The ACGR National HDR Researcher Development Framework (ACGR National HDR RDF) supports the training of HDR candidates to be well-rounded and independent researchers who embody the qualities outlined in four domains and aligned key competencies. It promotes innovative, inclusive, culturally appropriate, research-informed, and holistic opportunities for the development of higher degree research candidates.
The ACGR National HDR RDF aims to facilitate the development of professional researchers, equipping HDR candidates with transferrable and professional skills to prepare them for career transitions and/or to contribute to their communities. It assists supervisors to help their candidates navigate the training opportunities available. It also enables stakeholders in universities to align offerings and priorities to support HDR candidates.
Developed via a working group representing 17 universities and in conjunction with a sector-wide consultation process, the ACGR National HDR RDF presents a sectoral understanding of the qualities and attributes HDR candidates work to develop throughout their HDR journey.
Domain 1
Ethical Practice & Inclusivity
Ethical and inclusive researchers who value integrity, diversity, and respectful engagement across people, knowledges, and cultures
- Engage in ethical and responsible research practice, conducted with integrity
- Respect discipline diversity and plurality of research approaches
- Embrace diversity of researcher experience
- Respect and engage appropriately with Indigenous peoples and knowledges
- Embrace cultural difference, viewpoint diversity, and sustainability, fostering a global outlook
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, others, animals, and environments, through good governance and data management
Domain 2
Innovation & Intellectual Rigour
Innovative and intellectually rigorous researchers who advance knowledge through critical thinking, creativity, and robust evidence-based inquiry
- Produce good academic judgment based on critical, reflexive and creative thinking
- Integrate disciplinary expertise and specialist knowledge
- Create new knowledge through the collection and analysis of complex information
- Utilise sophisticated digital environments and tools
- Produce scholarly works that convey new knowledge and demonstrate expertise
Domain 3
Engagement and Impact Beyond Academia
Impactful researchers who partner with industry and academia to deliver research outcomes that create real-world value
- Embed impact and engagement objectives in research design
- Cultivate a professional identity grounded in research reputation
- Form effective working relationships with community, industry and university partners in research
- Communicate research outcomes and knowledge transfer across diverse modalities, audiences and contexts
- Manage projects, including planning, oversight and data management
- Navigate and balance complex institutional, disciplinary, regulatory, and collaborative environments
Domain 4
Personal Resilience & Leadership
Resilient researchers and leaders who adapt to challenges, support others, and drive progress with purpose
- Critically reflect on practice to develop a professional identity and exercise accountability
- Build strategic relationships to access innovative information, ideas and opportunities
- Maintain composure and solution-focus in managing professional challenges
- Prioritise personal wellbeing, encourage others to do the same
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