PD Sessions @ Zoom: Webinar on Improving the Quality and Clarity of National Interest Test (NIT) Statements
Time in AEST
The National Interest Test (NIT) statement is a requirement in applications for all Australian Research Council (ARC) programs. It is a standalone statement (separate to the other three assessment groups of eligibility, countering foreign interference (due diligence) and peer review) assessed by the ARC Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of the NIT is to demonstrate in plain English the societal benefits (economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural) of the proposed research beyond the academic community. The aim is to demonstrate the value that the research sector brings to the broader community and, in addition to being an assessment criteria, the NIT provides a great opportunity to highlight this value. The audience of the NIT is a member of the general public. A very different audience than the Application Project Summary, whose audience is the applicant’s peers.
The ARC is eager to consult on how we can improve our advice to applicants and assist them to improve the quality and clarity of NIT statements, as well as the assessment process. Input from industry and other end-user experts in the process of the NIT assessment is also beneficial, given their knowledge and experience regarding the path to translation success. Also, of consideration is how the ARC might increase awareness of the NIT statements by industry and other potential end-users, and facilitate greater access and engagement between universities and industry to increase translation.
The goals of the webinar are to:
- build a greater understanding for the sector of the purpose and the current process for the NIT
- progress discussions on how the NIT could be improved, including what, who and how to assess and what would assist researchers in developing strong, succinct and easily understood NIT statements, and
- actions that could be taken to progress further discussions with the sector more broadly on the NIT.
SESSION PRESENTER:
Mr Stuart Henry
Branch Manager (Programs) ARC
Stuart is a senior executive with extensive public service experience across a range of agencies, including leadership roles in the Departments of Defence and Finance including and whole-of-government efficiency work, policy development, service delivery reform and stakeholder engagement.
Joining the ARC in 2021, he is responsible for the administration of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) for the ARC. Through his role, Mr Henry works closely with the ARC’s Executive Group, to oversee the operations of both the Linkage and Discovery Programs of the NCGP, lead engagement with the academic sector and other government agencies.
CPD: Accredited members (ARMAs and ARMFs) will automatically accrue 1 CPD hour per session.
Zoom webinar link: To be provided in event confirmation.
Webinar ID: To be provided in event confirmation.
Help/FAQs: Click here for Zoom webinar instructions. If you need assistance with accessing Zoom at your office, please contact your organisation’s IT Support. We strongly recommend you test your ability to connect to Zoom prior to the session.
If you have any questions, please contact the ARMS Executive Office ARMSAdmin@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 3701.
Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this workshop, you must contact the arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au by no later than 10 working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.
Should you cancel less than 10 working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.
ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.
