Mission
The mission of the Australian Council of Graduate Research is to promote excellence in research training and scholarship and high standards for all higher degree by research programs nationally.
Focus Area 1: Developing and Promoting Quality Graduate Research
Objectives
To advocate and promote the important role and contribution of graduate research to the higher education sector, government, public and private industry sectors and the general public.
To define and support the development of quality graduate research training practice across Australia.
Strategies
- Define, articulate and broadly communicate the values of graduate research to all key stakeholders
- Develop good practice principles and guidelines on matters relevant to graduate research
- Encourage links and alliances with relevant national university and industry networks
- Convene biannual meetings and other fora to share expertise and good practice amongst members
- Utilize the ACGR website to advocate for and provide resources to support quality research training
- Undertake/and or otherwise support specific research and development projects on matters of national importance to graduate research
- Actively support the high quality conferences/events focused on graduate research education
Focus Area 2: Interacting with Government
Objectives
To influence the development of national and international policy, standards and reference points and government initiatives that impact on graduate research.
Strategies
- Develop and foster strong linkages with relevant government and shadow ministers, advisors and secretaries and ensure regular dialogue on matters of importance to Graduate Research
- Regularly invite government and industry sector representatives to meetings for information sharing, collaboration and policy debate and development
- Actively seek to participate in review panels and processes initiated by government
- Garner member feedback to ensure comprehensive and appropriate responses to government and other inquiries as appropriate
- Develop position and policy statements as appropriate.
Focus Area 3: Networking and Practice Sharing
Objective
To provide a forum for networking and practice sharing between leaders of graduate research nationally and internationally.
Strategies
- Hold two annual meetings as national fora for discussion of matters of strategic, political and operational importance to graduate research
- Provide induction and support materials for new members
- Manage a comprehensive web presence
- Develop a virtual network through the provision of news and resources on the website and maintenance of a membership contact list and regular communications to and from members throughout the year
- Promote other graduate research events and professional development opportunities to members
- Foster strong links and collaborations with Australasian counterparts.
Focus Area 4: International Perspective
Objective
To ensure that graduate research in Australia both leads and responds to international trends, needs and best practice.
Strategies
- Monitor and promulgate to members international graduate research trends and initiatives
- Establish and foster strong links and alliances with relevant international graduate and graduate research networks
- Invite international experts to ACGR meetings and other events for information sharing and collaborations
- Encourage Australian representation at relevant international conferences and events
- Maintain an Associate Membership category for ACGR available to international colleagues
Enabler 1: Responsible and Proactive Management
Objective
To maintain a sustainable, viable and effective and efficient organization for members
Strategies
- Transparent and accountable governance structures
- Clear operational and business planning
- Professional and efficient management and executive and member support
- Transparent and accountable budgeting
- Efficient financial management and regular reporting to all members
- Professionally run biennial conferences
- State and national regulatory compliance.