ARC induction forums

The ARC recently hosted a number of induction forums for new College of Experts members, directors of major ARC-funded investments, and its newest awarded ARC Australian Laureate Fellows. 

These forums provide a unique opportunity for the ARC to share information about the administration of grants, as well as opportunities for networking with peers and meeting key ARC staff.

On 6 November 2019, the new grantees of the PFAS Remediation Research Program (Round 2) attended an ARC induction meeting. Attendees included representatives from the four successful projects, colleagues from the Department of Defence, Airservices Australia, and the Department of the Environment and Energy (PFAS Taskforce). 

Highlights of the day included talks from interdepartmental colleagues and the opportunity for grantees from the second round of PFAS projects to outline their proposed research and anticipated outcomes. Two of the round one grantees, Associate Professor John Lucas and Associate Professor Stefano Freguia shared their experiences and insights.

Also during November, new ARC College of Experts members from across Australia attended an induction day to receive an overview of ARC selection processes and their responsibilities as College of Experts members, as well as training sessions about ARC’s Research Management System (RMS) and unconscious bias in the peer review process.

Guest speakers included:

• Professor Sarah Wendt and Professor Jeanine Deakin, both current members of the ARC College of Experts, as well as Professor Patrick Kluth, past member of the ARC College of Experts, who shared their insights on being a member of the ARC College of Experts.

On 27 November 2019, the ARC held an induction day for new directors of the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centres. ARC staff covered a range of topics to assist new directors and Business Managers in establishing and maintaining a successful Training Centre and Research Hub.

Guest speakers included:

• Professor Jayantha Kodikara, ARC Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements at Monash University and Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa from the ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods at The University of Queensland, who both spoke about strategies for establishment of Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centres
• Kiara Bechta-Metti, Director of the Adelaide Enterprise at The University of Adelaide, who covered aspects of intellectual property and commercialisation.

On 28 November 2019, the ARC hosted the induction day for the ARC Australian Laureate Fellows. Newly-awarded Fellows were provided with an overview of the expectations of Australian Laureate Fellows and guidance about post-award matters that may arise during their fellowships. Additionally, guest speakers presented on a range of topics to assist new Fellows in establishing and managing their fellowships. 

Guest speakers included:

• 2018 ARC Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Marilyn Fleer—who spoke about best practice on establishing a Laureate Project, research leadership and capacity building
• Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Lisa Kewley—who spoke about best practice advice on gender equality and diversity policy implementation.

On 5 December 2019, new Centre Directors, Deputy Directors and Chief Operating Officers from the ARC Centres of Excellence commencing in 2020 attended their induction day. Each new director gave a five-minute overview on their Centre’s research. ARC staff gave an overview of establishment and planning activities, leadership and capacity building and post-award requirements.

Guest speakers included:

• Professor Andrew White, Centre Director at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, and Professor John Piggott, ARC Centre of Excellence for Population Ageing Research, who shared their insights on establishing a Centre of Excellence
• Professor Lisa Kewley, Centre Director at the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics, outlined best practice in terms of succession and workforce planning and gender equality and diversity
• Stephen Gray, Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes and Julie Matarczyk, Chief Operating Officer, ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, provided insights into establishing a Centre of Excellence
• Alvin Stone, Media and Communications Manager, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, spoke about communications and engagement as a Centre of Excellence.

We wish all our new leaders of Major Investments and Australian Laureate Fellows well as they embark upon their research programs, and we look forward to hearing about their exciting discoveries and research outcomes.

Image (above): Attendees at the 2019 Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centre induction day.
Image (below): Attendees at the 2019 ARC Centre of Excellence induction day.

Credit: ARC.