Victoria University (VU) is today launching its Research and Impact Plan 2023-2028, a strategic milestone towards becoming a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028.
Focusing on VU's research strengths, continuing the University's commitment to Protecting Country and celebrating the VU Real-World Researcher, the Plan also outlines how success will be measured through key performance indicators.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the Plan reflects the University's aspirations to create positive global change through research.
"Research has a crucial role in all our lives. We are elevating it to what it should be - real-world, responsive, solution-focused, and always underpinned by our commitment to Protecting Country and First Nations knowledge," Professor Shoemaker said.
"At VU, applied research identifies and solves the world's problems in areas as wide-ranging as climate change, childcare policy, ethics and integrity, and public health.
"I could not be prouder of our renewed direction, and where it all started. We have always been about local needs and globally lived issues. Our Plan will take our impact further than ever before."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact) Professor Andrew Hill said the Plan embraces what makes the University's researchers unique through the concept of the 'VU Real-World Researcher', capturing the attributes vital to the research with impact approach.
"Our researchers are authentically connected, creative, adaptable, passionate and ethical. Researchers with these qualities are critical in bringing the Plan to life," Professor Hill said.
"We have a sharp focus on addressing the most significant problems of our time, and our research actively aligns with the United National Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, we will leverage and develop partnerships to deliver our impact agenda.
"Just as we have successfully set out to be different in our approach to education with the First Year College and the revolutionary VU Block Model - we are now forging our own path in research with impact."
Achievements will be measured through three key enablers - people, performance and partnership - which outline key action items and performance indicators.
These include clear targets of commencing and completions of higher degree researchers (HDR), publications and citations, improving VU's Times Higher Education Rankings and Excellence in Research for Australia, percentage of HDRs with an internship/scholarship and an increase in competitive grant and partnership funding.
