Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

In this issue:

1. DEST contract signed for major study
2. Commercialisation study nearly completed
3. Special general meeting
4. Book launch
5. Meeting for directors of university-based centres
6. CHASS policy statement
7. A day for the hired hands
8. Date of CHASS AGM 2005
9. CHASS Board meets new secretary of DEST
10. CHASS asks for changes to research priorities
11. A tart note from a member of the CHASS Board
12. And seasons greetings to all!

1. DEST contract signed for major study

CHASS has signed a contract with DEST to complete a study of major importance to the HASS sector. The aim is to develop a set of measures suitable for assessing the quality and impact of publicly funded HASS research.

The study will examine the research outputs of the HSS sector (which can vary considerably from the social sciences to humanities to the visual and performing arts). How do we identify "quality" in this research?

This is the second of the projects flagged by Minister Brendan Nelson when he addressed a CHASS meeting at Parliament House in June this year.

2. Commercialisation study nearly completed

The first DEST project, a study of the commercial activities of people working in HASS, will be completed by the end of January.

The study has brought to light many examples of the real contribution HASS researchers make to the Australian economy, either by helping create new industries and new jobs, or by saving money through advising on better social policy.

Our thanks to the 160 people who contributed to the study by attending one of the 12 focus groups held throughout Australia or by completing the on-line questionnaire.

3. Special general meeting

Dr Mandy Thomas and Professor Elim Papadakis spoke about their roles as ARC Executive Directors earlier this month. This CHASS meeting at the ANU stimulated enough interest to suggest that similar meetings could be held in other cities.

Our thanks to Bruce Chapman of the Academy of Social Sciences for chairing.

The same meeting approved the addition of two clauses to our constitution, and CHASS is consequently entitled to claim concessional tax status.

4. Book launch

Also at the same meeting, Greg Hunt MP launched "Innovation in Australian Arts, Media and Design". The book is edited by Rod Wissler et al; and is a series of essays on the role of creativity in innovation.

The book can be ordered through: http://www.postpressed.com.au/

5. Meeting for directors of university-based centres

CHASS is organising a meeting for directors from university-based centres. The aim is to bring together a body of most innovative, network-minded and connected directors, to allow them to discuss common interests and to examine the possibilities for expansion under a nationally-funded program.

The meeting will now take place in March. The meeting will be by invitation, and we are writing to DASSH Deans and the PVCs/DVCs to nominate interested directors.

6. CHASS policy statement

All Member organisations will be invited to comment on a draft policy for CHASS early in the New Year.

A draft prepared by Board Members Julie Wells, Andrea Hull and Stuart Hamilton has been refined after discussions at our December Board meeting.

7. A day for the hired hands

CHASS is planning a meeting for the executive officers in HASS organisations, an opportunity for them to meet, network and exchange ideas and solutions. Probably first half 2005 - more details soon.

8. Date of CHASS AGM 2005

The CHASS AGM will be held in conjunction with an event in Canberra in mid-year, with the most likely date being Tuesday June 14.

The Board is considering the nature of the event and how CHASS can build on the success of the inaugural occasion. We will make an announcement in January.

9. CHASS Board meets new secretary of DEST

Ms Lisa Paul, the newly-appointed Secretary to the Department of Education, Science and Training, met the CHASS Board over dinner earlier this month. The discussions were informal, and focussed on the priorities of the Department over the next three years, and how CHASS could contribute.

Jessie Borthwick, a senior officer from DEST, and Deryck Schreuder (Chair, AUQA Board) also attended.

Biographical information about Ms Paul is available at: http://www.dest.gov.au/directory/secretary.htm

10. CHASS asks for changes to research priorities

We have written to Minister Brendan Nelson to request that a fifth national research priority be added to the existing four, to spell out a specific role for the humanities, arts and social sciences.

(But we'd also urge HASS researchers to think creatively and work to exploit the clear avenues of opportunity offered by the existing priorities.)

11. A tart note from a member of the CHASS Board

(Irritated by the Andrew Bolt's seasonal hit at ARC Grants in the Melbourne Herald-Sun newspaper.) "Memo to humanities researchers: read Don Watson before submitting ARC grant proposals. Seriously, rather than just rail against Bolt etc, we could reflect on the arcane, pretentious, indeed pajero-like language we fail to communicate with in the sector, which lays us open to not entirely unmerited ridicule."

12. And seasons greetings to all!

This year has been momentous for all in the HASS sector, and the pace will quicken in 2005. Thanks to all our Members and supporters, and have a good holiday break.

 

Regards

Malcolm Gillies
15 December 2004

 

For more information, please contact:

Toss Gascoigne

Executive Director

Council of the Humanties, Arts and Social Sciences

Phone: +61 2 6249 1995

director@chass.org.au