Research Leaders Initiative
Workshops and Mentoring
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
Presented by Prof Denise Meredyth and OO Senior Associates
This program is designed to develop the leadership skills and strategic planning capacity of a group of research leaders. It involves a mix of cohort work identifying challenges and opportunities n the current research environment and 1:1 support for each participant. Outcoes: Development by each leader of a clear vision for a world-leading research group. Presentation to senior executive of a bold vision and plan for a research enterprise. Each participant will be able to explain how their centre/Institute will meet ambitious goals for research excellence, engagement and impact. Implementation planning over 2021, enabling each leader to set direction while distributing responsibility and monitoring progress against goals.
Workshop 1.
Outside Opinion facilitator will meet with participants and discuss the rationale for the initiative, the process and the work ahead, setting some preparatory planning work to be completed. Participants will be asked to prepare comments on: their challenge and goals, outstanding examples of comparable research groups or centres, ideas for what their centre could do to rival, emulate or partner with these centres, what is needed for this to happen.
Workshop 2. Research Vision
A strategic planning session on research leadership to discuss what is involved in developing a research vision. Participants speak to the material they have presented and respond to supportive challenge questions from the facilitator and the group.
Workshop 3.
Participants will meet with the OO facilitator to practice their pitch of their five year plan and vision, with feedback from peers and facilitator.
Panel presentations
Participants will present to an Executive panel (e.g. DVCRI or Executive Deans) and will be given feedback.
Workshop 4.
To conclude the program, the OO facilitator will meet with the participants and discuss any changes to strategic goals, new initiatives and how their implementation plans are tracking. Participants will share summaries and plans to the group ahead of the meeting and plan ways to continue their development as a cohort of research leaders.
Mentoring
Each participant will receive three structured 1:1 mentoring and planning sessions from Outside Opinion senior associates, either face to face or by Zoom. Mentors will set work to be done for each session, guiding the participant to clarify challenges, identify obstacles, find solutions and pitch their developing plan.
Prof Denise Meredyth
Prof Denise Meredyth
Professor Denise Meredyth is Director of Outside Opinion and an experienced research leader with an outstanding research track record in education, history, cultural studies and public policy. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at RMIT School of Media and Communications.
Denise has extensive knowledge of the Australian higher education research and funding landscape and a deep commitment to supporting the achievement of research excellence and impact.