Project Overview
On 19 June 2013, the former Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) and the Australian Research Council co-released Assessing the wider benefits arising from university-based research: Discussion paper. The discussion paper sought “the views of interested parties regarding a future assessment of the benefits arising from university-based research. The proposed assessment will include a strong industry focus and will be designed to complement the assessment of academic impact being undertaken through the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative.”
Also in 2013, the Commonwealth engaged content experts to investigate specific aspects of a research impact assessment methodology. Prof. Lisa M. Given was contracted to provide evidence and analysis on the possible contribution that qualitative inquiry can bring to the design, development and implementation of a research impact assessment exercise in Australia. The primary goal of the project was to explore the implications for the use of research impact case studies.
The project included three phases:
- An environmental scan of the literature on qualitative inquiry and research impact;
- A public workshop with key stakeholders (e.g., researchers, university administrators, research office staff, communications staff, and others who may be involved in a research impact assessment process) from institutions across Australia; and,
- Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders involved in university-based research.
Funding
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. $50,000 (AUD).
Selected Publications
Reports
Given, Lisa M, Denise Winkler, and Rebekah Willson. 2014. “Qualitative Research Practice: Implications for the Design & Implementation of a Research Impact Assessment Exercise in Australia.” Wagga Wagga: Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education. ISBN: 978-0-9874288-1-3. [PDF]
Given, Lisa M. 2013. “Qualitative Inquiry and Research Impact Assessment: Workshop Communiqué.” Canberra: Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. Unpublished report.