News

Call for community-initiated research projects

ACU calls for research project proposals that could make a positive social impact to people facing disadvantage or marginalisation.

Community organisations from across Australia are being invited to submit proposals for research projects that could make a positive social impact to people facing disadvantage or marginalisation.

Australian Catholic University's (ACU) Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU) is now accepting research proposals from Australian organisations or community sectors to address systemic or universal issues, or simply improve the effectiveness of their programs or services.

Successful organisations will work collaboratively with ACU academics to produce resources or initiate studies that have practical implications for members of their communities.

SESU Advisory Group chair Br David Hall fms said over the last three years, the SESU has supported 19 community-initiated research projects, with more projects to be announced later this year.

"Since launching in 2020, the SESU has established a reputation among Australian community organisations as a leader in co-designing opportunities for collaborative and thoughtful research with real-world impact," Br Hall said.

"Both faith-based and secular community organisations have sought to collaborate with ACU experts to enhance their long-term efficacy in the community, ensuring those facing disadvantage or marginalisation are given a fair go.

"From understanding the effects of the pandemic on our social services sector, to empowering employment services supporting migrants and refugees in Western Sydney, the SESU has demonstrated the capacity for university research to engage with the unseen voices in our communities."

All Australian organisations that dedicate a majority of their work to the social good, whether faith-based or secular, can apply to co-design a research project with ACU experts.

Applications for Expression of Interest will open from Monday 5 February and close on Tuesday 12 March 6pm AEDT. Successful organisations will be notified by April with research planning to commence mid-year.

Interested community organisations are encouraged to attend an online EOI information session, hosted by the SESU, on Tuesday 20 February, 10am-11.30am AEDT.

For more information about the SESU Expression of Interest, visit the SESU website or contact the SESU Manager, Vivien Cinque, on sesu@acu.edu.au.