VU unveils bold plans for transformation

A recently announced bold transformation would see VU's research consolidated into a new high-impact Research School, as well as exciting new programs for students.

Wednesday 17 May 2017

VU is considering a plan to consolidate its research into a new high-impact Research School, as well as introduce exciting new programs for students through the VU Academy.

The Victoria University Research School will oversee the university's research and research training activities, including its institutes and centres, and provide a home for VU's higher degree by research students.

Already recognised internationally for conducting research well above world standard, VU Vice-Chancellor Peter Dawkins said the new Research School would provide opportunities for the University to build its research strengths, better align itself with flagship research areas, and grow its research capacity.

Research School aims & features

Supporting VU's position as the University of Opportunity and Success, the new Research School would ensure that VU's research is uniformly excellent and has substantial impact on policy and industry, while also driving synergy between high-quality research and high-quality teaching.

The Research School will focus on inter-disciplinary research themes that:

enable healthy and active populations
promote high performance in sport
enhance the evidence base for public policy
create effective teaching and learning for diverse populations
build resilient, creative and inclusive communities
support industry growth and responses to change.

Key features include:

opportunities to undertake research 'Grand Challenges' that are relevant to industry, community and/or government, and ensure maximum impact
a University-wide Research Engagement Advisory Board
research leadership that supports hubs of research excellence and flagship research focus areas
career pathways for emerging research leaders.

As part of this bold transformation, VU plans to establish the Victoria University Academy for Social Change & Leadership, designed to nurture high-achieving and high-potential students with a desire to grow and make a difference.

All students at any level would be eligible to participate, with automatic entry for students with a record of high achievement. Participants will develop leadership attributes and skills through hands-on experiential learning and professional development programs.

The Academy's focus on leadership and social entrepreneurship complements VU's recently announced First Year Model, another key part of VU's transformation. Beginning in 2018, this program is an Australian-first, aimed at ensuring an outstanding experience and success for VU's first-year students.