It is with great pleasure that we launch our second research publication, Informing Policy and Practice II: 2015 Student Equity in Higher Education Research Grants Program Projects, at the 2016 Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Inc (HERDSA) Conference held at the Rydges Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Informing Policy and Practice II showcases the 12 research projects the NCSEHE funded via its 2015 Student Equity in Higher Education Research Grants Program. The projects were undertaken by colleagues from 13 Australian universities and two research institutions, and each layout within the publication also features commentary from an additional twelve policy analysts, academics and practitioners.
Discussing the publication and the Student Equity in Higher Education Research Grants Program more broadly, NCSEHE Director Professor Sue Trinidad reiterated the importance of sustained efforts in addressing disadvantage and the barriers to higher education.
“Each project funded through the NCSEHE’s research grants program addresses different, but related, aspects of student equity in higher education. In total, we have committed over $1.08 million to the 24 studies presented in Informing Policy and Practice and Informing Policy and Practice II, the resultant reports of which contribute to an evidence-base from which carefully considered decisions might be discussed and made. Accordingly, further funding of approximately $350,000 has been committed to the research program in 2016.”
“While the findings confirm that more needs to be done to ensure that capable people are not prevented from accessing and completing higher education, it is unmistakable that many bright minds remain focused on building a better future for disadvantaged students in Australia.”
“I congratulate the respective authors on their work and look forward to the dialogue that Informing Policy and Practice II will generate.”
For those of you who were unable to attend the HERDSA conference this year, and would like a hard copy of our publication, please feel free to contact us. Alternatively, you can download a soft copy version here: Informing Policy and Practice II – 2015 Student Equity in Higher Education Research Grants Program Projects (16Mb)
