Research Development SIG Meeting - 26 February 2026

The Case for a “National” Researcher Development Framework

There’s growing recognition that while the Vitae Researcher Development Framework remains a rich and valuable resource, it doesn’t fully reflect research landscapes outside of the UK. A 2025 baseline study comparing researcher development in UK and Australian universities revealed a strong appetite for a national, Australia-focused framework, and potentially new models for other countries as well.

This SIG event, hosted by the Researcher Development stream and led by Dr Mark Hochman, kicks off a broader conversation about what alternative development frameworks could look like. What might an Australian researcher development framework encompass? How could other countries adapt or create their own versions? And most importantly - who would it benefit and how might it be implemented?

We invite all SIG members to join the meeting and share your insights to shape the next phase. In particular, we will be asking you to consider:

• Is there an appetite in your country or region to develop a national researcher development framework?
• If so, who would be the key partners, stakeholders and collaborators?
• What existing frameworks, models and resources could we build on or incorporate?
• What is unique or different about researcher development in your context or region?
• How do we ensure diverse voices are heard, and involve institutions of all types and sizes?

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026

Time: (Check your time zone here)

• 02:00PM - 3:30PM NZDT
• 12:00PM - 01:30PM AEDT
• 11:00AM - 12:30PM AEST
• 09:00AM - 10:30AM AWST/SGT

Type of Event: Online Zoom Meeting

Zoom link and Meeting ID: To be provided in event confirmation email.

Presenter(s)

Dr Mark Hochman - Research Management Resources

Mark Hochman has been in research management for 36 years including a period of 21 years as Director of Research and Innovation Services at UniSA (1989-2010). Since 2011 he has worked as a consultant in research management having conducted reviews/worked with more than 20 Australian universities. He designed and implemented the ARMS accreditation program and was the inaugural recipient of the ARMS Janet Dibb-Leigh Award in 2014. He has also worked extensively with the US based Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) designing their LevelUP micro-credentialing program and chairing the task force that developed their professional development framework (2024). Mark has also worked over a ten year period with a UK based consulting group conducting joint UK/Australia benchmarking studies including a 2025 study into researcher development frameworks

Facilitator(s)

Dr Anna Wallace - UNSW Sydney

Dr Anna Wallace is Researcher Training Coordinator in the Division of Research and Enterprise at UNSW Sydney. She has a PhD in English from the University of Sydney and over ten years’ experience in higher education with expertise in learning design and research training. At UNSW she leads the design and management of training and development programs for researchers, with a current focus on supervisor development.

Jo Dixon - The University of Newcastle

Jo Dixon is the Manager of Researcher Development and Training (Research Advantage) in the Division of Research and Innovation at the University of Newcastle. She has ten years’ experience in higher education with expertise in researcher capability development. She leads a high-performing team currently focused on strengthening research leadership and culture.

Need Help?

• How to join a Zoom meeting
• Zoom participant controls
• For technical support, please contact your organisation’s IT team. We recommend testing your Zoom access prior to the session.

Questions?

Contact the ARMS Executive Office at:
ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au
+61 8 8201 5592

Please note: This session may be recorded and shared with SIG members.