This week new research on the future of the Honours program in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand released. Honours education remains highly valued by institutions across Australia and Aotearoa but student enrolments are declining.

This research which was presented at the DASSH 2024 conference has helped identify challenges and opportunities for the Honours program through an extensive survey of convenors and students in Australia and Aotearoa.

Our thanks to the Special Interest Group leaders who led this project:

• Professor Kath Gelber, University of Queensland
• Professor Alexandra Ludewig, University of Western Australia
• Professor Kristin Natalier, Flinders University
• Professor Thea Blacker, QUT

Thanks also to outgoing DASSH Policy and Communications Officer Rebekah Harms for her work on this project.

This research provides insight into the characteristics of the Honours degree which can provide a benchmark for future studies and discussions.