The Role of the Associate Dean Research
What is the role of an Associate Dean Research? Connector, facilitator, strategist, leader, seed funder, standard setter, professional development provider? Does it depend on institutional context? A conversation to unpack what we do, why, and how we do it with what we’ve got.
Key discussion highlights
- There is a lot of difference and nuance between different institutions with the ADR role. Institutional context and scale greatly shapes the nature of the role, and whether there are other delegated support or professional staff.
- ADR roles balance strategic expectations and procedural operations and/or tensions. It generally has more strategic influence than Heads of School focused on operations.
- Members expressed interest in a dedicated session to discuss specific strategies and approaches for managing upwards and advocating for HASS disciplines.
- There are difficulties around increasing research visibility and support for colleges and faculties which encompass many different disciplines and schools.
- Succession planning and supporting future leaders was agreed to be a major point of focus and concern.
This gathering was facilitated by Associate Professor Robyn Creagh, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Law and Business at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
