Message from the CEO
Over the past year, the ARC engaged an Advisory Committee (Committee) of leaders and experts from the university, industry, government and community sectors to conduct a comprehensive review of its national university research assessments – ERA and EI. The Committee, chaired by Emeritus Professor Michael Brooks, recently provided me with a report on the findings of the review and I am pleased to be presenting the report on the ARC website alongside the The Committee’s report sets out a strong agenda for the ARC to move forward with the ERA and EI programs. The Committee made 22 recommendations to improve the value of research assessment for Australia, streamline the programs through smarter uses of data and technology, and maintain best practice in research assessment into the future. The recommendations set out a new vision statement for ERA and EI and provide a timely update and alignment of the objectives of each program. The recommendations also set out practical measures for the ARC to adopt to make participation in the programs easier for universities, and to ensure the outcomes are rigorous and more beneficial for a wider range of stakeholders. I am pleased to accept the report’s recommendations. ARC response through this Action Plan.
The hard work of the Committee was supported by several expert working groups as well as the input and feedback from a wide-range of stakeholders through public and targeted consultations. This support was essential to the review and is remarkable in light of the challenges arising from COVID-19. I thank the Committee, the working groups, and the university and end-user stakeholders for The challenges of COVID-19 also highlight the need for the ARC, universities and other stakeholders to work together as we implement the Committee’s recommendations. This Action Plan is the first step in this process. It sets out next steps the ARC will take in implementing changes to ERA and EI, and indicative timeframes. Some changes will be immediate, while others will take place in later rounds. I look forward to their efforts. working with the university sector to ensure ERA and EI provide the benefits that the Committee envisaged.
Professor Sue Thomas Chief Executive Officer Australian Research Council
“The report incorporates considerable consultation with stakeholders and reflects the challenges faced by universities, researchers and end-users.”
ERA AND EI ACTION PLAN | 1
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