ACOLA Research Assessment Survey
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION AND INFORMED CONSENT STATEMENT
At the request of the Australian Government, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE is seeking to understand how research metrics influence the diversity of Australia’s research workforce, and shape research quality, outputs, and impact. The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) has been commissioned by Dr Foley to undertake the review of how research assessment affects research culture and the behaviours and choices of researchers across the research and innovation system
You are invited to participate in a confidential research survey conducted by ACOLA that will inform the Chief Scientist’s advice to government regarding current research assessment practices in Australia.
What is this survey about?
This survey is one component of the project developed through consultations with leading experts and stakeholders from across the research and innovation system, including Fellows of Australia’s Learned Academies and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
The purpose of this survey is to better understand the views that researchers have on current assessment practices, including:
- How research quality and impact is measured in practice;
- How current approaches affect researchers’ career prospects and workforce diversity;
- How current approaches affect research culture and decision making processes;
- How current approaches could be modified to provide better incentives for researchers to engage in high quality research, development and innovation
What will I be asked to do?
Participation in this survey will involve answering a series of survey questions that should take approximately 20 minutes of your time. These questions have been developed through extensive consultations with leading experts and refined through pilot testing to be clear, brief and easy to answer.
What are the risks and benefits associated with participating?
This survey poses no risks beyond those encountered in daily life while reading and operating a computer. There are no foreseeable psychological, social, or legal risks. You will not receive any individual benefits from this study. We hope that the responses received will contribute to the outputs of ACOLA’s report, including a greater understanding of the views that researchers have regarding current research assessment practices in Australia.
Can I withdraw from this survey?
Participation is completely voluntary. You are not under any obligation to participate. You are free to decline to participate, to end participation at any time for any reason, or to refuse to answer any individual question. You cannot withdraw after you submit your survey as responses are non-identifiable.
How will my confidentiality be protected?
We value your privacy. By participating in this survey, you agree for aggregated data and de-identified quotes to be published in research reports that will be used to inform decision makers in the Office of the Chief Scientist, as well as relevant stakeholders in the Australian government and research sector. If you choose to respond to open-ended questions, de-identified quotes may be published in research reports. De-identified data will be shared with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources as the home of the Office of the Chief Scientist which has commissioned this work, and made available through controlled data management systems to trusted researchers. Your confidentiality will be protected because individual survey responses are non-identifiable.
Who do I contact if I have questions, concerns, or complaints?
If you have any questions, concerns, or complains, please contact ACOLA directly via email: survey@acola.org.au. Any complaint or concern will be treated with confidence and fully investigated. You will be informed of the outcome.
I want to participate! How do I begin?
By ticking the “I agree to participate” box below, you acknowledg that you have read the above participant information and provide your consent to participate.