Launch of IHEA Research and Scholarship Network (IRSN)

IHEA is delighted to announce that its Research and Scholarship Network (IRSN) has officially been launched, with its first meeting held on Tuesday 10 August 2021.

The IRSN is a new IHEA Member Network, formed to consider the breadth of research and scholarship related issues for the independent higher education sector.

IHEA members are recognised in the Australian higher education sector as high-quality institutions with strong commitment to scholarship. The research profile and capability of independent higher education providers is also acknowledged in the sector, particularly for independent Universities and University Colleges.

The IRSN aims to build the research capability and scholarship of the independent sector through a collegiate approach that stimulates the advancement of excellence, development of best practice, identification of challenges, and guidance of the work of IHEA to advance recognition and growth of our members individual and collective capabilities.

“The new IHEA Research and Scholarship Network is an exciting opportunity to support research excellence and it will be a forum to share the expertise of the independent higher education sector,” said IHEA CEO, Simon Finn.

“Many IHEA members aspire to expand their capability to offer high-level research programs and, for some, attain University status. The IRSN is an opportunity to build on the respect and recognition of independent higher education by increasing the awareness of the research capability and scholarship of the sector.”

“Helping our members to achieve this research and scholarship capability supports IHEA’s goal of advancing the success of independent higher education in Australia.”

The IRSN has been established following a discussion by the IHEA Board initiated by Professor Alwyn Louw, Vice-Chancellor, Torrens University, a valued IHEA member. Professor Louw and the team at Torrens deliver high quality research and scholarship outcomes and are committed to advancing the innovation, capability, and success of independent higher education in Australia.

All IHEA members institutions are invited to participate. Like all IHEA Member Networks, the focus, and activities of the IRSN will be driven by IHEA Members.

For More Information: Contact Dr Sally Burt, IHEA Policy and Research Manager.

Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (Acting) via matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au