Learning to lead research
UniSA’s
research base is about to get a major boost from a new program
designed to nurture emerging research leaders.
Through the Research Leadership Development Program (RLDP) launched this month, UniSA has identified 20 emerging research leaders across all four divisions of the University.
The program will offer opportunities for specialist mentoring from senior colleagues and include a series of seminars, workshops and presentations designed to hone leadership skills.
Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley said the RLDP will help smooth the transition from student to researcher and research leader.
"It will also play a vital role in building research capacity and in succession planning for senior researchers," she said.
Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the program was groundbreaking.
"We live in an increasingly complex research environment," Prof McMillen said.
"Researchers of the future are going to need high order leadership skills if they are to navigate those complexities and build successful research careers. Their challenges cross the research/management divide, so while they need to maintain enthusiasm and vision in their field of expertise, they must also manage issues such as funding support, human resource management, industry liaison, and even PR. They need to understand the social and political nature of research success and this program is a rare opportunity to explore those issues and build additional career and leadership strengths.
"As far as we can tell, this is the only program of its kind in Australia, and one in which we have built in some negotiated measurable outcomes for each of the participants."
Prof McMillen strongly encouraged aspirational researchers to consider the value this program may add to their careers.
"The RLDP will add value to their career trajectory and allow
them to explore their potential in ways that they may not
traditionally have considered," she said.
The Program has as its patrons three distinguished researchers with
close ties to UniSA - the Hon Dr Basil Hetzel AC and Emeritus
Professors Alison Mackinnon and Michael Miller.
Prof Miller, who was founding Director of UniSA’s Institute for Telecommunications Research, wants research leaders to show others just how exciting research can be.
"As a research leader I’ll be telling people how exciting it can be when they find a passion for research, but also letting them know that they must have a personal drive for the work. Once they decide that research is really for them, usually nothing can stop them," Prof Miller said.
Prof McMillen adds that "as a relatively young research
university, it’s very important that we maintain a focus on building
our research capacity and continue to engage with our research
partners in industry, government and the community. The RLDP will be
important in helping us
build towards the research quality framework exercises of the
future."