/Prof. Peter Denyer-Simmons, Faculty of Arts and Education
Dr. Danielle Ryan, Faculty of Science
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Flourishing Communities research sphere entitled Ngumbadal-ngilanha which translates as united:
Senior Research Fellowships
A/Prof. Oliver Burmeister, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences
A/Prof. Dominic O’Sullivan, Faculty of Arts and Education
Research Fellowships
A/Prof. Zahid Islam, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences
A/Prof. Manoranjan Paul, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences
Sustainable Environments research sphere entitled Gulbali ngurambang meaning to understand country:
Senior Research Fellowships
A/Prof. Shokoofeh Shamsi, Faculty of Science
Prof. Shane Raidal. Faculty of Science.
Research Fellowships
Dr. Andrew Clark, Faculty of Science
Dr. Melanie Massaro, Faculty of Science
Dr. Lihong Zheng, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences
2. Leadership and Progression Opportunities
In addition to the existing leadership roles in research – University Research Centre Directors, Associate Deans
Research, Sub-Deans Graduate Studies and the recently appointed Senior Research Fellowships, there are a
number of other roles which provide leadership including for example the Pathway Leaders within the Graham
Centre, the identified CSU leads within the three Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) teams and a small number
of strategic research leadership appointments. It is essential that we have continue to nurture research
leadership capability, through professional development and mentorship. In parallel, it is critical that we develop a
more appropriate definition of research performance to recognise performance currently and to enable and
reward increased performance in the future.
Professional development: Vitae
The provision of professional development for academic staff and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at
an institutional level is provided by a small unit within the Research Office. This team has facilitated a number of
important events and opportunities for staff over the past 12 months, the highlights of which are presented here.
In January 2018, CSU became an organisational member of Vitae, the global leader in the professional
development of researchers led by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) in the UK. Research staff
and students have been encouraged to register on the Vitae website to gain free access to a wide range of
professional development resources and have been introduced to the Vitae Researcher Development
Framework (RDF) to support their career development.
The RDF is a professional development framework for researchers, which describes the knowledge, behaviours
and attributes of successful researchers. It can be used by individual researchers to create individual
development plans, and by the institution to audit and organise the provision of training for researchers. A series
of presentations have been made to meetings of Associates Deans Research, Research Office, Head of School
Forum, and 8 Schools to explain the framework and benefits of Vitae membership to the CSU research
community. The RDF is also being used to review and implement a more structured professional development
program at CSU.
‘Granted’ program
In May 2018 an expression of interest was opened to CSU Academic Staff (Level A-C) to participate in an online
grant writing and development program. Fifteen researchers were selected for the Granted program (10 funded
seats from the Research Office and 5 additional seats supported by the Faculties), which commenced on 30 July
2018. The course guides participants through writing a stand-out grant proposal, from start to finish. Course
modules include getting grant ready, preparing to write, integrating feedback, and post-submission
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professionalism. Participants are supported by a dedicated facilitator who provides mentoring and strategic
advice during the program. Those who successfully complete the course will benefit from additional one-on-one
coaching to finalise a draft grant proposal over the next 6 months.
Participants in Granted program in 2018:
Arts and Education 2 x Level B
Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences 5 x Level B 2 x Level C
Science 5 x Level B 1 x Level C
Professional development events
In 2017 calendar year, the Research Office Professional Development program delivered 149 sessions to 2,305
attendees. These sessions supported HDR candidates, academic researchers, supervisors of HDR candidates,
and research support staff. A list of these programs is provided in Appendix 1.
Special sessions by external guest experts have contributed new ideas and attracted larger audiences to the
professional development calendar over the past year. Special sessions were as follows:
Date Title Presenters Attendances
22.11.17 Structuring Persuasive Arguments
Dr Cally Guerin, University of Adelaide
26
23.11.17 Examiner Expectations Dr Cally Guerin, University of Adelaide
31
30.11.17 Research Communication: Expert Panel
Dr Tamika Heiden, Knowledge Translation Australia & University of Western Australia; Dr Tseen Khoo, La Trobe University; Dr Jenny Martin, University of Melbourne; Dr Suzie Gibson, CSU School of Humanities & Social Sciences; Associate Professor Dale Nimmo, CSU Institute for Land, Water & Society
22
11.12.17 How to Live Without the Academic Hunger Games
Associate Professor Narelle Lemon, Explore & Create Co, Swinburne University
30
9.08.18 Creating Impact for Research through Social Media Engagement
Associate Professor Paul Willis, Media Engagement Services, Flinders University
40
13.08.18 'Self-gardening' in the doctoral candidature and beyond
Associate Professor Narelle Lemon, Explore & Create Co, Swinburne University; Natalie Thompson, CSU School of Education
38
21.08.18 Ratbag Research Jonathan O’Donnell, RMIT University; Associate Professor Jane Quinn, CSU Associate Dean Research Faculty of Science
68 registered
28.08.18 Defeating Self Sabotage Hugh Kearns, ithinkwell & Flinders University
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The Conversation
Academic staff maintained their contributions to
The Conversation – ensuring their ideas and
research have national and international reach.
Many of the articles published by The
Conversation are reproduced by other news
outlets.
Over the past 12 months (up to 20 August 2018), CSU has contributed
50 articles
from 34 authors
creating 833,295 reads
with 49% of the readership located in Australia, and 22% in USA, with Canada, UK and France following
A list of the articles and authors published since 20 August 2017 is provided in Appendix 2.
3. Gender balanced (SAGE)
As part of the CSU application for the Athena Swan Bronze Award earlier in 2018, the DVC RDI made a
commitment to the following initiatives:
A mentoring program, led by recognised female research leaders
Targeted invitations from the DVC‐RDI to individual female researchers to encourage increased
participation of women in external research roles such as grant assessors and reviewers. Such
participation will provide greater exposure to and hands‐on experience within the national research
environment in which researchers compete for research funding and reputation.
The proposed outcomes are as follows:
50% of female teaching/research staff involved in the mentoring program by 2021
25% of female teaching/research staff participating in external research roles by 2022
To ensure that the benefits of these initiatives can be more widely shared, the DVC RDI has consulted with the
Professors’ Forum and asked them to consider how a mentorship program can be rolled out more broadly,
including consideration of internal and external mentorship; discipline-specific and career-focused mentoring; and
the scope of one or more mentorship programs. The Professors’ Forum will return a proposal to the DVC RDI
before the end of 2018.
4. High achieving and internationally recognised (ERA 2018 submission)
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is responsible for administering Excellence in Research for Australia
(ERA), Australia’s national research evaluation framework. ERA compares Australia’s university research effort
against international benchmarks using a defined set of indicators and provides rankings to the sector on a scale
of 1-5.
5 Evidence of outstanding performance well above world standard
4 Evidence of performance above world standard
3 Evidence of performance at world standard
2 Evidence of performance below world standard
1 Evidence of performance well below world standard
n/a Not assessed due to low volume. The number of research outputs does not meet the volume threshold standard for evaluation in ERA
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The University’s ERA 2018 submission was finalised and certified in May 2018. Each institution must submit all
research data within a Field of Research (FoR) (at 2 digit and/or 4 digit) in which they reach the minimum
threshold set by the ARC. The Reference Periods for ERA 2018 are historical:
research data included in the submission must be attributable to eligible staff who worked at the
University on 31 March 2017;
research outputs must have occurred between January 2011 and December 2016; and,
all research income and applied measures of research performance (e.g. patents) must have occurred
between January 2014 and December 2016.
Observations on the CSU ERA 2018 submission data
We have without doubt a higher level of confidence in our data, our scrutiny of the data and the entire
preparatory process than in previous years. This is as a result of the extended lead time taken by the
CSU team, enhanced resources, the introduction of new software and the preparation of the data in a
second parallel system to ensure quality control.
The number of staff that created ERA eligible outputs increased from 2,439 in ERA 2015 to 3,042 in
ERA 2018.
In ERA 2015, 25% of eligible staff were adjuncts, which increased to 29% in ERA 2018.
As well as reporting in all previous FoRs from ERA 2015, we are reporting in a small number of new
FoRs. The patterns of growth mostly align with expectations and our knowledge of our research but
there were some new findings also (see below). Growth in outputs and/or income are indicative
only and quantitative only – the ERA process still has to do a qualitative evaluation.
We can see within the data where recruitments and departures have had an impact; where new areas
emerging for the years 2015 and 2016 are now included in the data for this submission; and we can see
where output growth may not be matched with income growth or vice versa because publication
typically trails investment and sometimes by extended periods.
Growth in volume of outputs in the most recent years of the reference period 2015 and 2016, will not
have had as much time to attract citations and/or other discipline relevant recognition and so a growth in
the volume of output does not guarantee an (immediate) increase in ranking.
Submission data
2 digit FoRs 4 digit FoRs
all fifteen FoRs at 2-digit level as in
ERA 2015;
in Law and Legal Studies (18) for the
first time since ERA 2010; and
in Physical Sciences (02) for the first
time.
all thirty FoRs at 4-digit level as in ERA
2015;
in Law (1801) and in Pharmacology and
Pharmaceutical Sciences (1115) for the
first time since ERA 2010; and
in five FoRs at 4-digit level for the first
time: Astronomical and Space Sciences
(0201), Computer Software (0803),
Distributed Computing (0805),
Information Systems (0806), and
Cardiovascular Medicine and
Haematology (1102).
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There were 1,309 more ‘eligible’ outputs in ERA 2018 than were submitted for ERA 2015 (each output counted
as ‘1’), which represents an 18% increase from ERA 2015. In contrast, there was an 8% increase in the number
of research outputs from ERA 2012 to ERA 2015.
Count of eligible outputs submitted for ERA 2012/2015/2018
To ensure that ERA evaluates meaningful levels of data, the ARC stipulates a low volume threshold (LVT) for
each unit of assessment (i.e. FoR code).
For FoRs with citation analysis, the threshold is 50 apportioned indexed journal articles. Note that
‘apportioned’ refers to the percentage allocated to one or more FoRs (e.g. 50% to FoR 03, 30% to FoR
05, 20% to FoR 07). Percentage allocations (i.e. apportionments) for each journal article are then added
within each FoR. An ‘indexed journal article’ is an article published in a journal that the ERA 2018
citation provider has indexed (i.e. matched) in its databases. Non-indexed journal articles do not count
toward LVT calculations.
For FoRs that are peer reviewed, the threshold is the equivalent of 50 weighted apportioned research
outputs. ‘Apportionments’ are calculated as per above. In peer review FoRs, each book receives a
weighting of 5, compared to all other outputs types which have a weighting of 1. The weighting for each
individual output are summed in each FoR to form the LVT.
If the LVT is less than 50 in any four-digit or two-digit FoR at an institution, then that FoR at that institution will not
be evaluated. However, institutions must submit all data at the four-digit FoR level.
When taking indexing and weighting into account, the LVT in ERA 2018 increased by 18% from ERA 2015. This growth
manifested in increased LVT in seventeen of the twenty two FoR codes. Note that in the table below, the 2-digit
FoRs that attained LVT > 50 and were submitted for assessment are in red font.
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Percentage LVT change from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018
Appendix 3 provides a detailed analysis of ERA data at the 4 digit level.
Ineligible outputs ERA 2018
Research outputs are assessed differently depending on the 2 digit FoR code:
Citation Analysis Peer Review
FoRs CSU submitted
02 05 06 07 09 11 17 08 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22
Journal article citation analysis using ARC Journal List (8,000 +)
Peer review 30% of outputs nominated
FoRs with outputs but did not reach LVT
01 03 04 10 12
In respect of the CSU submissions in 2015 and 2018, a significant proportion of our outputs in the citation analysis group are not being counted in the submissions. In ERA 2015, 26% of outputs were not eligible to be included in the LVT, and in ERA 2018, 24% of outputs were ineligible. This is due to outputs being published in journals not accepted for ERA. The ARC determined the ERA 2018 Journal List in consultation with Australian Higher Education Providers and peak bodies and disciplinary groups. For a journal to be included, it must meet the following criteria as a minimum:
Was active during the ERA 2018 reference period for research outputs (1 January 2011–31 December
2016)
Is scholarly
FoR code FoR name % Increase 2015 LVT 2018 LVT
18 Law and Legal Studies 508% 13.4 81.5
10 Technology 297% 4 15.89
09 Engineering 86% 88.75 165.2
08 Information and Computing Sciences 63% 581 946.7
02 Physical Sciences 55% 41.08 63.7
05 Environmental Sciences 40% 292.97 411
07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences 30% 594.18 774.3
06 Biological Sciences 30% 136.76 177.4
17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences 27% 94.26 119.7
11 Medical and Health Sciences 25% 690.18 862.4
03 Chemical Sciences 20% 32.13 38.4
16 Studies in Human Society 18% 329.33 389.9
12 Built Environment and Design 15% 25.75 29.61
15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services 7% 309.83 331.9
13 Education 8% 914.27 988
19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing 5% 214.45 225.51
21 History and Archaeology 4% 70.37 73.3
20 Language, Communication and Culture -1% 141.28 139.4
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies -5% 742.15 702.8
14 Economics -28% 110.08 79.6
01 Mathematical Sciences -37% 29.72 18.64
04 Earth Sciences -74% 3.9 1
* red font indicates LVT > 50 and submitted for assessment
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Has peer review policies acceptable to the discipline
Has an ISSN
Has evidence of an article in the reference period
Explanatory Statements
For each FoR reported at the 2-digit level, the university must provide an Explanatory Statement which describes the activities which occurred during the 6 year reference period (2011-2016) and provide context for the data submitted. The Statements form part of the evaluation by the ARC Panel members. Statements are focused at the 2-digit level but can include reference to the underlying 4-digit FoRs. Information and claims contained within the statements must align with the associated submission data or provide an explanation of anomalies in the data. Statements are limited in length.
The full set of CSU Explanatory Statements, drafted with significant input from the academic community, will be made available at a later date.
Culture
5. Ethical and of high integrity
Ethics and Compliance Unit
Since the last annual report to Academic Senate, the Compliance Improvement Program (CIP) identified the
need for a dedicated, visible, high profile work unit responsible for the operational management of ethics and
compliance that is directly engaged with the Presiding Officers (POs) providing:
oversight of legislative instruments and compliance;
greater operational capacity including annual reporting, annual work plans and regular review
scheduled;
integration of specialist advice into complex problem resolution and investigation at an earlier stage;
coordination of administrative support and information system management including servicing of
committees;
coordination and management of training and education; and
Outputs LVT Outputs LVT
ERA 2015 ERA 2018
Citation analysis 2608.4 1938.4 3366.3 2573.7
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000Citation analysis FoRs
26%
24%
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greater capacity and transparency for complaint and incident investigation and management.
A proposal was submitted to the Vice-Chancellors Leadership Team (VCLT) by the DVC RDI and University
Secretary for the reorganisation of Ethics and Governance within CSU and the creation of an autonomous ethics
unit within the Office of the DVC RDI. The proposal was endorsed by the VCLT and approved by the Vice-
Chancellor on 5 December 2017. The Ethics and Compliance Unit commenced operation on 1 February 2018.
The Unit provides operational support and guidance to the six compliance committees:
Human Research Ethics Committee
Animal Care and Ethics Committee
Institutional Biosafety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee
Defence Trade Control Committee
Chemical Safety Committee
The unit brings together a team dedicated to providing high level education, support and advice, engaging with
the CSU academic community to address the operational gaps identified under the CIP. The Unit Manager is
responsible for completion of the CIP program of work by end 2018 and ongoing completion of the CIP
Implementation Plan action items. The Manager Ethics and Compliance and the inaugural CSU Animal Welfare
Officer have been successfully appointed completing the full complement of staffing for the unit alongside a team
of Governance Officers. The unit is supplemented by Research Block Grant funding.
New model for Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
An opportunity to streamline and enhance the Human Research Ethics review process was identified within CIP
in 2017 and a proposal was submitted to the VCLT by the DVC RDI for the implementation of a new Human
Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Model. The proposal and new model was endorsed by the VCLT and
approved by the Vice-Chancellor on November 7 2017 for implementation in 2018. The model requires review of
all levels of teaching and research to be undertaken by a single CSU HREC with two fully constituted panels
each meeting the requirements of the National Statement. The Faculty Human Ethics Committees (FHEC) were
retired under this new model at the end of 2017.
The model design has been developed with the principal that researchers will not be disadvantaged and will
benefit through greater clarity, efficiencies and streamlined process consistency. An interim review 6 months post
implementation is due for completion by end September 2018.
Compliance Improvement Project (CIP) Update
Configuration of Research Master 6 has been completed and the system went live on 25 June 2018. Data entry
for both Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC) and HREC has commenced. The first automated reminders
for active projects have been issued. Full functionality is expected for both committees is expected by the end of
2018.
Both the HREC and ACEC websites have been reviewed and updated. Both sites have been transitioned to a
user-focused format with the new format structured to align with the process steps and to provide information
quickly and easily. Presiding Officers of both Committees have provided updated content and will continue to
provide updated resources to ensure the website remains a dynamic source of information. Improvements to the
remaining committee sites will be undertaken before end 2018.
The standard ELMO packages for Research Integrity, Human Research Ethics and Animal Care and Ethics have
been reviewed and the Presiding Officers of ACEC and HREC are currently assisting with the customisation of
the modules for CSU specific content. The Chemical Safety module has been customised and cohort
identification for module release is being finalised.
Review of ACEC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) was undertaken on approximately 100 outdated SOPs
that did not comply with requirements set out in the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for
Scientific Purposes. The review and update of these SOPs has now been completed by discipline experts with
amended SOPs approved by the ACEC and the revised SOP documents made available on the website.
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New 2018 Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC), and
Universities Australia together announced the release of the revised Australian Code for the Responsible
Conduct of Research, 2018 (the 2018 Code) and the Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential
Breaches of the Code, 2018 (the Investigation Guide) in June 2018.
The 2018 Code and Investigation Guide are the result of an extensive review and consultation process and aim
to ensure procedural fairness to all parties. The 2018 Code provides a new principles-based approach to the
responsible conduct of research.
The 2018 Code will be supported by a series of guides for researchers and institutions that provide further
detailed advice on a range of integrity matters such as authorship, data collection and management and
collaborative research arrangements.
The Investigation Guide will help institutions to identify breaches of the 2018 Code, determine necessary
corrective actions, and will promote greater consistency in the research sector for managing any departures from
the principles of responsible research conduct.
Sector-wide adoption of the code and implementation of requirements is expected by 1 July 2019. The Ethics
and Compliance Unit will work closely with the Division of Human Resources to ensure that CSU policies and
processes align with the code and will continue to communicate relevant information and requirements in the
coming months.
6. Innovative and partnership driven
Continuum between research and innovation
At its June 2018 meeting the University Council formally endorsed the refocused University Strategy that
included a specific pathway to the creation of an innovation unit and innovation portfolio under the Our
Communities strategy. Innovation is found in every sector of the economy, in enterprises large and small, and in
cities as well as regional areas. At CSU, innovation activities occur across all our communities: resilient people,
flourishing communities, and sustainable environments. As such, the CSU innovation agenda supports the
development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem across the CSU footprint, encourages interaction between small to
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the University, supports business innovation, and encourages jobs growth
in the region.
An identifiable innovation agenda has been growing at CSU since mid-2016 and there has been increased focus
in the innovation space since mid-2017. This has been centred around our three Boosting Business Innovation
Program (BBIP) incubators: the AgriTech Incubator in Wagga Wagga; CenWest Innovate in Bathurst; and
the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub Program. Through these programs, CSU
provides tailored programs and technical support for growth, as well as business networking and training events
which can be facilitated at a number of the University’s campus locations around NSW. More information is
provided below.
As our reputation in this area is growing, a number of local similarly minded organisations are reaching out to
partner with us. For example, we partnering with The Exchange Dubbo to build a community for new and growing
business owners within Dubbo and the wider catchment to co-work and thrive.
CSU has also become a founding partner of the Upstairs
Regional StartUp in Bathurst in partnership with NSW
Department of Premier and Cabinet, Bathurst Regional
Council and Reliance Credit Union. Other interactions have
gone beyond our geographical footprint, including Entry 29 in
Canberra, Cicada Innovation Melbourne. Upstairs was
recently awarded $300K by Jobs for NSW under the Local
Innovation Network, a significant component of which will
come to CSU uImagine as part of a new collaboration.
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Work has commenced under the Our Communities strategy to deliver an Innovation Plan and to create an
Innovation unit in the next 12 months. The plan will build on CSU’s long-term strategic commitment to the growth
and development in the regions and communities across New South Wales. The Innovation unit will drive and
expand CSU’s ability to foster regional start-ups and create innovation clusters across the State. It will further
enhance CSU’s collaboration with end-users, industry, the professions and communities for the public good.
CSU is partnering with Blue River Group and
AgriFutures Australia in the establishment of
Project Bridge, a regional agrifood tech
innovation hub that will identify, test and
commercialise ideas and technologies of
researchers and entrepreneurs.
Boosting Business Innovation Program (BBIP)
The University received a $1M grant in 2016 and then a further $500,000 grant for July 2018 – June 2020 from
the NSW Government under the Boosting Business Innovation Program to support the development of regional
entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem in the Central West and Southern regions of NSW. With a focus
on regional small to medium sized businesses, the Program delivers demonstrably better networked innovation
communities across the CSU footprint leading to enhanced innovation-based collaborations, increased
entrepreneurial skills, and improvement in innovation-based enterprise formation.
CSU is delivering three programs across our footprint:
CenWest Innovate supports the development of the
entrepreneurial ecosystem in Central West NSW. It encourages interaction between SMEs and the University to support business innovation and to encourage jobs growth in the region. CenWest Innovate’s flagship program is the Next Stage Growth Program which assists the development of existing sustainable businesses. Its second cohort commenced in April 2018 with ten businesses. Last year thirteen businesses received invaluable support from the program and their stories can be viewed here. In addition, over 330 people have participated in various masterclasses across the Central West region.
Walan Mayinygu, the Indigenous Entrepreneurial Pop Up Hub in partnership with Indigenous Business Australia,
visits various locations across NSW. The program features a series of events and activities that work as place-based generators of ideas, opportunities and momentum for the Indigenous Australian entrepreneurial sector. Four Pop Up Hubs have been conducted in Dubbo, Albury Port Macquarie and Lismore. 39 pre-start-ups entrepreneurs and seventeen established businesses have participated in the Pop-Up Hub programs. Hear from some of the participants here.
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AgriTech Incubator Hub in Wagga aims to spark
innovation and economic development in the Riverina by offering incubator programs, providing co-working spaces and fostering greater participation of women in entrepreneurial activities. The third incubator program commenced on 30 July, and will complete the program by mid-September with a pitch night. At the conclusion of the third program, the AgriTech Incubator will have supported 22 prospective businesses in the Riverina. View the story of Agrinet here. In addition the AgriTech Incubator has supported around 100 female high school students through coding events and 20 teachers at a Teacher Training Day in coding.
Discovery Translation Fund (DTF)
In 2017 CSU joined forces with the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC) in
the Discovery Translation Fund (DTF) which provides translational grant funding for projects from ANU, UC and
CSU. The grants helps assess whether an idea, invention or discovery has commercial potential. Grants can be
awarded up to $50,000 per project, with funding above $50,000 considered for projects of exceptional
commercial potential. This development has provided a great opportunity for CSU researchers to bridge the
critical funding gap between discovery research and the commercial development of new technologies or the
establishment of new ventures. Projects originating from CSU will be funded by the ODVC RDI research budget
and CSU has made an annual commitment of up to $350K. The universities do not cross-fund projects, but
instead each university funds work which originates within its own organisation. The power of the DTF is the
opportunity for the universities to benefit from shared expertise and review prior to investment.
Since CSU joined the DTF late last year, four CSU researchers have been funded:
Peter Anderson A quantitative test for human vitamin B12 absorption using specifically-labelled
carbon-13 vitamin B12.
Jane Quinn Stress-free sheep production and management: developing a product to
provide a positive welfare reality for Australian and International producers
Susan Robertson Establishing meat residue levels after GC16 supplementation
Jade Forwood Testing large scale-up production of recombinantly expressed capsid protein
from beak and feather disease virus for towards establishing a vaccine for
Psittacine beak and feather disease.
AgriSciences Research and Business Park - AgriPark
The AgriSciences Research and Business
Park (AgriPark) is CSU’s long term strategic
initiative to create an agricultural ecosystem in
which innovation and productivity is accelerated
through deliberate and pro-active synergy,
collaboration and co-location.
An International Benchmarking report was commissioned in 2017 to identify the most successful global
models. Acknowledgement that the AgriPark was not only a viable opportunity for CSU, but that it already
existed within the Wagga campus, was a significant milestone. The Market Analysis delivered in May 2018
showed overwhelming industry support for the AgriPark and confirmed that CSU is on the path to delivering an
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AgriPark that truly meets the needs of the industry. Today, we are proud to have the following key external
stakeholders interspersed within the Wagga campus and aligned with the AgriPark:
AgriFutures Australia
Regional Development Australia (Riverina)
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Riverina Local Land Services
Department of Primary Industries
FARMpay
Bridge Hub
Syngenta –Seedcare Institute (Australia) – coming in October 2018
Our key internal stakeholders include
Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation
National Wine and Grape Industry Centre
AgriTech Incubator Hub
The AgriPark brand is trade-marked and we are gaining more recognition in the market place through our
website, periodic newsletters and sponsorship opportunities. During the upcoming months we will finalise our
Commercial Activity business case, develop our Prospectus, and generate new opportunities through
establishment of Building 9 as an AgriPark co-working space.
Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs)
CSU has continued its successful involvement in CRCs. The outcome for an out of round CRC in Cyber Security
was announced as successful in September 2017. CRC for Cyber Security ($50 million over 7 years with
$89,789,000 cash and in-kind participant contributions) will benefit the economy by enabling industry to attract
and increase investment, trade and commerce. Industry is increasingly cyber connected and reliant on a secure
cyber experience. The Cyber Security CRC will deliver solutions that increase the security of critical infrastructure
and provide cyber security solutions that benefit businesses and their customers.
As announced last year, CSU is a strategic partner in two other newly established CRCs - CRC for High
Performance Soils and Food Agility CRC. CSU research projects are underway within each of these CRCs.
The CSU teams involved in the CRCs are from across the university bringing a diversity of skills and expertise.
The continued success has been achieved by taking an institutional approach to the opportunities and identifying
the most appropriate researchers within CSU regardless of home Faculty or University Research Centre. The
CSU commitments to the CRCs will be funded annually prior to the determination of available Compacts funding.
CSU Commitment Years FTE $ Annually
Cyber Security 7 3.4 $100K
Soil 10 2 $200K
Food agility 10 2 $200K
In the 19th CRC selection Round, CSU was part of an application for the Farming Smarter CRC which is being
led by University of New England. The bid was unsuccessful however the CRC Advisory Committee advised that
a new application would be welcome in Round 20. Stage 1 application was submitted to the CRC Program with
52 organisations registered as Participants. The Farming Smarter goal is to drive agricultural sector productivity
growth to 4% per annum for 20 years.
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7. Outcomes and impact driven: EI 2018 submission
In December 2015, the Australian government announced the development of a national engagement and impact
(EI) assessment to examine how universities are translating their research into economic, social and other
benefits and incentivise greater collaboration between universities, industry and other end-users of research. A
pilot EI assessment was run in 2017, and the first full national EI assessment was submitted in July 2018.
There are two independently assessable components of EI 2018, namely;
Engagement: This component relates to income-based engagement indicators and co-supervision of
HDR students that are supported by narratives to explain the data
Impact: Impact is assessed by expert review of a representative case study from each 2-digit Field of
Research
The threshold where institutions submit for engagement and impact was 150 weighted ERA outputs. Institutions
could ‘opt in’ for disciplines below this threshold.
The increased focus on EI data has facilitated its use in a variety of applications additional to government-led
assessments. For example, EI data are important to inform grant applications, promotional activities, job
applications, and as a marketing tool when seeking to attract students or collaborators.
Impact Case studies
Fifteen case studies were prepared for EI 2018 (Appendix 4). Thirteen of these were mandatory as the FoR was
above threshold. CSU also ‘opted in’ for interdisciplinary (INTER) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
(ATSI) disciplines. Impact case studies were selected following a ‘call for nominations’ from the DVC RDI that
was communicated throughout the University. Case studies were chosen based on whether the nomination
contained strong evidence to support impact claims and that all of the ARC’s criteria could be satisfied.
Engagement indicators
Engagement submissions were prepared in thirteen disciplines where the 150 ERA output threshold was
exceeded. No data were submitted in non-mandatory disciplines.
Disciplines submitted for engagement assessment
FoR FoR name FoR FoR name
05 Environmental Sciences 09 Engineering
06 Biological Sciences 11 Health (Biomed & Clinical)
07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences 11 Health (Public & Allied)
08 Information and Computing Sciences 13 Education
15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services 19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing
16 Studies in Human Society 22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
17 Psychology
EI 2018 assessed four engagement indicators:
Cash support from research end-users (specified HERDC Category 1 and Categories 2, 3, and 4)
HERDC research income (specified Category 1 and Categories 2, 3, and 4) per FTE
Proportion of specified HERDC Category 1 grants to total HERDC Category 1
grant amount
number of grants
Research commercialisation income
Category 1 = Australian Competitive Grants
Category 2 = Other public sector Category 3 = Australian, International A & B Category 4 = CRC income
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The ARC requested data on co-supervision of HDR students, but will not assess this data.
To support the indicators and place them in context, an engagement indicator explanatory statement was
prepared. An overarching narrative was also required that described the engagement activities within each FoR.
These two textual elements were prepared by discipline experts within each FoR.
It is important to note that the mandatory engagement indicators selected by the ARC were all income based and
are therefore unable to consider engagement activities that occurred without research income (e.g. outreach, in-
kind contributions, co-authorship of outputs, non-financial collaborations etc.).
The ARC assessment will be in the form of Low – Medium – High.
8. Collaborative with common goals
Indigenous Research Strategy
Over the past year, there has been progression of some longer term projects while also supporting students and
staff working with Indigenous topics and communities, as well as Indigenous research students at CSU.
Indigenous Research Training workshops
Workshops were conducted for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and researchers working with
Indigenous communities or topics, and for the supervisors of Indigenous HDR students or those working with
Indigenous communities.
Workshop 1 held on 10‐11 April 2018 catered for specific learning needs of Indigenous Academic Fellows, all
CSU Indigenous PhD students in any subject area, and any CSU students whose PhD is focused on Indigenous
topics or issues.
Workshop 2 held on 8-9 May 2018 catered for the specific learning needs of CSU staff who either supervise
Indigenous PhD students or students undertaking PhD on Indigenous topics, as well as researchers wishing to
become more effective in engaging and working with Indigenous communities, staff and students.
Collaborative Conversations continue to be used as an effective model in rural remote NSW, to inform the
review of CSU’s Indigenous Education Strategy and the development of the CSU Reconciliation Action Plan, two
initiatives that are ongoing.
Collaboration Agreement between Charles Sturt University and CIN Educational Consulting - Building
Executive and Teacher Capacity to Improve Student.
(Professor Jeannie Herbert AM, & Felicity Taylor-Edwards)
Two Office of Indigenous Affairs researchers are involved in the CIN-CSU Partnership, which is a school-based
Professional Development program for school executives. The school-based program is presented by CIN
personnel, all of whom have considerable rural remote experience as Executive Principals. On-going evaluation
to test effectiveness of on-going outcomes is undertaken by CSU’s researchers. Designed to operate in rural and
remote schools with inexperienced leadership, high staff turnover, and both lower SES and higher Indigenous
student base, the program being developed and tested will improve student educational outcomes through
targeted professional development that works to fill the gaps commonly seen in these schools. The longer term
goal of the Partnership is to produce a product that may be commercialised and used to improve student
outcomes in rural and remote areas across Australia.
Engaging and partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and community to improve
student outcomes
(Professor Jeannie Herbert AM, Professor Jo-Anne Reid & Maria Bennet)
Three CSU academics are involved with this OLT funded project, as well as researchers from QUT, USQ, JCU,
ECU and Monash. The project aims to better prepare future teachers through the development of a culturally
responsive teacher education curriculum and professional experience (clinical practice) resource package for the
higher education sector and school communities. The package will inform all teacher education providers,
teachers and school leaders across Australia on the best ways to prepare graduate teachers to build productive,
effective school-community partnerships with families, key local Elders and community based Indigenous and
non-Indigenous mentors. This project ultimately will improve the future outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres
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Strait Islander people through a grounded model of addressing social and education inequality at the grass roots:
namely starting with schools and teachers and building effective partnership and relational tools to maximise and
create effective school-university-community links.
Creating and sharing Wiradjuri Elders' stories through collaborative creative practice
(Dr Bernard Sullivan)
Elder led, Culture centred, service orientated ways of working in Indigenous communities. This community
led project is a collaboration between CSU researcher Dr Bernard Sullivan and Senior Wiradjuri Elders, in
conjunction with the Burambabili Gulbali Association. The culture centred methodology places the Elders values
and priorities at the heart of the project and develops this way of working in all levels and processes. The
collaborative creative practice involved in this research has generated interviews with Elders, an exhibition,
Ngiyanggarang, at Wagga City Gallery, a website, and a number of books, the first being A Mother as Loving as
You by Uncle Jimmy Ingram. Five more books by Elders are in various stages of production. This work lays the
foundation for the Giilangga Biladhi - River of Stories project which aims to ensure ongoing capacity
building, development and self-management of Indigenous knowledge in the communities concerned.
Writing 3rd edition of Chapter 3, in the Cambridge publication “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education. An introduction for the teaching profession.” edited by Kaye Price.
Professor Jeannie Herbert AM wrote the chapter in line with the Editors’ requirements for a more textbook that
would enable a more interactive engagement for university students. This included developing applied learning
activities; introducing various perspectives, e.g. Principal/teacher/student; vignettes; review questions; further
reading; as well as specific features for an interactive e-book.
University Research Centres
The four University Research Centres commenced their 5 year accreditation from 1 January 2017. A number of
significant agreements and contracts have been negotiated and signed through the Research Centres over the
past 12 months, together with outstanding engagement events.
National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) signed two five year research agreements:
ARC ITTC For Innovative Wine Production, and
Strategic Research Agreement with Wine Australia
Professor Leigh Schmidtke was appointed as the Director of NWGIC in December 2017. The emphasis on
strategic research agreements that focus on industry orientated outcomes reflect changing attitudes in the
research funding sector that place a greater emphasis on securing future knowledge workers in highly
competitive sectors by providing greater security of employment and career development.
Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre (PACT) was involved in organising and funding several
domestic conferences in this reporting period, including:
Theology and Ethics in the Anthropocene, September 2017 in Canberra
Fourth International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism, November 2017 in Canberra
Things that Make for Peace, March 2018 in Sydney
Tell it Slant: Theology and the Arts, June 2018 in Brisbane
Neo-liberalism, Civil Society and the Church, June 2018 in Sydney
Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (Graham Centre) hosted the 2018 Biennial Conference of the
Australian Society of Animal Production in Wagga in July 2018, which attracted over 350 delegates from
academia (including international) and industry (including around 80 farmers). The Centre will also host the 2018
Australian Grain Science Association Conference in September 2018 in Wagga.
The Graham Centre has been successful in attracting a significant grant - $12.9M ‘Dung beetle ecosystem
engineers - enduring benefits for livestock producers via science and a new community partnership model’, from
MLA Donor Company.
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Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS) has built on previous international research projects to now have
major research projects, the majority of which are funded by ACIAR, underway in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand,
Myanmar, Cambodia, Pakistan, Bhutan and East Timor. Examples are:
Assessing fisheries mitigation measures at Xayaburi Dam in Lao PDR. (2017-2019, ACIAR, $320,000,
Xayaburi Power Company Limited)
Quantifying improved fisheries productivity at fish rehabilitation sites in Lao PDR extension.(2018-2019,
ACIAR & USAID, $800,000)
Major national research projects managed by ILWS commencing in the past year include:
Fish investigations associated with Snowy 2.0 scheme. Assignment 1 (2017-2020, Snowy Hydro Ltd,
$61,647) and Assignment 2. (2018-2019, Snowy Hydro Ltd, $848,803)
Can Indigenous land management forestall an extinction crisis? (2017-2020) ARC Discovery Early
Career Researcher Award, $372,000. Further support for this project came from the Hermon Slade
Foundation ($85,971) and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ($78,000).
The Directors have each provided a brief report and these are provided in Appendix 5, Appendix 6, Appendix 7
and Appendix 8.
Students
Provided here is an overview of HDR matters for the Academic Senate. The report is largely data driven and may
provide a valuable tool for reflection and refinement of many aspects of HDR candidates’ recruitment and
management. Data sources utilised include internal records from the Office of Strategic Planning & Information
and the Research Office, as well as publically available sectoral data accessible through various Department
websites.
9. Unique HDR programs linked to industry & community
2017/8 Review of HDR Programs at CSU
We need to maintain a HDR training program that produces excellent scholars and researchers, as well as
people who contribute in many different ways beyond their immediate discipline expertise. We need to ensure
that our training programs enable graduates to explore diverse and satisfying careers. Our HDR training should
provide new links for CSU into international research environments, generate key research outcomes for CSU,
and make a broader contribution to socioeconomic prosperity.
To this end, in late 2017/early 2018, CSU initiated a full review of its HDR and associated research training
programs. The report has been received and reviewed by the HDR Committee (HDRC) and was noted and by
Research Committee in August 2018. Research Committee endorsed its support of the proposed action plan to
be driven by the PVC Global Engagement and the Director, Research. HDRC will continue to monitor the
implementation of the recommendations and action plans over the coming 6-12 months.
Overall the CSU Review included developing a strong understanding of the current and developing national and
international contexts and analysing sectoral trends in HDR training. Extensive consultation was undertaken with
stakeholders to understand a range of perspectives, expectations, priorities and other drivers. HDR students
were identified as key stakeholders whose input was invaluable in informing the review and resulting proposed
changes to HDR training. While graduate data was accessed via the publicly available national Graduate
Outcomes Survey, there was not an existing mechanism for similarly surveying satisfaction levels against
expectations for our currently enrolled students. Current HDR students were therefore surveyed to identify their
perspectives on how their course and related opportunities are aligning with their expectations and career goals.
The major outcomes of the CSU Review fell into four main areas broadly defined as:
Supporting student success;
Improving the student experience;
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Providing equitable and flexible access to HDR training; and
Building partnerships and engagement.
A summary of the recommendations is presented in Appendix 9.
10. CSU cohorts prioritised incl. part-time
HDR Scholarships
Increases in performance-based Commonwealth Research Training Program (RTP) funding and more granular
scholarship budgeting, led to CSU being able to offer the largest number of Higher Degree by Research
scholarships in 2017 than any previous scholarship round.
The 2017 round, for students commencing scholarships in 2018, included a new Indigenous Higher Degree by
Research Scholarship, which was developed in consultation with the Office for Indigenous Affairs, and is designed
to particularly support Indigenous candidates to undertake research training degrees (consistent with the findings
of the recent ACOLA Review of the Research Training System).
It was identified in the 2017/8 Review of HDR Programs at CSU that CSU is currently the only university to
openly advertise RTP-funded fee offset places for part-time students. This scheme commenced in 2017
when the RTP model allowed fee offset places to be uncoupled from stipends, and was offered again for students
commencing in 2018.
2017 Scholarship Round – offers made
ARTP Domestic, Full time 40
ARTP Indigenous 4
ARTP International, Full time 8
ARTP Domestic, Part time, (no stipend) 18
University Research Centre Scholarship - ILWS 2
University Research Centre Scholarship – Graham Centre 2
University Research Centre Scholarship – NWGIC 1
TOTAL 75
2017 Scholarship Round – offers by Faculty
(excluding University Research Centres)
Eligible Applications Successful % Success
rates
CSU Domestic scholarships
All 94 62 66
FA&E 23 18 78
FBJBS 36 22 61
FoS 35 22 63
International Scholarships
All 135 8 6
FA&E 10 1 10
FBJBS 47 2 4
FoS 78 5 6
2017 Scholarship Round - offers by Research Narrative
Theme % of Scholarship in this Theme
Resilient People 35
Flourishing Communities 34
Sustainable Environments 31
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HDR Student Profile
Our Indigenous HDR load has remained steady since 2014 following a modest increase in percentage terms from
2013 to 2014. These numbers are still very low (~2% of the total HDR load) and our current commencement rate
of 1.5% is not significantly different to the sector. A key challenge in the HDR space remains the availability of
Indigenous mentors and peers to form a cohort of potential supervisors for Indigenous HDR students.
Indigenous Student Load (percentage of total load)
11. Sector distinction in supervision
Fields of Education
Fields of Education (FoE) is the categorisation system through which all Universities report both their HDR and
coursework load data. Although it is not as granular as the Field of Research (FoR) classification system it does
allow comparisons of student load across the different areas.
The distribution of the HDR population by FoE shows 29 per cent of HDR load is within the Society and Culture
field (32% previous year), 20% in Agriculture Environmental & Related Studies (23% previous year) and 13% in
Education. Compared to 2016, the latest 2017 data shows an increase in the Natural and Physical sciences (0%
in 2016 compared to 5% in 2017). The remainder of HDR load largely sits within the Health and Information
Technology areas. These HDR load patterns are evenly spread over the three research spheres compromising
the CSU Research Narrative; Resilient People, Flourishing Communities, Sustainable Environments.
0.00%
0.50%
1.00%
1.50%
2.00%
2.50%
3.00%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
EFTSL
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However, an overlay of the HDR load data onto the total student load data for CSU (including coursework and
research students) shows a marked disparity (see below). This highlights a potential issue concerning research
supervision capacity and our ability to significantly increase our HDR load in the future.
The majority of academic staff at CSU are employed in the areas of coursework student load. Although many of
these academics have a Teaching and Research workload function those who are not research active cannot be
primary supervisors for HDR students. To expand HDR load in these areas could therefore place an additional
burden on senior research active academics in those areas which is not tenable. Conversely in the areas of
research strength, coursework student load may not be sufficient to recruit new Teaching and Research
academics to boost supervisory capacity. These areas thus need to rely on increasing research funding income
to recruit research staff to supervise students. In an increasingly competitive funding environment such funding
sources cannot be considered reliable and CSU strategic research funds are limited.
To achieve sector distinction in supervision, we need to review the past and current approaches. This was
considered as part of the recent HDR review and as noted in Appendix 9 has been identified as a priority area:
The quality and consistency of HDR supervision, and the overall research culture surrounding HDR training
should be improved.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Natural and PhysicalSciences
Information Technology
Engineering and RelatedTechnologies
Architecture and Building
Agriculture Environmentaland Related Studies
Health
Education
Management and Commerce
Society and Culture
Creative Arts
% HDR load (2017)
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 29
12. Internationalisation of student cohort
HDR Student Load
HDR student load continues to decrease (both with respect to headcount and EFTSL). This is largely driven by
completions from the 2011/2012 intake and a significant drop in commencements (33% decrease) in 2017.
0%
10%
20%
30%Natural and Physical Sciences
Information Technology
Engineering and RelatedTechnologies
Architecture and Building
Agriculture Environmental andRelated Studies
Health
Education
Management and Commerce
Society and Culture
Creative Arts
% HDR load
% Student load
160 120 123 126 98
747680 620 571
524
479.750
442.750399.250
362.125
322.250
2 0 1 3 2 0 1 4 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 6 2 0 1 7
HDR LOAD DATA
Commencements Headcount EFTSL
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 30
HDR Completions
In 2017 we saw a drop in the number of completions from the previous year; 108 in 2016 to 92 in 2017. This may
be an ongoing pattern in the coming years as commencements have been declining since 2014. We will continue
working with students and supervisors to enable students to complete their HDR studies in a timely manner and
with the highest quality theses. Comparison with the sector places our completion numbers up 1 place compared
to last year at 28th of 44 (Department of Education and Training, UCube Statistical Database).
There was significant drop in the number of international students completing their HDR studies both in
comparison to previous years and in comparison with domestic students. Without targeted intervention, this drop
is likely to continue given that the overseas student headcount in HDR programs has been declining since 2013
(193 (2013), 169 (2014), 146 (2015), 104 (2016) and 92 (2017)).
It is important to note that the change in Government policy in restricting international scholarships to 10% of RTP
funding will further impact the completions numbers going forward unless CSU makes a specific decision to use
CSU funds to support more international students. The effect of the change in RTP funding is not likely to be seen
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Doctorate by Research
Masters by Research
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
AUSTRALIA
OVERSEAS
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 31
for 3 years yet but CSU intervention needs to commence as soon as possible and the action plan from the recent
HDR review includes a recommendation to pursue joint and dual HDR programs.
It is important for us to examine the time HDR students take to complete their studies also. As shown below,
typically a student who is enrolled full-time throughout their candidature would be expected to complete at 36
months; for part-time this is typically 72 months. This data does not take into account students who switch from
full-time to part-time and this is reflected in some of the larger numbers in the data below. This an area we will
continue to focus on. The reporting schedule for CSU (6-monthly) provides us with an opportunity to identify
progression issues earlier and apply remedial interventions to increase the chances of students completing.
When we look at the data broken down by full-time compared to part-time study (at completion) full time students
consistently submit well after the expected 36 months. The completion times for part-time students vary over the
reporting period and it is worthy of note that in 2013 and 2017 completions were very close to the expected 72
months.
Average of Months To Complete
Part Time Study Full Time Study
Female Male Female Male
2013 70 73 53 53
2014 91 78 73 63
2015 89 104 69 60
2016 86 67 59 54
2017 77 73 63 59
Total 84 81 65 58
Figure Indigenous Student Load (Percentage of total load)
0
50
100
150
200
250
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Minimum and Maximum Time to Complete (Months) by Completion Year
Min of Months To Complete Max of Months To Complete Average of Months To Complete
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 32
In the previous five years CSU’s overall HDR gender balance has been very similar to the sector maintaining a
near 50/50 balance in 2017; total headcount for CSU is 186 male and 188 female. There are significant differences
between disciplines (based on FoR) in Information Technology there is a 70/30 Male/Female ratio while the Health
and education disciplines the ration is closer to 33/67 Male/Female.
Environment
13. Sustainable first class infrastructure
GRDC-funded infrastructure
In June 2017, CSU was successful in obtaining funding of $2.743M from the Grains Research Development
Corporation (GRDC) for infrastructure comprising a glasshouse facility and growth chambers at Wagga Wagga
CSU campus. The infrastructure will allow researchers to explore detailed studies of crop and weed growth and
developmental processes and responses. It will also serve as a node that supports farming systems, resulting in
improved practices and adoption of national research outcomes.
Construction of the facilities was completed in early July 2018 with some final work on paths and landscaping still
being undertaken. Discussions are taking place with GRDC for an opening event in the near future.
Research Infrastructure Support Scheme (RISS)
The RISS is funded through the Research Support Program (RSP) which is a Commonwealth Research Block
Grant. The RSP provides funds to eligible higher education institutions to support the systematic cost of research
not supported directly through competitive and other grants.
The objectives of RSP are to:
provide a flexible funding stream to support the systematic costs of research by Australian HEP’s,
including the costs of Australian competitive grant research
support the delivery of world class research
support the collaboration between HEPS and industry and other research end-users.
A call for applications was made in June 2018. From 19 applications received, funding was awarded to 7
applications to a total value of $669,413.
All funded equipment and projects supported through RISS will be required to provide records of achievements,
outcomes and usage records where appropriate. All funding must be used within the 2018 calendar year and
funding cannot be carried forward into 2019.
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 33
Faculty/Centre Title Awarded
RISS funding Faculty/Centre Leverage
Science A high dynamic range multiplex imager for sector-standard quality Western blot signal quantification
$49,598.00 $16,000
Science Equipment supporting high quality research in the life sciences and the CSU research narrative
$133,000.00 $25,000
Science The Community Health Research Acceleration Program
$40,340.00 Faculty will provide
ongoing support from 2019 Compacts
Graham Centre Meat Science Lab $131,649.00 $30,000
Graham Centre
QualySense Qsorter for analyis of grain composition diversity
$175,214.00
Centre and Faculty leverage will provide ongoing support for
service contract beyond 2018
Business Justice & Behavioural Sciences
Building Up a Smart Environment for Better Living
$49,612.00 -
Arts & Education Creative Innovation/Collaboration Hub:
Innovate Everywhere $90,000.00
Faculty will support 50% of cost from 2018
Compacts
Research Committee Working Groups
During 2017/8, the Research Committee formed two Working groups to progress thinking around research
levies and research infrastructure. At the June meeting of Research Committee, the RISS call as detailed
above was endorsed with an extended interpretation of the term ‘infrastructure’. As a result of Research
Committee discussions the term now includes non-physical research support including personnel, technical
support and collaboration activities.
The research levies working group presented a series of recommendations to the Research Committee at the
August meeting with regard to the implementation of either a simple levy, or a comprehensive pricing tool. The
Working Group is also working with the finance team to complete financial modelling of the various levy options
and will present the findings and final recommendations to the October meeting.
14. Revised funding models
2018 Research funding
In 2018, as in 2017, the distribution of funds across the university were tailored to distinguish between University
Research Centre operating budgets and investment plans, and between Faculty and Institutional Compacts.
The programs which are supported within each Faculty and University Research Centre are not detailed in this
report. It should be noted however that significant effort has been made to minimise duplication of programs
where possible. The University Strategy budget does not currently contain additional research funding and so
efforts have also been made to ensure the investment of the funds above aligns closely with the 5 Year Research
Strategy intentions.
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 34
Purpose $
University Research Centres Investment Plans $1.2M
University Research Centres Operational Budgets based on 2014-2016 performance
(60 income:40 publications) $3.5M
Faculty Compacts based on 2014-2016 performance (50 income:50 publications) $5.9M
Institutional Commitments from Compacts:
Faculty Liaison $0.7M
HDR Programs – international students (outside RTP eligibility) $0.6M
Innovation Support $0.2M
CRC x3 $0.5M
Research Fellowships and Senior Research Fellowships (over 2 years commencing
August 2018) $4.2M
Research Block Grants:
Research Training Program $6.3M
Research Support Program $3.5M
Additional DVC RDI contingency funding $0.5M
HERDC Income
The audited results of our research income for the year ending 31 December 2017 was received in June 2018.
A summary of the results, with comparison to the previous two years is presented below:
2015 2016 2017 % Movement
Category 1 6,238,117 4,544,606 6,279,168
Category 2 3,350,378 3,383,418 4,361,239
Category 3 4,277,080 3,843,770 2,559,200
Category 4 0 11,656 34,349
Total (including HDR fees)
13,865,575 11,783,450
Total (excluding HDR fees)
12,030,294 9,684,097 13,233,955 37%
This is a great result – noting 37% overall increase in research income for the year. It should be
noted these results do not as yet reflect CRC funding coming into the university as the CRCs were not fully active
in 2017. Our strategic funding of research, through our university research centres, leveraging major grant
applications, and supporting faculties through research compacts has contributed to this outcome.
15. New KPIs and shared performance metrics
Strategy KPIs
As illustrated within this report, the measures of success in research and innovation are changing. In the past
CSU has focused on measuring research in terms of income and publications, but this is no longer sufficient.
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 35
Apart from the new Engagement and Impact assessment undertaken by the ARC, for CSU it is more critical than
ever that we can improve how we articulate our successes and how we measure them. In 2017/8 the introduction
of the research impact stories was a strong first step. Over the coming months the impact case studies which
were submitted as part of EI, and case studies which were drafted as part of the same exercise, will begin to
appear as new research impact stories. The EI exercise has also highlighted how we need to better capture data
and over long extended periods.
As noted in the recent call for Consultation on Principles of Research Performance (see below), CRO does not
currently contain discrete measures of impact or engagement, and sector-wide this is still being operationalised
following the ARC EI 2018 assessment. Discrete measures of impact and engagement will be used in the
evaluation of research performance as soon as development of the measures is finalised within CSU over the
next 6 months.
The future measurement of research and innovation success will be closely linked and will act as lead indicators
into the University Performance Measures 2022 which are currently being finalised. Under Our Communities
these are articulated as:
Stakeholder perceptions – community and partner sentiment assessment Increase reputation,
engagement, partner of choice
Contribution to economic and social impact Increase in gross regional product and social impact
measures to be confirmed
Scale and diversity of partner co-investment (philanthropic, research, innovation) Increase income and
partner activity
Fields of research at world standard or above in Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and
Engagement and Impact (E&I) assessments Increase number of fields performing at world standard or
above by 2021 at the 2- and 4-digit levels and build from a solid baseline for Engagement and Impact
ratings
Increased return on assets Increase in income / reduction in asset liability from land and buildings
Consultation on Principles of Research Performance
The Research Committee has been reviewing the current definition of Research Active which was introduced in
2014 for the purposes of HDR supervision and on 28 August 2018 commenced a consultation process to seek
input from across the university community to inform and progress development of a revised definition.
The Research Committee is seeking to develop a definition that:
is fair and well understood;
acknowledges what contributes to successful research outcomes;
encourages and recognises research productivity; and
will lead to stronger outcomes under the Research Narrative.
A set of Principles has been drafted to capture these aims in a way that will facilitate an open consultation
process. The Principles are being proposed as the key factors to be used to inform the development of a revised
definition. Input is invited from individuals and/or groups (Schools, Faculty Research Committees, Research
Centre management teams, unions, Professors’ Forum, Head of School Forum etc.) in relation to the Principles
outlined. Further information is provided in Appendix 10. Responses will be consolidated for consideration at the
October meeting of Research Committee.
Research Office Review
Earlier in 2018, an external consultant was contracted to review the functions and resourcing of the Research
Office to support a strategic approach to research, and ‘future proof’ for growth in research capacity at CSU.
Through the review, we sought to build on the existing breadth of expertise in the Research Office, and identify
any resource pressures and gaps in services.
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 36
There have been many changes in research and HDR training in recent years, both internal and external to CSU.
Many of these have been highlighted in Reports to Academic Senate, but a few examples are
Introduction of the CSU Research Narrative
Emerging government agenda in commercialisation and innovation
National reviews and recommendations regarding HDR training and engagement of industry
Reporting of research impact
Changes in Research Block Grant funding
The Research Office has not undergone a review since 2011, and it was appropriate to assess if there are any
barriers to meeting the strategic goals, and articulate the optimal lines of accountability and functional
responsibility.
There was excellent engagement in the review process, with a large number of written submissions and
interviews. Currently, the research leadership team (DVC, PVC and Director) are considering the
recommendations and will be developing and actioning an implementation plan before the end of 2018.
16. Greater internationalisation through partnerships
In consort with portfolio changes following the retirement of the DVC Administration in mid-2017, and the creation
of the DVC Students portfolio, the role of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, International Education and Partnerships was
redefined to have oversight of research, and to bridge the research and international partnership gap. Professor
Heather Cavanagh commenced in the new role of Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement (Research and
Partnerships) in September 2017.
CSU’s international research profile grew during the 2017-2018 reporting period, with 15 agreements or
Memorandums of Understanding being forged. Collaboration spanned a number of disciplines in Asia, the
Americas and the Pacific. Projects ranged from institutional knowledge linkages through to joint research
initiatives being undertaken in international partner facilities.
Going forward, the Research Office, University Research Centres and the Office of Global Engagement and
Partnerships will align activities around the 5 year Research Strategy. This will include strengthened
communication and business processes to ensure CSU is leveraging and maximising off international research
and education opportunities wherever possible.
New international research linkages 2017/2018:
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina
Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Ecuador, Natural Resource Research Facility
Xayaburi Power Company Limited, Laos
Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng School of Clinical Medicine University China
International Medical University, Malaysia
Justice Institute of British Columbia, Canada
Technological University of Northern Aguascalientes, Mexico
Nihon Fukushi University, Japan
Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Science, Japan
Hiroshima University, Japan
Hume Graduate School of London, United Kingdom
Southwest University, China
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 37
Federal University of Sao Joa Del Rei, Brazil
Hong Kong Police College, Hong Kong
Fiji National University, Fiji
The agreement with Xayaburi Power Company Limited in Laos (XPCL) particularly illustrates the international
impact of CSU research activity. XPCL is a Laos company focussed on developing the Xayaburi Hydro Power
Plant Project. The Xayaburi Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Lower Mekong River approximately 30 kilometres
(19 mi) east of Xayaburi (Sainyabuli) town in northern Laos. CSU’s research team, led by Dr Lee Baumgartner
from the Institute for Land Water and Society, negotiated an agreement with XPCL, established to initiate an
exclusive research collaboration where CSU is granted access to a hydropower plant site to conduct World-class
research.
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 38
Appendix 1: Summary of Research Office
Professional Development sessions in 2017
Program/Offering Target group Number of sessions
My Research Career Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 6
Supervisor Series Upcoming and current Supervisors 6
HDR Induction HDRs & Supervisors 5
Academic Literacy Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 53
Research Office Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 7
Library Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 46
SPAN Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 2
Ethics Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 2
Nvivo and qualitative research Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 8
Media Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 2
Intersect Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 2
Sub-Dean HDRs & Supervisors 3
Special events – invited guests Researchers, HDRs & Support Staff 7
TOTAL 149
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 39
Appendix 2: Articles Published in The
Conversation: 12 months to 20 August 2018
Title Authors Date
Substance abuse treatment relies on good brain function,
which many users don't have
Julaine Allan 14/08/2018
Ten reasons teachers can struggle to use technology in
the classroom
Brendon Hyndman 13/08/2018
Expunging the criminal records of kids in care does not
absolve the state's injustices against them
Katherine McFarlane 31/07/2018
Move it, move it: how physical activity at school helps the
mind (as well as the body)
Brendon Hyndman 22/07/2018
Racism, citizenship and schooling: why we still have
some way to go
Dominic O'Sullivan 5/07/2018
If you can only do one thing for your children, it should be
shared reading
Cen Wang 1/07/2018
Erdogan's victory will have far-reaching implications for
Turkey and the Middle East
Mehmet Ozalp 26/06/2018
Victoria's treaty with Indigenous peoples must address
vexed questions of sovereignty
Dominic O'Sullivan 24/06/2018
Feeding frenzy: public accuse the media of deliberately
fuelling shark fear
Michael Mehmet, Peter Simmons 22/06/2018
Why I joined #500queerscientists Adam Frew 21/06/2018
Australia relies on volunteers to monitor its endangered
species
David M Watson 10/06/2018
The female tradie shortage: why real change requires a
major cultural shift
Larissa Bamberry, Branka Krivokapic-
Skoko, Donna Bridges, Stacey Jenkins,
Elizabeth Wulff
31/05/2018
University funding debates should be broadened to reflect
their democratic purpose
Dominic O'Sullivan 28/05/2018
It will take decades, but the Murray Darling Basin Plan is
delivering environmental improvements
Skye Wassens, Robyn J Watts 30/04/2018
Eight things that should be included in screen guidelines
for students
Noella Mackenzie, Brendon Hyndman 23/04/2018
Media reporting on women in the military is preserving a
male dominated culture
Donna Bridges 23/04/2018
Further strikes on Syria unlikely - but Trump is always the
wild card
Mehmet Ozalp 15/04/2018
Why teachers are turning to Twitter Brendon Hyndman 11/04/2018
Why do we keep turning a blind eye to Chinese political
interference?
Clive Hamilton 4/04/2018
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 40
I've always wondered: can two chickens hatch out of a
double-yolk egg?
Maggie J. Watson 29/03/2018
Australia's draft 'Strategy for nature' doesn't cut it. Here
are nine ways to fix it
Dale Nimmo 15/03/2018
Child protection report lacks crucial national detail on
abuse in out-of-home care
Katherine McFarlane 8/03/2018
The Syrian 'hell on earth' is a tangle of power plays
unlikely to end soon
Mehmet Ozalp 1/03/2018
Australia could look to New Zealand to increase the
number of Indigenous academics and students
Dominic O'Sullivan 1/03/2018
Stakes are high as Turkey, Russia and the US tussle
over the future of Syria
Mehmet Ozalp 4/02/2018
Conscience vote on euthanasia bill exposes democratic
weakness of New Zealand's voting system
Dominic O'Sullivan 31/01/2018
More children are starting school depressed and anxious
- without help, it will only get worse
Cen Wang 29/01/2018
Nine things you should know about a potential Australian
republic
Bede Harris 22/01/2018
Indigenous recognition in our Constitution matters - and
will need greater political will to achieve
Dominic O'Sullivan 18/01/2018
Romper Stomper reboot is a compelling investigation into
Australia's extremist politics
Troy Whitford 28/12/2017
Speaking with: social researcher and author Hugh
Mackay on 2017, 'a really disturbing year'
Hugh Mackay 22/12/2017
I've got varicose veins. What can I do about them? Caroline Robinson 6/12/2017
Nigeria set to pass a law against mob lynching. Will it
make a difference?
Piero Moraro, Leighann Spencer 5/12/2017
Pegawai LGBTI menghadapi tantangan lebih dalam
penugasan internasional
Jane Maley 4/12/2017
World-first continental acoustic observatory will listen to
the sounds of Australia
David M Watson 29/11/2017
For LGBTI employees, working overseas can be a lonely,
frustrating and even dangerous experience
Jane Maley 22/11/2017
Vigilantism is flourishing in Nigeria – with official
support
Leighann Spencer, Piero Moraro 9/11/2017
Business Briefing: questioning the economics of prison Katherine McFarlane 30/10/2017
Hanging out with the boys: how bromance often steals
the spotlight in The Bachelorette
Suzie Gibson 25/10/2017
Let's be honest, there's more wrong with the NDIS than
just 'teething problems'
Damian Palmer 24/10/2017
I've always wondered: why don't chickens look down
when they scratch?
Maggie J. Watson 21/10/2017
Why the Indigenous in New Zealand have fared better
than those in Canada
Dominic O'Sullivan 15/10/2017
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 41
Australia's species need an independent champion Geoffrey Heard, Dale Nimmo 11/10/2017
Weekly Dose: from laughing parties to whipped cream,
nitrous oxide's on the rise as a recreational drug
Julaine Allan 9/10/2017
Kenya’s history of political violence: colonialism,
vigilantes and militias
Leighann Spencer 28/09/2017
What New Zealand's vote means for Maori -- and
potentially First Nations in Canada
Dominic O'Sullivan 24/09/2017
Review of historic stock routes may put rare stretches of
native plants and animals at risk
Thea O'Loughlin 21/09/2017
Explainer: what is antifa, and where did it come from? Troy Whitford 30/08/2017
I have always wondered: when do baby birds begin to
breathe?
James Van Dyke, Maggie J. Watson 27/08/2017
Australia's car industry needs cybersecurity rules to deal
with the hacking threat
Tanveer Zia 21/08/2017
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 42
Appendix 3: ERA Data Analysis
Standardised indicators
1 Income per FTE
Comparison of ERA 2015 and ERA 2018 income per FTE (truncated to top 50)
$- $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000
1608 Sociology
11 Medical and Health Sciences
1303 Specialist Studies in Education
1701 Psychology
1699 Other studies in Human Society
1503 Business and Management
0799 Other Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
0807 Library and Information Studies
08 Information and Computing Sciences
1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
0802 Computation Theory and Mathematics
13 Education
0707 Veterinary Sciences
1109 Neurosciences
01 Mathematical Sciences
16 Studies in Human Society
1607 Social Work
2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields
1117 Public Health and Health Services
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
03 Chemical Sciences
18 Law and Legal Studies
14 Economics
06 Biological Sciences
0606 Physiology
2201 Applied Ethics
0602 Ecology
1402 Applied Economics
0399 Other Chemical Sciences
1301 Education Systems
1801 Law
0301 Analytical Chemistry
1605 Policy and Administration
1602 Criminology
1111 Nutrition and Dietetics
0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology
2204 Religion and Religious Studies
0104 Statistics
07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
0502 Environmental Science and Management
05 Environmental Sciences
09 Engineering
1603 Demography
0501 Ecological Applications
0701 Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
0702 Animal Production
0706 Horticultural Production
0607 Plant Biology
0703 Crop and Pasture Production
0908 Food Sciences
ERA 2018 Top 50 Income per FTE
2018
2015
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 43
2 LVT per FTE
Comparison of ERA 2015 and ERA 2018 LVT per FTE (truncated to top 50)
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0 160.0 180.0 200.0
0706 Horticultural Production
1901 Art Theory and Criticism
0607 Plant Biology
1117 Public Health and Health Services
18 Law and Legal Studies
09 Engineering
2002 Cultural Studies
0806 Information Systems
1503 Business and Management
1103 Clinical Sciences
1505 Marketing
1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing
0502 Environmental Science and Management
1101 Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics
2102 Curatorial and Related Studies
0807 Library and Information Studies
05 Environmental Sciences
1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
2203 Philosophy
1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
0803 Computer Software
2103 Historical Studies
1801 Law
1102 Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
21 History and Archaeology
0608 Zoology
0908 Food Sciences
1905 Visual Arts and Crafts
0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences
1001 Agricultural Biotechnology
02 Physical Sciences
0703 Crop and Pasture Production
14 Economics
0501 Ecological Applications
08 Information and Computing Sciences
1402 Applied Economics
1301 Education Systems
12 Built Environment and Design
1007 Nanotechnology
2201 Applied Ethics
0102 Applied Mathematics
1108 Medical Microbiology
0602 Ecology
1606 Political Science
0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
1203 Design Practice and Management
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
1506 Tourism
0805 Distributed Computing
2204 Religion and Religious Studies
ERA 2018 Top 50 LVT per FTE
2018
2015
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 44
3 Outputs per FTE
Comparison of ERA 2015 and ERA 2018 outputs per FTE (truncated to top 50)
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0
1801 Law
0399 Other Chemical Sciences
0706 Horticultural Production
21 History and Archaeology
1505 Marketing
1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing
0807 Library and Information Studies
1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
0604 Genetics
2102 Curatorial and Related Studies
0701 Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
0905 Civil Engineering
0702 Animal Production
0803 Computer Software
09 Engineering
1103 Clinical Sciences
1117 Public Health and Health Services
1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
0607 Plant Biology
1101 Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics
1905 Visual Arts and Crafts
1001 Agricultural Biotechnology
0502 Environmental Science and Management
14 Economics
0908 Food Sciences
05 Environmental Sciences
2201 Applied Ethics
0608 Zoology
08 Information and Computing Sciences
1402 Applied Economics
1102 Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
1301 Education Systems
0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences
02 Physical Sciences
12 Built Environment and Design
1007 Nanotechnology
0501 Ecological Applications
0703 Crop and Pasture Production
0599 Other Environmental Sciences
1606 Political Science
1108 Medical Microbiology
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
0602 Ecology
0102 Applied Mathematics
1203 Design Practice and Management
0805 Distributed Computing
1506 Tourism
1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
2204 Religion and Religious Studies
ERA 2018 Top 50 Outputs per FTE
2018
2015
DVC (Research, Development & Industry) | Annual Research and Research Training Report to Academic Senate Page 45
History of Low Volume Thresholds (2- and 4-digit)
The history of low volume threshold for assessment at 2- and 4-digit levels are presented graphically
in subsequent sections. In each of the following charts, LVT is represented by the red dashed line.
When interpreting each chart, ensure that the changing scale is considered as LVT varies
considerably among FoRs.
The FoR specific information are divided into two sections;
A. Disciplines that will be assessed for ERA 2018 (i.e. where LVT > 50); and
B. Disciplines that won’t be assessed for ERA 2018 (i.e. where LVT < 50).
Section A: FoRs to be assessed for ERA 2018
02 Physical Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
ERA 2018 will be the first time 02 Physical Sciences will be assessed for ERA. Growth in this FoR has
been achieved with no research income. Physics has grown from well below LVT in 2012 and 2015,
to be above LVT in ERA 2018. The growth in this FoR can largely be attributed to CSUs association
with the LIGO project in the 0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences FoR. In ERA 2018, 97.3% of LVT in
this discipline was above threshold.
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
02 Physical Sciences
0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences
0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear,Particle and Plasma Physics0203 Classical Physics
0204 Condensed Matter Physics
0205 Optical Physics
0206 Quantum Physics
0299 Other Physical Sciences
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05 Environmental Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in 05 Environmental Sciences has grown by approximately 100 from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018.
Much of this growth can be attributed to 0502, where new researchers to CSU contributed
approximately half of the increased LVT, which wasn’t included for ERA 2015. In ERA 2018, 89.7% of
LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
400.0
450.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
05 Environmental Sciences
0501 Ecological Applications
0502 Environmental Science andManagement0503 Soil Sciences
0599 Other Environmental Sciences
LVT
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06 Biological Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
There has been growth in volume (30%) and research income (172%) from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018 in
FoR 06. 06 Biological Sciences was submitted for ERA 2018 driven mostly by the underlying 4-digit
code 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (LVT = 62.3). In ERA 2018, 35.1% of LVT in this discipline
was above threshold.
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
06 Biological Sciences
0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology
0602 Ecology
0603 Evolutionary Biology
0604 Genetics
0605 Microbiology
0606 Physiology
0607 Plant Biology
0608 Zoology
0699 Other Biological Sciences
LVT
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07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The growth in FoR 07 from ERA 2015 is a combination of increased outputs in three of the four child
codes that are currently above LVT, namely 0703 Crop and Pasture production, 0707 Veterinary
Sciences and 0706 Horticultural production. The fourth FoR above LVT (0702 Animal production) was
relatively consistent with the LVT submitted for ERA 2015 for this discipline. In ERA 2018, 95.7% of
LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
700.0
800.0
900.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
07 Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
0701 Agriculture, Land and FarmManagement0702 Animal Production
0703 Crop and Pasture Production
0704 Fisheries Sciences
0705 Forestry Sciences
0706 Horticultural Production
0707 Veterinary Sciences
0799 Other Agricultural and VeterinarySciencesLVT
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08 Information and Computing Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments: FoR 08 has achieved substantial growth from previous ERA iterations. LVT is > 50 in five 4-digit
codes; 0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing, 0803 Computer Software, 0805 Distributed
Computing, 0806 Information Systems, and 0807 Library and Information Studies. Of these, 0803,
0805 and 0806 have not previously been submitted for ERA. There has also been substantial growth
in FoR 0801 from an LVT of 194.4 in ERA 2015 to 442.7 in ERA 2018. 0807 has remained relatively
consistent with previous ERA iterations. The growth can be partly attributed to increased staff
numbers and productivity. In ERA 2018, 98.7% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
700.0
800.0
900.0
1000.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
08 Information and Computing Sciences
0801 Artificial Intelligence and ImageProcessing0802 Computation Theory andMathematics0803 Computer Software
0804 Data Format
0805 Distributed Computing
0806 Information Systems
0807 Library and Information Studies
0899 Other Information and ComputingSciences
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09 Engineering
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The growth in FoR 09 is almost entirely a result of increased activity in 0908 Food Science. In ERA
2018, 88.7% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold. 0908 has grown in LVT by 91% from ERA
2015 to ERA 2018 that was associated with a 280% increase in research income over this period.
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
160.0
180.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
09 Engineering
0901 Aerospace Engineering
0902 Automotive Engineering
0903 Biomedical Engineering
0904 Chemical Engineering
0905 Civil Engineering
0906 Electrical and ElectronicEngineering0907 Environmental Engineering
0908 Food Sciences
0909 Geomatic Engineering
0910 Manufacturing Engineering
0911 Maritime Engineering
0912 Materials Engineering
0913 Mechanical Engineering
0914 Resources Engineering andExtractive Metallurgy0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
0999 Other Engineering
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11 Medical and Health Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in FoR 11 Health Sciences has increased from 690.2 in ERA 2015 to 862.4 in ERA 2018. This
increase is driven by greater LVT in 1103 Nursing (59% increase from ERA 2015) and 1117 Public
Health (46% increase from ERA 2015), along with some minor increases to other 4-digit child codes.
We are also currently above LVT in 1102 Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology and 1115
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which were not submitted in previous ERA iterations. In
ERA 2018, 84.2% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
700.0
800.0
900.0
1000.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
11 Medical and Health Sciences
1101 Medical Biochemistry andMetabolomics1102 Cardiovascular Medicine andHaematology1103 Clinical Sciences
1104 Complementary and AlternativeMedicine1105 Dentistry
1106 Human Movement and Sports Science
1107 Immunology
1108 Medical Microbiology
1109 Neurosciences
1110 Nursing
1111 Nutrition and Dietetics
1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
1113 Ophthalmology and Optometry
1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
1115 Pharmacology and PharmaceuticalSciences1116 Medical Physiology
1117 Public Health and Health Services
1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences
LVT
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13 Education
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
FoR 13 Education had a modest 8% increase in LVT compared to ERA 2015, despite a 10% decrease
in staff (i.e. employed, casual and adjuncts) creating outputs coded to this discipline. FoR’s 1301
Educations Systems and 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy, increased in LVT by 36% and 16%
respectively from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018. However, 1303 Specialist Studies in Education reduced LVT
by 24%, and had a 30% reduction in the number of employed staff creating outputs in this FoR from
ERA 2015 to ERA 2018. In ERA 2018, 99.7% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
200.0
400.0
600.0
800.0
1000.0
1200.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
13 Education
1301 Education Systems
1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
1303 Specialist Studies in Education
1399 Other Education
LVT
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14 Economics
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
There has been a 28% drop in LVT in FoR 14 Economics from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018. The reduction in
number of outputs was mainly caused by staff departures who were strong contributors in this
discipline. The drop in LVT may also be a result of outputs coded to related disciplines such as 1503
and 1505. In ERA 2018, 100% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
14 Economics
1401 Economic Theory
1402 Applied Economics
1403 Econometrics
1499 Other Economics
LVT
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15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in FoR 15 has remained relatively constant among ERA 2012, 2015 and 2018. The disciplines
of 1503 Business and Management and 1505 Marketing are above LVT and will be submitted in ERA
2018. In ERA 2018, 87.7% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
400.0
450.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
15 Commerce, Management, Tourism andServices1501 Accounting, Auditing andAccountability1502 Banking, Finance and Investment
1503 Business and Management
1504 Commercial Services
1505 Marketing
1506 Tourism
1507 Transportation and Freight Services
1599 Other Commerce, Management,Tourism and ServicesLVT
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16 Studies in Human Society
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The 4-digit child codes in FoR 16 that were assessed in ERA 2015 (i.e. 1602 Criminology, 1606
Political Science, 1607 Social Work, 1608 Sociology) are all above the ERA 2018 LVT. Additionally,
1602, 1606 and 1607 have observed growth from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018 (20-39%) that has
contributed to the overall expansion of this FoR at the 2-digit level (19%). In ERA 2018, 100% of LVT
in this discipline was above threshold.
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
400.0
450.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
16 Studies in Human Society
1601 Anthropology
1602 Criminology
1603 Demography
1604 Human Geography
1605 Policy and Administration
1606 Political Science
1607 Social Work
1608 Sociology
1699 Other studies in Human Society
LVT
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17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in 1701 Psychology has grown by 29% from ERA 2015 (LVT 94.3) to ERA 2018 (LVT 119.7),
which can be attributed to an increased number of staff creating outputs coded to this FoR. In turn
this has resulted in more outputs in the current assessment. In ERA 2018, 98.0% of LVT in this
discipline was above threshold.
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
1701 Psychology
1702 Cognitive Science
1799 Other Psychology and CognitiveScience
LVT
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18 Law and Legal Studies
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Law and Legal Studies has grown from well below LVT in ERA 2012 and ERA 2015, to be comfortably
above LVT in ERA 2018. The growth in this FoR can largely be attributed to increased productivity of
researchers in this discipline and an increase in the number of staff coding outputs to this FoR. In
ERA 2018, 100% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
18 Law and Legal Studies
1801 Law
1802 Maori Law
1899 Other Law and LegalStudies
LVT
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19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in this FoR have remained relatively stable from previous ERA iterations. In ERA 2018, 75.6%
of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing
1901 Art Theory and Criticism
1902 Film, Television and Digital Media
1903 Journalism and Professional Writing
1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing
1905 Visual Arts and Crafts
1999 Other Studies in Creative Arts andWritingLVT
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20 Language, Communication and Culture
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT in this FoR has remained relatively stable from ERA 2015. In ERA 2018, 49.6% of LVT in this
discipline was above threshold.
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
160.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
20 Language, Communicationand Culture
2001 Communication and MediaStudies
2002 Cultural Studies
2003 Language Studies
2004 Linguistics
2005 Literary Studies
2099 Other Language, Literatureand Culture
LVT
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21 History and Archaeology
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
The LVT’s in FoR 21 have remained relatively stable since ERA 2012 and ERA 2015. In ERA 2018,
86.6% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
21 History and Archaeology
2101 Archaeology
2102 Curatorial and RelatedStudies2103 Historical Studies
2199 Other History andArchaeologyLVT
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22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Though the overall LVT in FoR 22 has remained relatively constant from ERA 2015, there has been a
31% reduction in LVT from ERA 2015 to ERA 2018 in 2201 Applied Ethics. In this same period, 2204
Religion and Religious Studies had a 9% increase in LVT, whereas 2203 Philosophy remained
relatively constant. The drop in LVT for 2201 may be associated with a reduction in staff creating
outputs coded to this FoR. In ERA 2018, 100% of LVT in this discipline was above threshold.
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
700.0
800.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
2201 Applied Ethics
2202 History and Philosophy ofSpecific Fields2203 Philosophy
2204 Religion and Religious Studies
2299 Other Philosophy and ReligiousStudiesLVT
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Section B: FoRs not assessed for ERA 2018
01 Mathematical Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
All volume in this FoR is below LVT. The LVT in ERA 2018 is approximately half that of ERA 2015, but
is comparable to that submitted in ERA 2012.
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
01 Mathematical Sciences
0101 Pure Mathematics
0102 Applied Mathematics
0103 Numerical and ComputationalMathematics
0104 Statistics
0105 Mathematical Physics
0199 Other Mathematical Sciences
LVT
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03 Chemical Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Chemistry was submitted in ERA 2012, and was below LVT in 2015 and 2018. The remaining outputs
in FoR 03 are true Chemistry and contain no content in associated disciplines.
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
03 Chemical Sciences
0301 Analytical Chemistry
0302 Inorganic Chemistry
0303 Macromolecular and MaterialsChemistry0304 Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
0305 Organic Chemistry
0306 Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural)
0307 Theoretical and ComputationalChemistry0399 Other Chemical Sciences
LVT
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04 Earth Sciences
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Few outputs are coded to this discipline in any ERA iteration.
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
04 Earth Sciences
0401 Atmospheric Sciences
0402 Geochemistry
0403 Geology
0404 Geophysics
0405 Oceanography
0406 Physical Geography andEnvironmental Geoscience0499 Other Earth Sciences
LVT
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10 Technology
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Little activity in this discipline.
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
10 Technology
1001 Agricultural Biotechnology
1002 Environmental Biotechnology
1003 Industrial Biotechnology
1004 Medical Biotechnology
1005 Communications Technologies
1006 Computer Hardware
1007 Nanotechnology
1099 Other Technology
LVT
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12 Built Environment and Design
History of Low Volume Threshold
Comments:
Little activity in this discipline.
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
ERA 2012 ERA 2015 ERA 2018
12 Built Environment and Design
1201 Architecture
1202 Building
1203 Design Practice and Management
1204 Engineering Design
1205 Urban and Regional Planning
1299 Other Built Environment and Design
LVT
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Appendix 4: EI 2018 Impact case studies
FoR FoR name Case study Author(s)
05 Environmental Sciences Environmental flows research provides beneficial outcomes
for the environment, water managers and the community
Robyn Watts, Skye Wassens
Effective, evidence based management of Australia’s water resources has multiple long-term social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits. Water managers must balance
the water demands of industry and communities against an obligation to maintain the environmental and cultural values of rivers and floodplains. CSU's environmental flows research
has changed the way that water managers, industry and communities plan and deliver environmental water to achieve practical on ground solutions to complex environmental
problems, including declining water quality and loss of aquatic animals. For example, these long-term partnerships have helped save native fish during periods of low oxygen and
have increased populations of vulnerable southern bell frogs.
06 Biological Sciences Harnessing ecological expertise to develop novel pest
management approaches
Geoff Gurr
Achieving food security whilst reducing dependence on non-renewable and environmentally hazardous inputs is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. In response, a CSU
research team developed novel ecological tactics to reduce crop losses. Research findings published in ‘Nature Plants’ demonstrated that promoting the ecosystem service of
biocontrol can reduce the need for insecticides in rice crops while boosting yields. CSU led the development of this approach that is now widely adopted in East Asia and is national
policy in China. Related CSU studies in Australian crops as diverse as pine and cotton demonstrated significant benefits ranging from revised farm management practices, to a novel
crop protection product based on plant compounds now used in Australia and Turkey.
07 Agriculture and Veterinary
Sciences
EverGraze – increasing livestock productivity and
environmental sustainability through perennial pastures
Michael Friend
The EverGraze project addressed the need for producers to increase use of perennial pastures to minimise dryland salinity whilst improving farm profits. As a national research,
development and extension program it involved Charles Sturt University and three state agencies that designed high rainfall zone farming systems based on perennials to increase
livestock profitability and reduce water leakage below the root zone. 1,950 farmers attributed improvements to EverGraze, impacting 817,000 ha and returning $306m. Improvements
included establishing new pastures, grazing, fertiliser or sheep management, shelter for lamb survival, and ‘flushing’ to increase lambs born. 550 rural advisers used EverGraze
resources.
08 Information and Computing
Sciences
The application of data mining techniques to improve
service delivery in health and aged care
Zahid Islam, Chang-Tsun Li, Irfan Altas, Manoranjan Paul
Data Mining (DM) is the science of analysing data for discovering knowledge, making sense of data and predicting the future. CSU’s critical mass of research expertise in DM
technologies was used to design data management systems that improved service delivery in Australian health and aged care. For example, CSU applied its DM algorithm and
expertise to assist Hobart District Nursing Service to optimise service delivery to older people and educate community support workers. The same algorithm and expertise were used
to deliver solutions to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to reduce avoidable hospital re-admissions and to LiveBetter Pty Ltd where the research demonstrated that linking
aged people with community improved their overall wellbeing and quality of life.
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09 Engineering Research changes commercial food processing practices Chris Blanchard
Suboptimal storage and milling of rice causes a substantial reduction in its value. Prior to this research program, storage and milling practices at Sunrice were largely based on trial
and error. CSU research provided key knowledge to optimise storage and milling practices that increase the value of rice by meeting specific customer specifications. For example,
rice used for puffing requires a specific storage duration and milling degree. Additionally, CSU research on improving the health benefits of rice through enhanced levels of bioactive
compounds and lowering the rate of digestion contributed to the development of new high value rice varieties and rice-based products that meet market demand and add economic
benefit.
11 Biomed & Clinical A comprehensive, all-in-one, diabetes screening clinic
improves community health
Herbert Jelinek
An alternative screening approach was required to help combat the increased global occurrence of diabetes. CSU researchers responded in 2002 by developing an all-in-one program
that provided comprehensive health checks. Novel automated systems were developed for identification of diabetes-related complications including heart disease. The program
found previously undiagnosed diabetes-associated disease, including life-threatening cardiac complications. The research application led to improvements in quality of life and
reduced morbidity and mortality for people attending the program. The CSU model also provided, and continues to provide, a novel training opportunity for undergraduate and
postgraduate students and postdoctoral positions within Australia and overseas.
11 Public & Allied Health Understanding the experiences of older people to improve
their care
Maree Bernoth
Older people can become disconnected in rural communities leading to increased morbidity and mortality. To understand why and to re-connect older people with community, CSU
conducted a series of research projects that led to positive change. The research found that rural older persons feel isolated when forced into residential aged care and that once in
care nutrition/hydration were often inadequate. These findings led to regulation changes by the Department of Health and Ageing. The research also participated in the development
and evaluation of a new assessment model ‘Staying Active, Staying Independent’ that in contrast to previous models, asks older people what they want from the community service
provider. This allowed identification and repair of issues that reduced quality of life.
13 Education Children’s Early Learning Noella Mackenzie, Jennifer Sumsion
In this case study we highlight two examples of sustained research supported by CSU that had national and international impact on children’s learning opportunities (0-8 years).
Australia’s first national Early Years Learning Framework shaped the educational program for children aged from birth to five years attending all Childcare Benefit-approved early
childhood education and care services and guided the practice of educators in those services. The research into how young children learn to write improved approaches to teaching
of writing with high uptake in schools, early childhood settings and homes in Australia and beyond. It has influenced the decisions of policy makers, education consultants, teachers,
teacher educators and teacher education students.
15 Commerce, Management,
Tourism and Services
State of the mobile nation: Research into mobile switching
with amaysim
Steve D’Alessandro
Understanding customers is essential for business growth. CSU research with telco provider amaysim on a consumer insight and brand development program demonstrates the value
of university-industry collaboration. The research identified negative reactions in consumer perceptions of mobile market performance and barriers to switching providers. Results
were used to develop simple mobile phone contracts based on SIM cards rather than complex handset deals. The research generated publicity (~$700,000 in value to amaysim) and
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increased sales of major mobile plans by 30% to 1.5 million customers from Nov 2011-Mar 2012. The increased customer base led to increased employment, establishment of an
amaysim Australian call centre and major social changes in telecommunications.
16 Studies in Human Society Enhancing the competitiveness of Australia’s international
traders
Mikhail Kashubsky, David Widdowson
International trade is vital to the Australian economy. Prior to this research Australian traders were disadvantaged due to a government policy that failed to align with international
standards. The CSU research was a key catalyst to the introduction of the Government’s Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program in 2016. This provides Australian businesses with
international trade facilitation benefits, such as reduced regulatory requirements both in Australia and in certain export markets that increase international competitiveness. The
CSU research also supported the Government’s decision to enter into international Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with key trading partners. To date some 160 Australian
companies have joined the ATT and are reaping the commercial benefits.
17 Psychology and Cognitive Science Improving police responses to ‘mass shooting’ incidents Gene Hodgins
How police respond to active armed offenders (AAO) during mass shootings is a significant community safety issue. In 2014 the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) identified that their existing
‘contain and negotiate’ response policy was not appropriate for AAO incidents. The NSWPF then approached CSU to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve police
responses to AAO incidents. The recommendations included implementing police rapid response training, and the use of appropriate firearms and protective equipment. The NSWPF
adopted the CSU recommendations in 2015. Over 10,000 officers have since been trained in the new AAO tactics and there has been preliminary implementation of a new firearms
policy. Other jurisdictions have also utilised the recommendations.
19 Studies in Creative Arts and
Writing
The History of the Tentmakers of Cairo Sam Bowker
The art of the Egyptian tentmakers was threatened with extinction by modernisation and marginalisation, obliterating cultural heritage. For example, publications pre-2012 did not
link the oeuvre of the tentmakers as a group or their oral histories and omitted the genre now defined as Khedival khayamiya. To address this, CSU research structured the unpublished
history of khayamiya through exhibitions, films and books that engaged new audiences. Khayamiya now appears in surveys of Islamic, African, Egyptian and textile art history. The
term is used by museums, auctioneers, artists and journalists, creating an extensive online presence. The global number of tentmakers increased in number from 80 to 100 since
2007. Since 2012 CSU research has documented over 250 Khedival khayamiya globally.
22 Philosophy and Religious Studies Psychological injury, stress resilience and supportive
leadership in policing
Seumas Miller
The research developed an integrated psychological and ethical understanding of stress in police work necessary to improve stress-resilience and mitigate the harmful effects of
stress-related injury in police officers. From this research:
• NSW Police introduced a new recruit screening test for suitability in respect of resilience to stress
• Research-based material was incorporated into the recruit training program
• Research findings on the relation between stressors, ethics and leadership were used in workshops for NSW Police Sergeants (~2000) and Inspectors
(~800) to improve supervisor understanding and detection of stress in police officers
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Responsibility for stress management was moved from senior administration to Local Area Commanders where it has driven positive change
Inter Interdisciplinary Assessment of preschool children’s intelligibility Sharynne McLeod
The Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) was developed at CSU for speech pathologists, educators and parents to assess children’s communication. The ICS has been translated into 63
languages, validated in 9 languages (Croatian, Cantonese, English, Fijian, Jamaican, Korean, German, Slovenian, and Vietnamese), trialled in 7 official languages of South Africa and
used to assist children with speech sound disorders in Australia, The Netherlands, Sweden and Hong Kong. The associated CSU Multilingual Children’s Speech website contains
resources downloaded 93,359 times in 50 countries (Nov 2012 - Dec 2016). The ICS uses the World Health Organization ICF framework to identify contexts where children’s speech
is least understood and guide intervention target selection.
ATSI Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander
Culture centred revitalisation: a collaboration between the
Wiradjuri and Charles Sturt University
Bernard Sullivan
This research backed a community driven initiative for cultural revitalisation in the Wiradjuri nation of central and southern NSW. In the past, the Wiradjuri endured destruction of
their way of life, resulting in fractured connections to country and culture. As this research was concerned with cultural knowledge, trust was essential. The research was conducted
with senior Wiradjuri Elders, Wiradjuri values such as 'Yindyamarra' (a way of life based on respect) and required practical outcomes. A suite of creative works, films, animations,
books, exhibitions and screenings, were created and viewed by thousands throughout the community. This research provides an example of respectfully supporting cultural
revitalisation, leaving a practical legacy of use and benefit to the host communities.
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Appendix 5: NWGIC Director’s Report
1. Alliance Agreement – National Wine and Grape Industry Centre
A renewed Alliance Agreement for the NWGIC was signed by the Alliance Partners in September 2017. This
agreements establishes the framework of cooperation and governance for a period of five years between the
three alliance partners that are members of the NWGIC being:
Charles Sturt University
NSW Department of Primary Industries
NSW Wine Industry Association
The Alliance Agreement also establishes a clear funding commitment between the NSW DPI and CSU to
supports ongoing Centre related activities for the duration of the agreement. Industry representation on the
NWGIC Board of Management has seen four excellent candidates appointed to advisory roles for periods of up
to 3 years following an advertised call for expressions of interest.
2. NWGIC Major Research Agreements
The NWGIC is moving towards Strategic Research Agreements spanning multiple projects over a 5 year period.
This is a departure from single, competitively funded projects which have been the traditional model for funding
research. The emphasis on strategic research agreements that focus on industry orientated outcomes reflect
changing attitudes in the research funding sector that place a greater emphasis on securing future knowledge
workers in highly competitive sectors by providing greater security of employment and career development.
The NWGIC has two five year research agreements being the ARC ITTC For Innovative Wine Production and a
Strategic Research Agreement with Wine Australia.
a. ARC ITTC For Innovative Wine Production (2018-2023)
This is the second iteration of the ARC ITTC for Innovative Wine Production which is led by the University of
Adelaide. CSU, through the NWGIC, is an eligible organisation with NSW DPI being a partner organisation. The
involvement of NWGIC and specifically CSU as eligible organisation in the second iteration of the ARC ITTC For
Innovative Wine Production, reflects the considerable investment in developing and maintaining collegial
relationships with the lead, and other research organisations, based at the Waite campus.
Significant leverage from NWGIC and CSU Faculty of Science creates a combine investment of $368K over the
five years of the program. A total return of funds from the ARC of $1,499K will flow through to investment in the
grape and wine research sector in projects led and managed by NWGIC members, with cash flows illustrated in
the following figure.
b. Strategic Research Agreement – Wine Australia
Significant time and energy has been invested to create a portfolio of research projects with strong industry links
and support that form a suite of projects for a five year funding agreement under a strategic research agreement
with Wine Australia (Bilateral Funding). Project scoping and industry liaison commenced in early 2017 with
project concepts pitched for industry review in mid-2017. Following industry feedback and discussions between
Wine Australia research managers and NWGIC members, the final portfolio of projects, budgets, activities and
outputs was submitted in December 2017 for consideration by the Wine Australia Research Committee and
Management Board in early 2018. Some minor changes to the projects have been requested and
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accommodated with all documentation, contracts and exchange expected to be occur before the end of June
2018. This timeline will allow funds to flow from Wine Australia immediately.
Overall the suite of projects with agreed funding is valued $9.03M. Total funds are comprised of Wine Australia
cash contributions of $2.500M, CSU/NSW DPI Cash $998K, CSU in-kind $3.955M and NSW DPI in-kind
$1,583M. The Strategic Research Agreement with Wine Australia has a five year timeframe with an expectation
that a review of projects in the first three years will be undertaken and will provide a mechanism for an extension
of the agreement with additional funding for new projects.
3. Communication strategy
NWGIC appointed Emily Malone to the position of Communications Officer commencing March 2018 at a 0.2
FTE. This position is strategic in developing a clear, purposeful and consistent message is communicated to
stakeholders at the right level, with minimum disruption to Centre members. Since the appointment a draft
NWGIC Communications Strategy has been developed; Key Messages for communication from the winery,
NWGIC and viticulture and wine science education. An internal survey of NWGIC members to determine
perceptions of NWGIC brand affiliation and belief will shortly be followed up with a survey of external
stakeholders, including wine industry researchers, growers, winemakers and suppliers to gauge brand
awareness, trust and communication strategies will be undertaken.
4. Publications & Engagement
Total NWGIC Research Outputs as registered in CRO for the period 1995-end of May 2018 are displayed below.
CRO accessions for the 2018 year as at end of July are 61 compared to 69 for 2017 and 71 for 2016 calendar
years. Measures of engagement directly with industry representatives has been more difficult to assess as
these outputs have not been traditionally captured within a centralised database.
Notable outputs have included webinars (Dr Chris Steel, Grape bunch rots and thresholds for wine
contamination); regional, national and international wine tasting panels (Dr John Blackman); Trunk disease
workshops (Drs Sandra Savocchia and Reggie Baaijens); site selection and grower panel discussion in Canberra
& Murrumbateman regions (Drs John Blackman and Joanna Gambetta); field presentations and workshops in
Hunter Valley & Orange (Drs Suzy Rogiers, Gerhard Rossouw, Reggie Baaijens, Leigh Schmidtke and Mr Adrian
Fahey); Drs Andrew Clark and Nick Kodoudakis The Determination of Total Cu in White Wine by BCA
Colorimetric Analysis, a method suitable for small and medium sized wineries to accurately quantify free and
bound copper in white wines. This method can be downloaded free of charge from the following website:
https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/publications/the-determination-of-total-cu-in-white-wine-by-bca-colorimetric-
a
5. Staff & Membership
The NWGIC has an active membership policy devised in 2016 as part of reaccreditation with various
membership categories based upon Centre responsibilities, career and opportunity. Current membership and
gender distribution for each category is presented in the following table:
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Membership Class Number of Members F M
Adjunct 7 2 5
Associate 10 6 4
Early Career Researcher 7 3 4
Higher Degree by Research Student 9 7 2
Staff 9 2 7
International/Visiting 3 3 0
TOTAL 45 23 22
Two additional positions, other than those funded through the ARC or WA SRA, to support NWGIC research
projects and activities are presently under recruitment. The first of these is a 3 year Research Viticulturist
position funded jointly with the Faculty of Science and which may be located in Orange or Wagga Wagga
depending on the skills and attributes of the applicants. This position will provide technical and expert viticultural
support to existing and commencing projects within the Strategic Research Agreement with Wine Australia; a
person for liaison with and interface between laboratory researchers and industry representatives. It will be an
expectation that the appointment to this position will develop an externally funded portfolio of research within
three years in line with the review of the Wine Australia Strategic Research Agreement.
The second support position is for a Viticulture Technical Officer to provide ongoing support for vineyard and
facilities maintenance, potted vine trials, grape harvesting and sample collection. This position will support all
NWGIC programs of research reliant upon vine and plant physiology and crop production.
6. Conclusion
Overall NWGIC is well positioned with two new agreements in place that secures funding for the next five years.
These agreements provides a degree of certainly that will attract a new generation of grape and wine researcher
providing career opportunities, enhance our reputation and ensure NWGIC is the industry preferred grape and
wine research provider in NSW.
Funding for grape and wine related research outside of Wine Australia Strategic Research Agreements (CSIRO,
AWRI, SARDI & University of Adelaide) will continue to be highly competitive. However, NWGIC members will
continue to advance collegial relationships with all research providers so that future funding opportunities will be
shared across organisations where specific expertise, capacity and location provide opportunities to engage.
Some impediments to ongoing operations of the NWGIC are apparent. A significant decline in PhD enrolments,
particular domestic students or those who are eligible for tuition fee payment, is evident for all universities
seeking to fill research programs in oenology and viticulture.
Further, a decline in the numbers of tenured and senior CSU academics over the past 5 years, with positions
replaced by sessional teaching staff, has resulted in a significant decline in research capacity within some
disciplines. Presently all CSU research members of the NWGIC have reached their research capacity as defined
by the current workloads agreements. Thus Centre growth will be constrained by the lack of available staff time
for research. Organic growth of the Centre towards other horticultural and/or food related industries may be a
sensible strategy to increase research opportunities and to broaden the skill base of Centre members.
Significant synergies in research methodology and expertise are obvious within these fields and would benefit
both viticulture and oenology research along with food and horticulture research by providing a critical mass of
researcher expertise.
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Appendix 6: PACT Director’s Report
The Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre (PACT) has 52 members, ranging from Research Fellows
through to Research Professors. Members are drawn from a variety of disciplines at CSU including theology,
most obviously, yet also sociology, philosophy, history, political science, ethics, aging studies, and education.
PACT is pleased to have appointed eight research fellows in the last year who are teaching staff of the CSU
Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilization, as well as Jewish and Hindu scholars. Ten PACT members are non-
CSU academics and represent productive collaboration with other institutions.
PACT has focused its research on three strategic areas during this reporting period, a focus which will continue
until at least the end of 2019:
Christian-Muslim Relations – interreligious relations and social cohesion in Australia, the history of
relations between Christians and Muslims, Islamophobia, religious radicalisation in both faith traditions,
refugee policy;
Religion and Ethics in the Anthropocene - the profound transformation of humanity’s relationship with
the Earth system over the last 50 years, addressing the ethical and religious issues surrounding climate
change and humanity’s threat to the Earth system;
Religious Social Services – a vast sector of the social service economy in Australia, currently servicing
aged care, family support and allied health, which is expanding with the implementation of the NDIS,
these religious agencies represent a significant public connection between religion and government in
Australia.
To achieve outcomes in terms of impact, engagement, and publications in these areas of strategic research focus,
PACT organizes and funds seminars and conferences, and also provides individual research grants, publication
assistance grants, and conference paper presentation grants to its members. These decisions and activities are
overseen by the PACT Strategic Research Committee.
Among the major grants made by PACT to its researchers in this reporting period are projects addressing the
following topics, all of which will lead to significant publications in the field:
Refuting the theological foundations of violent extremism and radicalisation
Religion and violence
Mothers and children affected by Islamophobia
Findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Climate change and migration in the Pacific
History of Muslim communities in Victoria
PACT was involved in organising and funding several domestic conferences in this reporting period, including:
Theology and Ethics in the Anthropocene, September 2017 in Canberra
Fourth International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism, November 2017 in Canberra
Things that Make for Peace, March 2018 in Sydney
Tell it Slant: Theology and the Arts, June 2018 in Brisbane
Neo-liberalism, Civil Society and the Church, June 2018 in Sydney
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PACT members are productive publishers, and many of those publications are the result of conference paper
presentations. PACT grants made it possible for 17 PACT members to attend international conferences to present
papers in this reporting period, and 12 members to do so at domestic conferences.
PACT has direct links with several international institutions and various individual scholars of international standing
through the Global Network for Public Theology (GNPT). Organizing seminars for PACT members, and public
lectures, with visiting scholars from that network is an important feature of PACT’s activities. PACT has hosted the
following guests for seminars and lectures in this reporting period: Prof Martin Percy (Oxford University), Dr James
Allison (Oxford University), Prof Michael Welker (Heidelberg University), Prof Ellen Charry (Princeton University),
and Prof Sathianathan Clarke (Wesley Seminary, Washington DC). PACT was a founding member of the GNPT
and two PACT members, Clive Pearson and Peter Walker, have recently been appointed as editors of the
International Journal of Public Theology, which is published for the network by Brill.
Among the other highlights in this reporting period are the fact that PACT became a founding member of the Global
Christian-Muslim Studies Network, based at Edinburgh University. PACT has been invited to host the 2020 annual
conference of that network in Sydney. The University of Heidelberg’s Centre for International and Interdisciplinary
Theology has invited PACT (along with the School of Law and Religion, Emory University, Atlanta) to be a partner
in its recently launched interdisciplinary research project on character formation, moral education and values in
pluralistic western societies. PACT’s Director will lead the Centre’s involvement in that project. PACT commenced
negotiating a strategic research alliance with the Board of Governors of the National Church Life Survey (NCLS),
which surveys over 3000 religious communities in Australia every five years on a range of indicators of community
belief and activity. The NCLS is the longest running and largest survey of its kind in the world. In principle agreement
has been reached for a research alliance between PACT and NCLS that would result in approximately $600,000
research income to CSU per year. That in principle agreement will now become the focus of proper due diligence
at CSU. PACT looks forward to including research activities arising from that agreement in our report to the Senate
in 12 months’ time.
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Appendix 7: Graham Centre Director’s Report
Membership
At present the Centre has 57 Full members, 41 Associate members, 55 student members and 43 Affiliate
members (not eligible for internal grants). The majority of members are from Faculty of Science, followed by
NSW DPI, although pleasingly there has been a growth in membership from BJBS.
Governance
The Governance structure of the Centre is determined by the Alliance Agreement signed by NSW DPI and CSU.
The Alliance Executive (comprising of VC, DVC-RDI, Dean FoS and counterparts from NSW DPI) met twice and
the Board five times during the reference period, with the following major outcomes:
Approval of the Centre’s 5-year rolling Business Plan;
Approval of the Centre’s Engagement strategy;
Endorsement of the Centre’s International Strategy;
A recommendation to expand the footprint of the Centre’s annual Livestock forums to enable delivery at locations
outside of Wagga;
Review of and minor changes to the Centre’s Communications Strategy and Social Media Policy and
endorsement for a further 12 months.
The Centre’s Industry Advisory Panel met twice during the reference period, providing advice in relation to:
ensuring the Centre’s research is relevant to industry, that the research has a path to impact;
the strategic direction of the Centre in relation to industry needs;
Feedback on the Centre’s Engagement Strategy and Business Plan;
Feedback on the draft Pathway Strategies.
Centre management
The leadership team includes the three 0.2FTE Pathway Leaders (Livestock Systems, Plant Systems, Grain and
Meat Quality) who provide input into the direction of the Centre, engagement with Industry and funding bodies,
and also constitute the Centre’s succession plan for leadership. This structure has proven very useful for
identifying priorities and broad internal and external engagement. The appointment of a Partnerships and
Engagement Manager (1FTE) and Media and Communications Officer (0.6FTE) has enabled greater support for
external and internal engagement and also a greater focus on communications (resulting in greatly increased
presence on social media).
Centre finances
The greatest growth in expenditure has been in leveraging external grants, and the co-investment approach with
Faculty (and DVC-RDI for larger grants) has proven successful with external grant income totalling around $6m
(un-verified) for 2017, which if verified will be the highest grant income recorded by the Centre.
The new Member Support Grant (replacing Research Centre Fellowships) scheme was heavily subscribed to,
with 37 applications (totalling $540k) being received by the closing date. Twenty eight applications were
supported, totalling $310k. The Centre awarded eight honours scholarships, five undergraduate internships
(giving undergraduate students exposure to research), along with 29 conference grants to support our members
attending national or international conferences.
We finished 2017 with a small deficit, but expenditure from our 3-year investment plan is less than projected due
to delays in appointment of the strategic position in precision agriculture, as we seek to leverage our investment
in the position with industry funds.
Other
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The Centre made significant contributions to ERA2018. The Impact Case Studies for 06 (Biological Sciences)
and 07 (Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences) were submitted by Centre members based on projects conducted
within the Centre. The Centre also led the submission of the 07 Engagement Narrative, while Prof Chris
Blanchard led the development of the 09 (Engineering, specifically 090800 Food Sciences) Engagement
Narrative. This delivered on the Centre’s KPIs around impact and engagement. Our members were also heavily
involved in the ERA publications submission. Recent large grants (for example the $12.9M Dung Beetle Rural
R&D for Profit grant, of which CSU retains $6.2M), and increased publications, along with the renewed
membership (with less members than 2015 due to more stringent criteria being applied) means the Centre is
progressing well against its KPIs around Research Income and Publications.
The Centre hosted the 2018 Biennial Conference of the Australian Society of Animal Production in Wagga in July
2018, which attracted over 350 delegates from academia (including international) and industry (including around
80 farmers). The Centre also organised the Agribusiness Today forum in Parkes in August 2017 which was
attended by around 80 farmers and industry personnel. The Centre will also host the 2018 Australian Grain
Science Association Conference in September 2018 in Wagga. These activities all contribute to our Engagement
KPIs and raise the profile of the Centre and the University. The Centre also organised Science and Agriculture
Enrichment Days in June 2018, with our members running workshops covering food quality and sensory
evaluation, plant roots, and lamb and beef quality and tasting panels. We had 240 students from schools in
Wagga and across the region as far away as Condobolin, Tullibigeal, Ungarie, Tumbarumba, Albury, Tumut and
Temora participating in these days, greatly raising the profile of the Centre and the University.
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Appendix 8: ILWS Directors’ Report
Highlights – International Research projects
The past year has seen the Institute build on previous international research projects to now have major research
projects, the majority of which are funded by ACIAR, underway in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia,
Pakistan, Bhutan and East Timor. While these projects all sit under the Institute’s Sustainable Development
(International) research theme, a number have a social science focus, others are more ecologically focussed,
and others a combination of the two disciplines. These include the following new projects:
Assessing fisheries mitigation measures at Xayaburi Dam in Lao PDR. (2017-2019, ACIAR,
$320,000, Xayaburi Power Company Limited)
Quantifying improved fisheries productivity at fish rehabilitation sites in Lao PDR
extension.(2018-2019, ACIAR & USAID, $800,000)
Highlights - National research projects
ILWS has 22 projects that began in 2017-2018 under the Biodiversity Research theme; 18 projects under the
Rural and Regional Communities theme. An increase in projects of “societal” flavor is due to an increased focus
on the “society” aspect of ILWS. Of interest are two projects underway with a focus on Indigenous peoples,
namely Environmental Monitoring and Training for Aboriginal Communities (2017-2018, NSW OEH,
$20,000), and Evaluation of New Access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. (2018-2019, Primary
Health Network – Central and Eastern Sydney, $66,000.
Also under this theme are two economics projects that have been undertaken for the Soils CRC that have led to
the, just announced, Consumer demand, the value chain, and communication strategies for promoting soil
stewardship project which will run for 2.2 years and which has been awarded $458,756.
Under our Environmental Water theme, the Institute’s two Long Term Intervention Monitoring projects for the
Edward-Wakool, and the Murrumbidgee River systems, are progressing well and are now in their fourth year.
Associated with, and/or separate to, these projects are another eight projects under this theme that began in
2017 or 2018.
Major National research projects underway include:
Fish investigations associated with Snowy 2.0 scheme. Assignment 1 (2017-2020, Snowy Hydro
Ltd, $61,647) and Assignment 2. (2018-2019, Snowy Hydro Ltd, $848,803)
Workforce Wellbeing in Family and Community Services. (2018-2019),FACS, $204,394)
Equally well implementation committee. (2017-2019, National Mental Health Commission, $154,160)
Shark Sentiment Study. (2017-2020, NSW Department of Primary Industries, $91,000)
Developing design guidelines for diversion screens that save native fish and enhance
agricultural productivity.(2018-2020, Ian Potter Foundation, $299,331)
Can Indigenous land management forestall an extinction crisis? (2017-2020) ARC Discovery Early
Career Researcher Award, $372,000. Further support for this project came from the Hermon Slade
Foundation ($85,971) and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ($78,000).
River red gum floristics and vegetation monitoring 2017. (2017-2018) DECCW $186,471
Research activities for the Fish theme of the Environmental Water Knowledge Research (EWKR)
project. (2017-2019, CEWO via MDRFC, $206,587)
Highlights – publications
As a way of showcasing the publication efforts of our members, the Institute holds an ILWS Book Launch to
showcase new books our members have edited/written. The 2018 Book Launch featured six new books which
Albury Head of Campus Dr Jennifer Munday said embodied the Indigenous phrase ‘Yindyamarra Winhanganha’
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and fulfilled the University’s motto ‘for the public good.” The six books were a good example of the Institute’s
diversity, both in the topics written about, and range of disciplines.
Highlights-events
As a means of engaging with our regional, national and international stakeholders, the Institute sponsors and/or
partners with other organisations to hold a number of events each year. Over the past year these events have
included:
Sustainable Economic Growth in Regional Australia (SEGRA) conference in Port Augusta, October 23-
27, 2017
Victorian Biodiversity Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Feb 6 and 7, 2018
The North East Regional Water Forum, March 21, 2018
The Red Panda Conservation Workshop: Ensuring the future of red panda landscapes through national
and regional collaboration, held May 1-3, 2018, in Bhutan.
Brainstorming session to develop partnerships and explore potential collaborative projects with North
East Catchment Management Authority on June 20, 2018, attended by 16 ILWS researchers and five
North East CMA staff.
Further comments re Deliverables against your KPIs
Research publications (> 114 points per year)
Value of externally funded research grants ($4M per year)
Number of grant applications (50 by 2020): 54 lodged in 2017
Number of projects managed (50 by 2010): 42 managed in 2017
Average project value ($100,000 per year)
Average research income per researcher ($42,000 per year)
ILWS regional reach (Albury 35 projects, Wagga Wagga 3 & Bathurst 8)
Community engagement (27 researchers actively involved)
We can report that 54 applications were lodged in 2017 (above target of 50 by 2020) and 42 projects
were managed in 2017 (target of 50 by 2020).
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Appendix 9: HDR Review
Priority Area Summary of Findings Recommendations
Supporting
Student
Success
There needs to be improved
communication by
supervisors and research
managers to students prior to
enrolment, of the course
expectations and outcomes.
Students must develop
transferable skills beyond the
research project and thesis,
including across relevant
disciplines.
Scholarships should be better
aligned with expected course
duration, and CSU completion
rates and times could be
improved through stronger
support mechanisms.
1. Implement strategies to improve student expectations of
HDR courses, desired outcomes and career goals, cost,
duration, and required study/time commitment.
2. Implement a research training framework that includes
specific streams for HDR students, and a series of resources
that facilitate individuals in career and skills acquisition
planning both within and beyond the discipline.
3. Alter relevant policies and procedures to enable more
flexibility in stipend extensions for CSU RTP scholarship
holders, including support for students undertaking relevant
and substantial internships during candidature.
4. Modify the probationary process to include rigorous early
(within 3 months of FTE candidature) assessment of writing
skills, such as a detailed annual plan, with a structured
support and review program to be established for all
students identified as not meeting minimum standards.
Improving
the Student
Experience
The quality and consistency
of HDR supervision, and the
overall research culture
surrounding HDR training
should be improved.
5. Require staff wishing to retain HDR supervisor registration
to attend a professional development training session every
2 years. The session design should strongly encourage
voluntary attendance and might vary each year to include
external guest presenters and participant interaction.
6. Develop and implement improved supervisor performance
criteria and a review system that aligns with the Employee
Development & Review Scheme (EDRS), supports Heads of
School to identify and manage early indicators of problems
or issues (for both students and supervisors), and rewards
outstanding performance.
7. Align HDR students with existing and emerging strength
teams, require Heads of School to outline the support
network available to the student beyond the immediate
supervisory team in the admission recommendation form,
and survey students about their perceptions of, and
contribution to, the research culture in biannual progress
reports.
Providing
Equitable
and Flexible
Access to
HDR
Training
There is a need to make HDR
training accessible to (a)
professionals who may not
meet standard or traditional
admission criteria; (b) those
returning from study or career
breaks; and (c) Indigenous
Australians.
8. Consider and analyse the current role and management
of Honours as a training pathway, and identify and offer
doctoral training pathways that include appropriate exit
points and provide flexibility for those with significant
professional experience, and masters (coursework) or other
postgraduate qualifications, who may not otherwise meet the
standard HDR admission criteria.
9. Offer a full and flexible scholarship scheme with stipend
and operating funds that can be tailored to individual needs,
to support those commencing HDRs after a study or career
break for family or similar reasons.
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10. Faculties, URCs and the Research Office provide
required collaboration and support for Indigenous research
and researcher training programs led and developed by the
Office of Indigenous Affairs.
Building
Partnerships
and
Engagement
Research and HDR training
collaboration with universities
and industry need to improve,
and HDR students should
have the opportunity to
engage with industries,
professions and other
research end-users.
11. Develop and implement institutional policy and
procedure for the offering of joint and dual HDRs.
12. Finalise and implement jointly funded and supervised
partnership based HDRs with relevant industry, professional,
and other non-university partners.
13. Develop policy and procedure to support HDR students
undertaking internships during candidature, which might
include automatic funding support or scholarship extensions.
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Appendix 10: Principles of Research
Performance
Consultation: Principles to support a new definition of Research Performance at CSU
CONSULTATION PROCESS
The Research Committee has been reviewing the current definition of Research Active which was introduced in
2014 for the purposes of HDR supervision. It is proposed that a new definition of Research Performance at
CSU will not be restricted “for the purposes of HDR supervision”. The new definition is proposed to be a
performance metric for all staff with a research component to their workload. The criteria for appointment as a
primary or co-supervisor will likely need to be reviewed in light of the new definition in due course.
The Research Committee is seeking input from across the university community to inform and progress
development of a revised definition. We are seeking to develop a definition that is
fair and well understood;
that acknowledges what contributes to successful research outcomes;
that encourages and recognises research productivity; and
will lead to stronger outcomes under the Research Narrative.
A set of Principles has been drafted to capture these aims in a way that will facilitate an open consultation
process. The Principles are being proposed as the key factors to be used to inform the development of a
revised definition.
The Principles are not about the mechanics or logistics of capturing the relevant data. Once the Principles have
been endorsed (after this consultation), the details of the definition including the work needed to ensure data
capture and benchmarking will follow and at that stage the CSU Research Performance Metrics will be defined.
Input is invited from individuals and/or groups (Schools, Faculty Research Committees, Research Centre
management teams, unions, Professors’ Forum, Head of School Forum etc.) in relation to the Principles outlined
below.
Respondents are asked to rate each of the nine Principles depending on whether or not you agree it is a
Principle which should underpin the revised definition.
STRONGLY AGREE – AGREE – NEUTRAL – DISAGREE – STRONGLY DISAGREE
Written comments are invited on any of the Principles. Comments are requested in particular where a rating of
strongly disagree or disagree is provided as the response. Respondents are also invited to suggest additional
Principles for consideration by Research Committee.
CONSULTATION TIMELINE
Responses will be consolidated for consideration at the October meeting of Research Committee.
The Consultation Survey will be open from 28 August 2018 and closes on Friday 28 September. The
consultation will be conducted through Survey Monkey and can be accessed HERE
PRINCIPLES TO SUPPORT A NEW DEFINITION OF RESEARCH PERFORMANCE
1. All levels of research performance will be defined based on verified research data for the agreed
reference period as contained within CRO, which is the corporate record of research outputs.
2. The research outputs that will be included in the corporate record need to be expanded to include
measures of engagement and impact.
CRO does not currently contain discrete measures of impact or engagement, and sector-wide this is still being
operationalised following the ARC Engagement and Impact 2018 assessment. Discrete measures of impact and
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engagement will be used in the evaluation of research performance as soon as development of the measures is
finalised.
3. Research performance will be defined at two levels based on opportunity:
Level 1 will define research performance as expected from an individual with a minimum research workload
allocation of 30% of a full time workload for the duration of the reference period.
Level 2 will define research performance as expected from an individual with a research workload of 60% or
higher of a full time workload for at least 6 months within the reference period.
4. Research performance will be defined differently for each academic level A-E for individuals with a
research workload allocation and where the expectations at each academic level have been
benchmarked.
CSU Research Performance Metrics, once defined, will be benchmarked against minimum, university median
and sector-wide expectations. This will ensure there is a qualitative assessment embedded in the definition.
5. Research performance will be defined with reference to discipline differences where appropriate and
where the discipline differences have been benchmarked externally and agreed in advance.
CSU Research Performance Metrics, once defined, will be benchmarked against minimum, university median
and sector-wide expectations. This will ensure there is a qualitative assessment embedded in the definition.
6. There will be a clear connectivity between the level of research performance at each academic level,
within each discipline, and the expectations for promotion.
7. Research performance will be defined based on a reference period equivalent to three years (36
months) full time employment. For staff who have had fractional appointments or extended periods of
leave during the previous three calendar years, the reference period will be extended until equivalent to
a 36 months full time appointment.
8. Research performance will be a clearly defined performance metric for academic staff with a research
component to their workload and will not be restricted to use “for the purposes of HDR supervision”.
9. All levels of research performance will be assessed annually against updated data as part of EDRS and
where levels of performance are not maintained or improved year on year this must be addressed as
part of EDRS.
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