ATSE’s final report on its ‘Research Engagement for Australia’ project is a useful contribution towards a comprehensive impact and engagement measure for Australian research as envisaged by the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

“The ATSE report completes their work and remains consistent with the original proposal for a simple measure of engagement. Over 2015, IRU engaged with ATSE to test and strengthen its model including through the participation of three IRU members in the pilot phase of the project,” said Mr Conor King, Executive Director of the IRU.

“IRU stressed the need for judgement of the available evidence, including financial data, to form an assessment of the value of university research for its end users. Hence we welcome the inclusion of panel-based judgements to the REA approach and the provision to include additional information to the three indicators ATSE has developed.”

IRU looks forward to contributing to the design of the Australian Research Council (ARC)-led national assessment over 2016 and 2017.

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) supports the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, with its 24 useful measures to transform Australia’s approach to innovation including the design of the impact and engagement measure.

IRU will contribute to the development of the Agenda, looking to ensure that measures will contribute towards a seamless interface between industry and research.