Dear colleagues,
IIt was wonderful to bring our ACGR community together at the National Meeting at The University of Queensland. Seeing colleagues from across the country reconnect in person, share experiences and ideas, and engage in thoughtful conversations regarding the future of graduate research was a real highlight. The energy, generosity and commitment of our members made the meeting a memorable and valuable opportunity to strengthen connections and learn from one another.
We were delighted to welcome three outstanding speakers whose contributions helped set the tone for the meeting and stimulated important conversations across the sector. Professor Barney Glover, Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), Professor Mary O’Kane, Chancellor of The University of Queensland, and Luke Sheehy, Chief Executive Officer of Universities Australia, brought valuable perspectives on the broader priorities and challenges facing Australian universities. Their insights provided an important foundation for discussions throughout the meeting, and we sincerely thank them for their ongoing advocacy and support for the vital role of research training in Australia.
A highlight of our time together was celebrating the recipients of the 2026 ACGR Awards for Excellence at our National Meeting dinner. From excellence in supervision and leadership to industry engagement, programs and support, and Indigenous excellence and empowerment, this year’s recipients demonstrated the breadth of expertise and commitment across our sector. It was a privilege to recognise their achievements and share their inspiring work with colleagues. Congratulations again to all our award winners and highly commended recipients.
The National Meeting also provided an opportunity to welcome our 2027 ACGR Board of Directors. We are pleased to welcome Professor Chris Abbiss from Edith Cowan University as incoming President and Chair, and thank Professor Louise Sharpe from the University of Sydney for her outstanding contribution as President. Louise’s dedication, leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing ACGR’s work and strengthening our collective voice across the graduate research sector. We are delighted that she will continue to contribute as Immediate Past President.
Our 2027 Board of Directors will comprise:
- Professor Chris Abbiss (Edith Cowan University), President (Chair)
- Professor Louise Sharpe (University of Sydney), Immediate Past President
- Professor Virginia Sharpe (The University of Queensland)
- Professor Penny Martens (University of Technology Sydney)
- Professor Susan Kinnear (CQUniversity)
- Professor Dan Bendrups (La Trobe University)
- Dr Clare McCausland (Deakin University) Senior Professional Staff Attendee.
Thank you to all Board members for their willingness to contribute their expertise, time and leadership to ACGR and its members.
We extend our sincere thanks to The University of Queensland for hosting the meeting and to everyone who contributed to the program, participated in discussions and helped create such a welcoming and engaging environment. We hope you have returned to your institutions with new connections, fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for the important work we do together to support HDR candidates, supervisors and graduate research communities.
In this month’s member update you’ll find an opportunity to contribute to research exploring communities of practice for HDR supervisors. We also highlight the current ATEC consultation on the Costing and Pricing Framework for Commonwealth supported places in universities, along with an update on ACGR member institution invoices for 2027.
Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement with ACGR and for the important work you do across the graduate research sector. We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together in the months ahead.
Kind regards,
Professor Chris Abbiss, ACGR President
Tracy Sullivan, Executive Director
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