What we do
Social partnerships in learning research seeks to understand the ways individuals, groups and organisations work together to achieve positive outcomes, Developing innovative and successful approaches to working, learning and living in remote, regional and urban contexts with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people necessitates effective partnerships. Partnerships are complex, they invovle the recognition of diverse knowledge systems and their interactions as they relate to the worlds of work, community engagement and learning. SPiL’s research aims to analyse the challenges of working in communities of practice across multi-scale, multi-dimensional and diverse cultural knowledge environments. Issues of diversity of scale, dimension, technology and culture underpin the research node’s activities, they are recognised as the disconnects that can occur at all levels - between federal and state policy makers, regional bodies, industry partners, scientists and traditional owners. By understanding the ways groups and individuals work together, the frameworks that inform their practice, we can build the capcity of communities to address their issues of importance and negotiate complex issues.
SPiL has three interdisciplinary thematic areas: VET, Health and Wellbeing and Natural Resource Management. The research within each theme relates to key government, research, university and community relationships and national priorities for development. The research themes and strategies are designed to develop explore engaged partnerships, develop a focused research profile, build the capacity to undertake high quality research and ensure effective dissemination of the research outcomes.