Welcome

Charles Darwin University's Institute of Advanced Studies builds on current research niches to provide world class research capacity, including postgraduate research training.

Schools within the Institute are:

The research schools will play a key role in enhancing and growing research activity and training for the University as a whole.

Background

The relatively small size of Charles Darwin University has permitted only a few significant clusters of researchers, namely in environmental science, education, health, and history and politics, all in the faculties until 2004. The creation of the IAS aims to overcome some of this problem of scale.

Significant progress has been made in the School for Social Policy and Research, growing rapidly in its first year from a staff complement of three in 2004 to 33 in 2005. Significant external funding has been attracted, and substantial work is beginning in accelerated literacy through the National Accelerated Literacy Program, education economics demography and child welfare research. Menzies School of Health Research has a 20-year history, and has attracted, in partnership with other research providers, most NHMRC grants for study relating to aboriginal health. School for Environmental Research is beginning to develop, building on strengths of the ARC Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management, which was moved into the school in 2004. The Graduate School for Health Practice was formed as a result of the Partnership Agreement between the NT government and the University to promote education and applied research that improves the quality of health care. The first years have seen the appointment of seven staff, three of these joint appointments with the Department of Health and Community Services, led by a Professor of Health Services Development.

Collaboration between the schools of the IAS and the faculties is being encouraged by jointly applying for funds, joint appointments and joint supervision of students. Also, three new professors (Chairs of Desert Knowledge, Tropical Knowledge and Health Services) have role statements that require them to take a university-wide approach to their scholarships, mentoring and interactions. By bringing complementary skills together, capacity can be increased. Institute – faculty interactions have provided opportunities and a mechanism to improve the linkage between research and teaching.

More information

Please contact:

Professor Robert Wasson
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research
Phone: 08 8946 6868
Email: robert.wasson@cdu.edu.au

Note: When calling from overseas, dial 61 (drop the 0) 8 and then the required number. For example: 61 8 8946 6868.