VU Research part of VU transformation

Victoria University is moving ahead with a bold plan to unify and strengthen its research and research training as part of a broader vital transformation of the University.

This week, VU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Hawkins released a formal change plan of the new whole-of-University department, to be known as VU Research.

Building on research strengths

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Research Training, Professor Warren Payne said VU Research aims to build VU’s research focus, performance and reputation by enhancing the quality, impact, and sustainability of VU’s research and research training.

“We are proposing a long-term organisational and cultural change that will build on our many existing strengths while positioning our research focus areas to be at or above world standard in the coming years,” he said.

Under the proposal, VU Research will consolidate research and research training that is now spread across six VU higher education colleges and 12 research centres and institutes into two Flagship Research Areas: Sport, Health and Active Living; and Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities.

Professor Payne said the new structure will enable researchers and their research students to conduct high-impact research for industry, government, and the community within a strong intellectual climate and research community.

VU’s current higher degree by research students will be welcomed into VU Research without change to their supervisors or scholarships. In the future, VU will accept new research students only in priority research areas. 

VU's transformation program

VU Research is part of VU’s ground-breaking transformation program, which includes the following initiatives:

• the First Year Model an Australian-first program to improve the success of commencing students
• VU Academy: a leadership program for VU students to lead and achieve while making contributions to society and the environment.

The implementation of VU Research will have workforce implications that will be the subject of staff consultations in the coming weeks.