Welcome to the June edition of the Noticeboard, a monthly update with news and opportunities from around the sector. If you have anything you’d like to share with members please contact our Research and Engagement Officer Ellen Kirkpatrick.
News from dassh
DASSH Conference
Wednesday 24 September
The Mint & Dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
Keynote Speakers and panel discussions
Thursday 25 September
The University of Notre Dame, City Campus
Full-day leadership development program
For a sneak peak at our speaker lineup check out the website. We will announce more speakers and facilitators soon.
DASSH Mentee applications open
📢 Apply now! If you’re interested in expanding your senior leadership experience or advancing your career, get involved. As a Mentee you’ll gain expert insight and guidance from senior and experienced leaders across the higher education sector.
Applications are open to staff members affiliated with the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at member institutions. This includes Heads of School, Discipline Leads, Associate and Deputy Deans and Assistant Deans.
Applications close on Sunday 15 June.
Essential Insights:
Communications and Media Strategy
Wednesday 18 June
12pm – 1pm (AEST)
Online
You can still register for our upcoming webinar coaching strategic communication approaches for impact inside and outside universities. This webinar will identify effective strategies to:
- Take control of how our disciplines are understood
- Persuade policy setters and influencers
- Devise effective digital strategies for future student recruitment
Getting the word out
Futureproofing the next generation of Arts workers
DASSH research has underpinned emerging analysis from LabNorth at Arts Hub Australia that shows it’s increasingly difficult to recruit young, qualified Arts professionals within regional communities. DASSH Impact and Outcome reports published in 2024 showcase how Arts graduates contribute to multi-million-dollar industries and go into a variety of diverse career paths which play important roles in the health and sustainability of Australia.
Read now
See DASSH research
Around the traps
Aotearoa Budget announced
John Ross in Times Higher Education writes that the 22 May Aotearoa budget is “tight” with students facing more expensive degrees, reduction in university teaching subsidies and further cuts to research and innovation funding programmes including the Marsden Fund.
See more
Underfunding science undermines Aotearoa’s growth
Former President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists Nicola Gaston writes in an opinion piece that government policy has undermined research capacity. She mentions the removal for Social Science and Humanities funding in the Marsden Fund despite as one instance of limiting opportunities and support for researchers.
Read now
New Shadow Education Ministry announced
Michelle Grattan has reported at The Conversation that Senator Jonathon Duniam has replaced Sarah Henderson as the Shadow Minister for Education. The article lists new Shadow Ministry appointments across the Coalition.
Read more
Government, Culture and Creativity: it’s about more than just funding
New research released by national arts and culture think tank A New Approach (ANA) showcases actions governments can take beyond funding to support cultural access and strengthen creative industries. These ‘pro-culture’ enablers make it easier for creators to work, creative businesses to operate, and consumers to access experiences and products.
See the report
Universities dump growth plans as de facto Australian caps remain
John Ross writes in Times Higher Education that universities have called on the government to replace Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111). Education Minister Jason Clare said the visa processing regime that requires immigration officials to delay processing of visas for students enrolled with institutions that have reached 80 per cent of the quotas is not likely to change.
Read more
New Chair and Board at Universities Australia
Griffith University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans was confirmed as the new Chair of Universities Australia. Universities Australia also welcomes three new Board members Professors Rufus Black, Harlene Hayne CNZM and Andrew Parfitt.
Read more
Securing Australia’s Sovereign Research Capability
Professor Richard Holden FES FASSA and Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FTSE warned of risks in cross-subsidising research and reliance on international student fees in their recent address to the National Press Club. Speaking on the topic of ‘Securing Australia’s Sovereign Research Capability’, they encourage continuity of funding arrangements.
Watch the full address now
Plans for Horizon Europe successor lack clarity
Emily Dixon writes in Times Higher Education that the research funding program replacing Horizon Europe Fund has been confirmed to be a self-standing fund. Universities and umbrella bodies have urged the European Commission to offer more clarity with questions about the nature of its budget still unanswered.
See more
Arts and the cost-of-living
Izabella Nantsou writes in The Conversation about how today’s cost-of-living crisis could inspire a new wave of cultural investment that supports employment, participation and embeds creativity in everyday life.
Opportunities
Social Sciences Week Spark Grants
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia is offering grants of up to $1,000 to support events during Social Sciences Week from 8-14 September 2025. The grants are open to all social science-focused associations and societies, universities, local government bodies, arts and environment organisations and individuals. Events can be in-person or online and must be aligned with the goal of promoting social science research and expertise to new audiences.
Short online applications close 30 June.
Find out more
Academy of Social Sciences Paul Bourke Awards
The Paul Bourke Awards for Early Career Research honour Australians in the early part of their career who have achieved excellence in scholarship in one or more fields of the social sciences. This year’s awardees have made significant contributions in areas ranging from anthropology and computational statistics to mental health and cross-cultural communication.
Nominations close Thursday 31 July.
Find out more
Equity Frontiers Program: Quasi-Experimental Design Projects
The Equity Frontiers Program funds trials to test the effectiveness of initiatives and programs designed to improve higher education access and success for students who are historically under-represented in Australian higher education. Australian Centre for Student Access and Equity are calling for projects using quasi-experimental designs (QED) approaches. Maximum funding available per project is $150,000.
Submissions are being received until Thursday 31 July.
See more
Academy of Social Sciences in Australia Workshops Program Grants
The Academy Workshops Program offers Australian social scientists financial assistance to host multidisciplinary workshops to advance research and/or policy agendas on important national issues. Up to eight workshops are supported each year to build capacity amongst early and mid-career researchers, foster networks across disciplines and be a catalyst for innovative social science ideas.
Applications close Monday 4 August.
Rechnitz Memorial Award for Indigenous society, culture and language
Nominations are open for the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia’s inaugural Rechnitz Memorial Award, recognising excellence in research leadership and advancement of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society, culture and language. The Award is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, and nominations require support from two Fellows of Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and/or the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
Nominations close Friday 15 August.
Find out more
dassh Events
2025 DASSH Conference
Wednesday 24 September – Thursday 25 September
Sydney
Make sure you have the dates marked in your calendar for the DASSH 2025 conference. Global Contexts: Leading education in an age of global disruption brings together leaders in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences to explore the challenges and opportunities of teaching and research in an era of rapid global change.
We’ve revealed our first look into the speakers and program. Make sure to check it out!
Wednesday 24 September
The Mint & Dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
Keynote Speakers and panel discussions
Thursday 25 September
The University of Notre Dame, City Campus
Full-day leadership development program
Recently announced speakers include Simon Adams, Andrew Norton, Renae Desai and Phil Honeywood.
Essential Insights Series
Communication and Media Strategy
Wednesday 18 June
12pm-1pm (AEST)
Online
Social Cohesion
Wednesday 20 August
12pm – 1pm (AEST)
Online
2025 Policy Wrap-Up
Wednesday 19 November
12pm-1pm (AEDT)
Online
You can now watch recordings of past Essential Insights webinars on the event pages
Events
2025 DDCA National Online Forum: New Designs on Research Evaluation
Friday 13 June
12.30pm – 2pm (AEST)
Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts
The Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts (DDCA) invites you to this 2025 National Online Forum to collaboratively design a new National Evaluation Framework for creative practice research. The Forum continues conversation on what a fit-for-purpose research framework might look like through a series of short presentations.
Find out more
Education to industry: how gen AI is shaping tomorrow
Thursday 12 June
2pm (AEST)
Tertiary Education Quality Standard Agency
Online
TEQSA, the National AI Centre and Job and Skills Australia discuss the impact of gen AI on education, regulation and industry. This webinar explores the transformations required to support graduates in meeting the needs of tomorrow.
Register now
Bungee jumping on election night
Friday 13 June
5.30pm – 6.30pm (AEST)
Australian National University and Academy of Social Sciences Australia
Canberra
Join Antony Green the ABC’s Chief Election Analyst for a conversation that promises a catalogue of the highs, lows, the laughs and thrills of live election night broadcasting. The evening is co-organised by the Australian National University School of Politics and International Relations and the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.
Register now
Equity Frontiers Program: information session
Wednesday 25 June
9am – 10am (AWST)
Australian Centre for Student Success and Equity
Online
Join an information session to learn more about the Quasi-Experimental Design Program, eligibility, levels of funding available, application deadlines, how to apply, and more. There will be time for specific questions about the application process.
Register now
Good writing and publishing habits: strategies for being productive
Thursday 26 June
1pm – 2pm (AEST)
Women in Research
Online
This webinar offers support, fresh insights and practical advice to help build stronger writing and publishing practices. It will explore common writing challenges and how to overcome them including procrastination, perfectionism and fear of feedback.
Sign up now
Engaging internationally for national benefit
Friday 27 June
2pm – 3pm (AEST)
Australian Research Data Commons
Online
This webinar provides an overview of the Australia Research Data Commons International Strategy including the key strategic drivers and how these are being realised as actions through to 2028.
Get tickets
dassh Networks
Associate Deans (Research) Communities of Practice
The Community of Practice is comprised of Associate Deans (Research) across member institutions. The group meets regularly to discuss spotlighted topics, share resources and guidance for addressing common challenges.
Remember: ADRs are warmly invited to attend both the Aotearoa and Australian events!
Australia
Recognising Non-Traditional Research
Wednesday 6 August
12pm-1pm (AEST)
Online
Implications of De-Casualisation
Tuesday 11 November
12pm-1pm (AEDT)
Online
Aotearoa
Restructures and Unstable Leadership
Tuesday 1 July
12pm-1pm (NZT)
Online
Cross-disciplinary and Inter-University Collaborations
Tuesday 9 September
12pm-1pm (NZT)
Online
Balancing Research Expectations
Tuesday 4 November
12pm-1pm (NZT)
Online