Insights
In 2024 around 80 DASSH Members from about 30 universities gathered in Adelaide. Hosts from the University of South Australia convened a fantastic program spanning Indigenous Data Sovereignty, psychosocial safety, industry partnerships and the integration of artificial intelligence into daily work practices.
The biggest theme to emerge over the three day program and the many discussions that took place between attendees, presenters and facilitators was the tension between efficiency and authenticity.
Below you will find a number of key takeaways from the conference as well as some of the resources generously shared after their presentations.
Resources
| The Future of the Honours New research was presented for the first time at the DASSH 2024 Conference providing a snapshot of the state of the Honours program in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. One-hundred and thirty-four Honours students and 57 Honours convenors within humanities, arts and social sciences disciplines across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand took part in the project to provide insight into the characteristics and underlying motivations driving Honours enrolment. The research paper identifies the need to explore and understand the purpose of Honours in creating new generations of researchers. See the Research The Future of the Honours Project Word Clouds generated during discussion Speakers Professor Alexandra Ludewig, Head of School, School of Humanities, The University of Western Australia Professor Kath Gelber, Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of Queensland Professor Kristin Natalier, Dean, Education, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University Professor Thea Blackler, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology | HASS and the ARC Linkage Program: Opportunities, Relationships and Impact Over the past decade the engagement of HASS scholars with the Linkage program has been disrupted in a number of ways. This session reconsidered program and the ways in which researchers might approach this important funding source. Resources Slide pack: Professor Andrew Beer, “Future Work, Future Communities” Slide pack: Professor Anne Pender, “Comedy Country, Australian Performance as an Agent of Change” Speakers Professor Anne Pender, Kidman Chair in Australian Studies and Director of the JM Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice, The University of Adelaide Professor Tahereh Ziaian, Community Health Psychologist, University of South Australia Mr Ross Womersley, CEO, South Australian Council of Social Service Ms Mirsia Bunjaku, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Migrant Resource Centre Chair: Professor Andrew Beer, Executive Dean, UniSA Business, University of South Australia |
| Indigenous Data Sovereignty Jenny Fewster, Director HASS and Indigenous RDC at the Australian Research Data Commons shared insights into the establishment of a Governance of Indigenous Data Framework for the HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons. Resources Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data | NIAA Study Report – Closing the Gap review – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au) Indigenous Data | ARDC IDN Catalogue Project (idnau.org) Maiam Nayri Wingara The National Digital Infrastructure Strategy NDRI Investment Plan Consultation Survey Speaker Ms Jenny Fewster, Director, HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons, Australian Research Data Commons | Healthy Work Environments in a Sector Under Pressure A landmark study of Australian university staff mental health, working conditions and wellbeing over four years (2020 – 2023) revealed the parlous state of the sector. The group presented a data-driven visual report will be presented in its interactive form, allowing for detailed breakdowns, interrogation and discussion. New WHS regulations regarding psychosocial risks at work bring some urgency to this basic human rights issue. The session also included a deeper look at how the situation in the sector is likely to trigger bullying behaviour, with an emphasis on understanding the systemic drivers of upwards bullying towards managers. Resources This is the dashboard that presents all the data collected and collated between 2020 and 2023. Dashboard built by Daniel Neser. Australian University Staff 2020 – 2023 Work, Digital Stress and Wellbeing Survey Speakers Professor Maureen Dollard, Director, Psychosocial Safety Climate Global Observatory, University of South Australia Professor Kurt Lushington, Clinical Psychologist and Research Professor, University of South Australia Mr Daniel Neser, Research Assistant, University of South Australia Professor Michelle Tuckey, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology, University of South Australia |
| Hope at the Crossroads of HASS and GLAM In keeping with the theme of the 2024 DASSH conference, four practitioners shared their experiences of connecting with different disciplines, communities, industries and ideas. Resources Slide pack: Ms Jenny Fewster, “Hope at the Crossroads of HASS and Glam” Speakers Ms Jenny Fewster, Director, HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons, Australian Research Data Commons Dr Jared Thomas, South Australian Museum Research Fellow Ms Alexis Tindall, Manager, Digital Stewardship, University of Adelaide Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stuart, Professor of Heritage and Digital Humanities, University of New England Chair: Dr Kiera Lindsey, History Advocate, History Trust of South Australia | Future of Languages Crises make excellent opportunities for growth and positive changes. In this solutions-oriented, interactive workshop the group discussed current challenges that languages are facing in Australia and New Zealand. Resources Summary of the workshop with key takeouts and a full list of resources Slide pack: Miriam Neigert, Geoffrey Miller, “The Future of Languages” Speakers Mr Geoffrey Miller, PhD candidate, University of Otago Dr Miriam Neigert, Lecturer in German Studies, University of New England |
| An Ethics Framework for Machine Historians Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington presented examples of noisy logic in examples of histories made by humans and machines, and suggested some approaches to security and safety screening to pick up malicious histories. Resources Slide pack: Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, “An Ethics Framework for Machine Historians” Speaker Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, University of South Australia | Aotearoa New Zealand in Focus University of Massey Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes and Pro Vice-Chanellor Professor Cynthia White gave an overview of the current landscape in Aotearoa delving into the realities of the current political and policy environment. Resources Slide pack: Giselle Byrnes, “Aotearoa in Focus” Speakers Professor Giselle Byrnes, Provost, Massey University Professor Cynthia White, New Zealand Officer, DASSH, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University |
| Partnering on Policy The panel considered the collaborative connection between researchers and the arts and cultural sector in better understanding the conditions experienced in the sector. Resources Slide pack: Christie Anthoney, “Sector Benefit” Speakers Professor Justin O’Connor, Professor of Cultural Economy, University of South Australia Associate Professor Tully Barnett, Associate Professor in Creative Industries, Flinders University Ms Satu Teppo, PhD Candidate, University of South Australia Ms Christie Anthoney, Head of Public Affairs, Adelaide Festival Centre | How to put 12 hours back into your academic life DASSH Special Interest Group leaders Professors Mia Lindgren and Samantha Bennett led an interactive session with insights into the use of the Generative AI program Claude shared by expert Professor Inger Mewbern. Resources Slide pack: Inger Mewburn, “Claude” Word Clouds generated during discussion Speakers Professor Mia Lindgren, Associate Dean Research Performance, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania Professor Samantha Bennett, Associate Dean Higher Degree Research, Australian National University Professor Inger Mewburn, Director of Researcher Development, Australian National University |
| The State of the States Deans in the United States are facing a myriad of complex issues as well as emerging opportunities. During this facilitated discussion an our international guests from the International Council for Arts Deans in the US will discussed some of the burning issues facing university leaders there. Academic freedom and freedom of speech in the context of the war on Gaza, the politicisation of diversity, equity and inclusion policies and the opportunities emerging from new technologies are among them. Resources Dialogue Across the Difference The Dialogue across Difference (DaD) Initiative aims to model and promote the values of intellectual engagement, curiosity, empathy, active listening and critical thinking through a series of campus events, classes, informal learning opportunities and social programming. Resetting the Table Resetting the Table collaborates with strategic partners to build important communication across political silos in American life. Speakers Dr Nancy Uscher, President, International Council for Arts Deans, Dean, College of Fine Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dr Eileen Strempel, Secretary, International Council for Arts Deans, Inaugural Dean, Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA Chair: Professor Nick Bisley, President, DASSH, Dean, Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University |
Speakers
Professor Thea Blackler
Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology
Professor Samantha Bennett
Associate Dean Higher Degree Research, Australian National University
Professor Narelle Lemon
Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University
Professor Michelle Tuckey
Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology, University of South Australia
Professor Mia Lindgren
Associate Dean Research Performance, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania
Professor Kurt Lushington
Clinical Psychologist and Research Professor, University of South Australia
Professor Kristin Natalier
Dean, Education, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University
Professor Kath Gelber
Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of Queensland
Professor Justin O’Connor
Professor of Cultural Economy, University of South Australia
Professor Jessica Gallagher
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), The University of Adelaide
Professor Inger Mewburn
Director of Researcher Development, Australian National University
Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stuart
Professor of Heritage and Digital Humanities, University of New England
Professor Anne Pender
Kidman Chair in Australian Studies and Director of the JM Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice, The University of Adelaide
Professor Alexandra Ludewig
Head of School, School of Humanities, The University of Western Australia
Ms Jenny Fewster
Director, HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons, Australian Research Data Commons
Dr Ariella Helfgott
Director of Strategic Foresight, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO
Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, University of South Australia
Associate Professor Tully Barnett
Associate Professor in Creative Industries, Flinders University
Program
Day 1
Venue
Bradley Building
Level 8, Room 18
University of South Australia
Bradley Lawson, corner of North Terrace and Morphett St, Adelaide
Schedule
| 9:00am | REGISTRATIONS | |
| 9:30am | WELCOME TO COUNTRY Jack Buckskin, Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services | |
| 10:00am | CONFERENCE WELCOME Professor Nick Bisley, President, DASSH, Dean, Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, University of South Australia Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), The University of Adelaide | |
| 11:00am | MORNING TEA | |
| 11:30am | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Indigenous Data Sovereignty This session explores recent developments in the Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) movement in relation to the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (ASSH). IDSov seeks to disrupt colonial data paradigms by emphasising the urgent need for Indigenous peoples and communities to reclaim authority over their data, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and define their futures. A critical examination of the current Indigenous data landscape shows that much of the available data does not support the growth and aspirations of Indigenous peoples; instead, it primarily focuses on understanding the ongoing effectiveness of colonialisation. In this presentation, I will clarify the role of Indigenous peoples and how non-Indigenous academics, data entities, policymakers, and others can be active supporters of the IDSov movement by exploring four examples. This interactive session will ask participants to collaboratively discuss, develop, and share ways to create more equity regarding Indigenous peoples and their data in their own research and/or institution. Dr Jacob Prehn, Associate Dean Indigenous, University of Tasmania | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Creative methods and imaginative futures What role do creative research methods and imaginative futures play in government and industry? In this workshop you’ll hear how applied creative research with partners works to produce courageous outcomes that wouldn’t happen otherwise. From the plausible to the preposterous, imagining alternative futures is a critical skill necessary for innovation. Join us to imagine different futures for the arts and humanities. Dr Ariella Helfgott, Director of Strategic Foresight, Department of the Premier and Cabinet Dr Lisa Bailey, Exhibition and Experience Design Manager, MOD. |
| 12:45pm | LUNCH | |
| 1:45pm | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Hope at the crossroads of HASS & GLAM: creating authentic collaborations for greater engagement and impact In keeping with the theme of the 2024 DASSH conference, this panel invites four practitioners to share their experiences of connecting with different disciplines, communities, industries and ideas. What lessons have they learned about working at the intersections of HASS and GLAM collaborations? What does it take to achieve authentic engagement and impact? How can such collaborations be co-designed to revitalise hope for both sectors? And can we best articulate the value of such work? Ms Jenny Fewster, Director, HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons, Australian Research Data Commons Dr Jared Thomas, South Australian Museum Research Fellow Ms Alexis Tindall, Manager, Digital Stewardship, University of Adelaide Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stuart, Professor of Heritage and Digital Humanities, University of New England Chair: Dr Kiera Lindsey, History Advocate, History Trust of South Australia DEANS’ MEETING AND DASSH AGM DASSH Council Members will attend the Annual General Meeting and Dean’s meeting. This meeting is intended for voting members or their proxies with only one representative from each institution participating. The agenda for this meeting has been provided directly to Council Members and participants will be welcome to give some direction to the discussion. | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS HASS and the ARC Linkage Program: Opportunities, Relationships and Impact Linkage is one of two funding programs supported by the Australian Research Council. Over the past decade the engagement of HASS scholars with the Linkage program has been disrupted in a number of ways, including the decision by the former federal government to prioritise a limited number of topics and disciplines. Reduced HASS involvement in the Linkage program has negatively affected intellectual life in Australian universities and has wider ranging impacts on Australian society as the breadth of topics covered by humanities and social sciences have been quietened in public discourse. This session reconsiders the Linkage program and the ways in which researchers might approach this important funding source. Professor Anne Pender, Kidman Chair in Australian Studies and Director of the JM Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice, The University of Adelaide Professor Tahereh Ziaian, Community Health Psychologist, University of South Australia Mr Ross Womersley, CEO, South Australian Council of Social Service Ms Mirsia Bunjaku, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Migrant Resource Centre Chair: Professor Andrew Beer, Executive Dean, UniSA Business, University of South Australia |
| 3:00pm | BREAK | |
| 3:15pm | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Partnering on Policy This panel considers the collaborative connection between researchers and the arts and cultural sector in better understanding the conditions experienced in the sector and supporting practical knowledge for change, for better practice and for action. We uncover some of the underlying factors that support strong collaboration between universities and the arts and culture sector through knowledge building, policy development, practice and evaluation. We outline some of the effective collaborations for policy action and what we’ve learned along the way. Professor Justin O’Connor, Professor of Cultural Economy, University of South Australia Associate Professor Tully Barnett, Associate Professor in Creative Industries, Flinders University Ms Satu Teppo, PhD Candidate, University of South Australia Ms Christie Anthoney, Head of Public Affairs, Adelaide Festival Centre | CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Future of languages Crises make excellent opportunities for growth and positive changes. In this solutions-oriented, interactive workshop we will discuss the current challenges that languages are facing in Australia and New Zealand. We will collaboratively work on short- and long-term action plans to strengthen and enhance language disciplines at our institutions. Mr Geoffrey Miller, PhD candidate, University of Otago Dr Miriam Neigert, Lecturer in German Studies, University of New England |
| 4:30 – 5:00pm | REFLECTIONS |
Day 2
Venue
The Gallery
National Wine Centre
Corner of Hackney Rd and Botanic Rd, Adelaide
Schedule
| 8:45am | REGISTRATIONS |
| 9:15am | WELCOME |
| 9:30am | AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND IN FOCUS The university sector in Aotearoa New Zealand is in a state of flux with changes to research funding and the establishment of the Science System Advisory Group and the University Advisory Group to give advice to government. University of Massey Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes will give an overview of the current landscape delving into the realities of the current political and policy environment. This will be followed by a facilitated discussion about the complex issues facing Deans in Aotearoa New Zealand as well as the many opportunities. This session, chaired by outgoing President Professor Nick Bisley will involve direct engagement with participants. Professor Giselle Byrnes, Provost, Massey University Professor Cynthia White, New Zealand Officer, DASSH, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University Chair: Professor Heather Zwicker, Secretary, DASSH, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of Queensland |
| 10:30am | MORNING TEA |
| 11:00am | STATE OF THE STATES Deans in the United States are facing a myriad of complex issues as well as emerging opportunities. During this facilitated discussion and presentation our international guests from the International Council for Arts Deans in the US will discuss some of the burning issues facing university leaders there. Academic freedom and freedom of speech in the context of the war on Gaza, the politicisation of diversity, equity and inclusion policies and the opportunities emerging from new technologies are among them. Please take the chance to participate in this interactive session chaired by incoming President Professor Heather Zwicker as Dr Nancy Uscher and Dr Eileen Strempel seek feedback and input on the similarities and differences in the challenges and opportunities facing Australian university leaders. Dr Nancy Uscher, President, International Council for Arts Deans, Dean, College of Fine Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dr Eileen Strempel, Secretary, International Council for Arts Deans, Inaugural Dean, Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA Chair: Professor Nick Bisley, President, DASSH, Dean, Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University |
| 12pm | GLOBAL ROUND UP This is a half hour session devoted to open group discussion between participants and all four presenters from both Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States in response to our morning exploration of the challenges and opportunities explored in each country. Conference participants will be invited to share their insights, takeaways and ask questions. |
| 12:30pm | LUNCH |
| 1:30pm | HOW TO PUT 12 HOURS BACK INTO YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE? LET AI BE YOUR ACADEMIC BESTIE Look, we get it. You’re drowning in admin, your inbox is a horror show, and you haven’t had a proper chat with a colleague in weeks. Welcome to modern academia, right? Wrong. It’s time to meet your new artificial friend. Join us for an online session where we’ll show you how to use AI to claw back 12 precious hours every week. Yes, you read that right. Twelve. Whole. Hours. Here’s what we’ll cover: • A quick ‘AI for dummies’ intro (no judgement, we’ve all been there) • How to make AI your personal academic assistant (minus the attitude) • Real-life examples of how I use AI to save time on research, writing, and mind-numbing admin tasks • Hands-on demos so you can see the magic happen P.S. If you’re worried about the robots taking over, don’t be. We’re using them, not the other way around. Promise. Professor Mia Lindgren, Associate Dean Research Performance, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania Professor Samantha Bennett, Associate Dean Higher Degree Research, Australian National University Professor Inger Mewburn, Director of Researcher Development, Australian National University Professor Narelle Lemon, Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University |
| 2:30pm | THE FUTURE OF THE HONOURS PROGRAM DASSH Special Interest Group leaders will unpack the findings of an in depth research project investigating the current state and future of the Honours program in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Professor Alexandra Ludewig, Head of School, School of Humanities, The University of Western Australia Professor Kath Gelber, Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of Queensland Professor Kristin Natalier, Dean, Education, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University Professor Thea Blackler, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology |
| 3:30pm | AFTERNOON TEA |
| 4pm | ETHICS FOR MACHINE HISTORIANS Artificial historians do not need to have intentions to complete actions or to solve problems. Consequently, a revised approach to the ethics of history is needed. An approach to ethics for artificial historians can be proposed through the recognition the building blocks of what Kearns and Roth call ‘ethical algorithms’. Those building blocks are a hybrid historical logic made of statements, questions, and possibilities about the past. In this presentation I will present examples of this noisy logic in examples of histories made by humans and machines, and suggest some approaches to security and safety screening to pick up malicious histories. Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, University of South Australia |
| 5pm | CANAPES and WINE TASTING The Gallery, National Wine Centre |
| 6:00 – 10:30pm | DINNER The Vines Room and Terrace, National Wine Centre |
Day 3
Venue
Bradley Building
Level 8, Room 18
University of South Australia
Bradley Lawson, corner of North Terrace and Morphett St, Adelaide
Schedule
| 8:45am | REGISTRATIONS |
| 9:00am | HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENTS IN A SECTOR UNDER PRESSURE Including break A landmark study of Australian university staff mental health, working conditions and wellbeing over four years (2020 – 2023) reveals the parlous state of the sector. A data-driven visual report will be presented in its interactive form, allowing for detailed breakdowns, interrogation and discussion. Information about how our universities are faring in relation to providing healthy and satisfying workplaces will provide insights about what we as leaders can do by way of influence. New WHS regulations regarding psychosocial risks at work bring some urgency to this basic human rights issue. The session will also include a deeper look at how the situation in the sector is likely to trigger bullying behaviour, with an emphasis on understanding the systemic drivers of upwards bullying towards managers. Professor Maureen Dollard, Director, Psychosocial Safety Climate Global Observatory, University of South Australia Professor Kurt Lushington, Clinical Psychologist and Research Professor, University of South Australia Mr Daniel Neser, Research Assistant, University of South Australia Professor Michelle Tuckey, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology, University of South Australia |
| 11:30am | PRESIDENT’S CLOSING ADDRESS |
| 12:00 – 12:30pm | CONFERENCE ENDS Including lunch |
Highlights from last year
- David Ritter considered how DASSH and other leaders of our disciplines can achieve influence by drawing on the strategies, insights, and lessons of change-agents such as Greenpeace.
- Alec Coles OBE FRSA, Dr Kristiann Allen and Prof John Phillimore shared their experiences engaging with government and outlined some of the strategies that our disciplines can adopt in developing effective relationships with government.
- Dr Jacob Prehn and Jenny Fewster provided an overview of work being done in regards to Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including the establishment of the Governance of Indigenous Data Framework by the Australian Government.
- Amber Cox and Assoc Prof Sarah Midford explored some of the key challenges around being deputy and associate leaders in humanities, arts and social sciences disciplines.
- The Hon Dr Anne Aly challenged us to do a better job of highlighting the significant impact that humanities, arts and social sciences have across so many areas of Australian life.
- Prof Matt McGuire, Prof Rhonda Marriott AM and Tom Goerke discussed the role that universities play in driving the knowledge economy and also touched on the importance of interdisciplinarity.
- Prof Braden Hill, Assoc Prof Steve Kinnane and Mandy Downing shared their vision for a university sector that empowers First Nations communities and enriches the global academic landscape with diverse perspectives.
- Prof Dolores Guerrero shared her experience of the challenges facing humanities, arts and social sciences in the United States while Assoc Prof Sarah Midford outlined current findings on the experiences of early and mid-career academics in our disciplines.
- Prof James Arvanitakis provided an overview of the research being undertaken at the Forrest Research Foundation and spoke about the value that can be brought from HASS and STEM disciplines working together.
- Prof Christina Twomey, Prof Anika Gauja and Prof Alison Ross outlined how the humanities, arts and social sciences can position themselves for successful relationships with the Australian Research Council and its important grant programs.
- In addition to the wide array of speakers from around Australia and the world, we held the Network of Associate and Deputy Deans program as well as the Annual Deans’ Gathering and the DASSH Annual General Meeting.
Accommodation
Adelaide has a range of accommodation options close to the University of South Australia and National Wine Centre. We recommend any of the following:
- Adelaide Rockford, 164 Hindley St, Adelaide
- Mayfair Hotel, 45 King William Street, Adelaide
- Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide
- InterContinental Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide
- Quest on Franklin, 74 Franklin Street, Adelaide
- Oaks Adelaide Horizon Suites, 104 North Terrace, Adelaide
- Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites, 96 North Terrace, Adelaide