Welcome to the May 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 – Friday 26 September
Sydney
Announcing the DASSH conference will be held at The Mint in Sydney this year which is co-located with the head office of the Museum of History New South Wales. We will also host a sit-down dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art with views of Sydney Harbour.
The speaker line up will be announced soon and includes international and local experts.Global Contexts: Leading Education in the Age of Global Disruption. These beautiful venues will form the backdrop for an exciting program with the theme
We look forward to seeing you in September!
Essential Insights: Communication and Media Strategy
Wednesday 18 June
12pm – 1pm (AEST)
Online
This Essential Insights identifies strategic communication approaches for impact inside and outside of the university. Renae Desai, Dean of Media and Communication at Murdoch University, and a strategic communication expert 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.
Launch of DASSH Mentor Program
Exciting news! We have launched a brand-new pilot mentoring program. This is a great opportunity to establish relationships across disciplines and universities. Read the full details here and stay tuned if you’re interested in being a mentee – we will make an announcement when application open!
Applications to be a DASSH Mentor are now open to senior leaders including Pro Vice-Chancellors, Executive Deans and Deans. Senior Associate and Deputy Deans will also be considered.
Mentoring takes place from July to December 2025. Mentors and mentees commit to four one-hour sessions over this period.
APPLY HERE to mentor
Mentor applications close on Monday 26 May.
DASSH Strategic Plan released
The DASSH Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 was released this week. Have a read to find out more about our upcoming projects and understand our goals. We continue to work to develop leadership capacity and shape public policy.
See more
New Pathway to Success article
Beloved Australian owner-chef and restaurateur and Bachelor of Arts graduate Stephanie Alexander reflects on her curiosity for the world of ideas, history and food culture and how this fuelled a life-long passion for equal access to healthy food and education.
Stay updated for the final two articles in the series and catch up on published stories here. We look forward to bringing you an Aotearoa edition later this year.
Read more
Getting the word out
Post-Election Statement
President Heather Zwicker has welcomed the Labor government’s student debt agenda in a post-election statement. She said DASSH endorses the move to reduce student debt and that we are keen to work with the Australian Tertiary Education Commission and new government to reduce the cost of arts degrees.
See the statement
DASSH submission reported on in The Australian
Natasha Bita’s report for The Australian newspaper highlights submissions to the Australian Research Council’s policy review. Included are recommendations made by DASSH members. The article also highlights submissions from Universities Australia, the Regional Universities Network, the Australian Technology Network and the Group of Eight.
Read here (paywall)
Read the full DASSH submission here
Around the traps
Aotearoa Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council announced
The Chief Science Advisor and members of the newly established Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council have been announced with a mandate to advise the government on science and innovation funding priorities focusing on economic growth and improving quality of life in Aotearoa.
Noting that official biographies of members are yet to be released, there appears to be a lack of representation and experience in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities reflected in across the Council.
See government announcement
Read responses from the scientific community
Reports Job-ready Graduates scheme to be replaced
Higher education policy expert Andrew Norton unpacked reports the Job-Ready Graduates scheme may be dismantled in The Conversation last week. He points out that Labor has promised fast action to cut student debt but says arts students will have to wait for lower fees.
See more
Jason Clare retains position as Australian Education Minister
Jason Clare has retained the Education portfolio ensuring continuity in Australia’s education policies and initiatives. The Education Daily lists critical areas of focus including improving VET pathways, supporting integration of education technologies and strengthening international education.
See more
Assistant Minister for International Education announced
Tracy Harris in Koala News reports a new role in the Labor government has been created with Julian Hill named as the newly established Assistant Minister for International Education as well as for Customs and Multicultural Affairs. The appointment is reportedly led to more optimism for increased consultation and collaboration.
Read more
Arts and Humanities urged to build more businesses with industry
Juliette Rowsell argues in Times Higher Education that Arts and Humanities departments need to be better at forming industry relations. With analytical and critical thinking becoming more valuable in the age of AI, disciplines need to be able to clearly translate the benefits of a quality education in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, she says.
Read more
Academy of Social Sciences in Australia call for research reform
The Academy of Social Sciences in Australia calls for reform and integration of social science research in their submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD). This submission includes ten recommendations in support of a more coordinated and impactful Research and Development Strategy.
Read submission
Humanities critical for Research and Development
The Australian Academy of the Humanities outlines why Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities are critical to developing an innovative economy in their submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD). The submission includes case studies demonstrating the impact of the humanities on services and industry.
Read more
Fijian Delegation visit to Aotearoa
Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Vice-Chancellor of Fiji National University, Melania Baba, First Secretary at the Fiji’s High Commission to New Zealand and Fijian leaders from Fiji National University recently visited the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discussion included the importance of Humanities, indigenous knowledges and culture and potential collaborations within the Pacific.
See more
Student debts and cost-of-living
A briefing paper by Michael Dockery published by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre shares key analyses on the role of student debt and the Job-ready Graduates scheme in the cost-of-living crisis. It points to the need for substantive policy forms needed to address rising debt in addition to the changes to indexation of student debt.
See more
New data ranks Australians’ trust in government
The Australian Academy of the Humanities published an article examining decreasing public confidence in government, business and media. The article written by Professor Terry Flew FAHA from the University of Sydney focuses on implications for Australia.
See more
International education in Australia hits record high in 2024
Kevin You from the Institute of Public Affairs has published in a paper arguing the international student population in Australia increased 191% between 2006 and 2024. This accompanies an overall resident population growth of 33%. The paper presents a composition of the student visa population by country of origin.
Read the paper
Universities urge clarity on international education
John Ross writes in Times Higher Education that the record international education figures captured in 2024 came before decisions about visa changes and fees. University leaders warn changes to international education could have a substantial impact on the sector and urge the government to treat international students with more compassion.
Read more on international education figures
Read more about sector responses
Staff and student-centric vision for universities
Angela Calderon from Times Higher Education writes in an opinion piece that while higher education expenditure increased between 2022 and 2023, the funding to universities did not. She argues chieving quality teaching and higher educational attainment requires investment in staff and students as a university’s most important assets.
See more
Opportunities
Call for submissions: New Librarians Symposium XI
The Australian Library and Information Association is seeking submissions related to the theme of connection Symposium XI on 6 September 2025. The symposium is designed to support new librarians by fostering connections between people, ideas, technology and communities. Submissions are open for lightning talks, presentations and panels.
Call for proposals close on 30 May 2025.
See more
Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts now open
The Australian Council of the Deans and Directors of Creative Arts (DDCA) is taking nominations for its 2025 Awards. DDCA Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate contributions of creative arts and raise the profile of creative arts teaching, research and leadership in the tertiary education sector.
Submissions close on 31 May 2025.
See more
Australian-Indo-France-Pacific Studies Visiting Fellowship
The Australia-France-Indo-Pacific Studies (AFIPS) Visiting Fellowship supports early-career academic or professional researchers from Indo-Pacific Nations, France and French overseas territories. The Academy of Social Sciences in Australia facilitates fellowships for up to three months with one or more research organisations in Australia with support for research, networking and collaboration.
Applications are open until 30 June 2025.
Find out more
dassh Events
Aotearoa Budget 2025
Monday 26 May
1pm – 2.30pm (NZT)
All Aotearoa members are invited to an online member gathering where we will do a deep dive on the budget being handed down on 22 May. It is also an opportunity for members to share insights with each other and discuss strategies in response.
A calendar invitation has been distributed – please feel free to forward it to colleagues who may be interested or email if you’d like to attend.
2025 DASSH Conference
Wednesday 24 September – Friday 26 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.
Details on program and registration coming soon.
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
Events
Australian Research Data Commons National Skills Forum
Wednesday 21 May
1pm – 2pm (AEST)
Online
Join the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) for its upcoming monthly online forum on focused on finding the right tool for research. Specialist research trainers will share insights on how to leverage both cloud computing and high-performance computing to enhance research capabilities. Whether you are new to these technologies or looking to deepen your understanding, this forum will provide valuable perspectives and practical advice.
Register now
Evidence and Implementation Summit 2025
Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 October
Melbourne
The 2025 event is co-hosted by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation and the Implementation Science Health Conference Australia. It’s a biennial event bringing together research, policy and practice that brings together policymakers, researchers, implementation scientists, program evaluators, practitioners, academics, organisation leaders and funders.
Find out more
Humanities and Creative Practice Symposium
Thursday 13 – Friday 14 November
University of Technology Sydney
The 2025 Australian Academy of the Humanities Symposium foregrounds diversity and vital role of creative practice connecting with a wide range of the Humanities in Australian social, cultural, and economic life. Convened by Distinguished Professor Peter McNeil FAHA, the symposium features a full program of keynote lectures and discussion panels ranging from cancel culture to First Nations design.
Find out more
Aotearoa events
Research Bazaar Aotearoa 2025
Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July
Online
Research Bazaar offers free, online digital skills workshops designed to encourage the transfer of digital skills and methods at the heart of modern research. The program includes over 40 workshops covering a broad range of topics including design and programming. Workshops are open to the Aotearoa research community including students, support staff, researchers and research communicators.
See the program
The 21st International Conference on Urban Health
Monday 17 November – Friday 21 November
Wellington
The International Society for Urban Health invites thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and innovators to share insights and solutions that address the pressing challenges of urbanization, climate change, and health inequities. This year’s conference theme is ‘Healthy Cities, Resilient Futures: Weaving Climate Action, Equity and Wellbeing from Asia Pacific to the World’.
Register now
dassh Networks
Associate Deans (Research) Communities of PracticeThe 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.We will be joined by colleagues from the Australian Council of Business Deans, the Australian Council of Deans of Science and the Deans and Directors of Creative Arts at our upcoming event focusing on succession planning and approaches to interdisciplinary research.
Remember: ADRs are warmly invited to attend both the Aotearoa and Australian events!
Australia
Interdisciplinary Research and Research Culture
Thursday 12 June
12pm-1pm (AEST)
Online
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