Adventures with nontraditional. outputs at the University of Sydney

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1 Adventures with nontraditional research outputs at the University of Sydney Presented by Leanne Mumford & Julia Rochford DVC Research Portfolio Research Reporting, Analysis, Data and Systems - Data Acquisition NTRO Team The University of Sydney Page 1

2 What are non-traditional research outputs (NTROs)? ARC framework Australia Research Council s (ARC) Definition of research for the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA): The creation of new knowledge and/or existing knowledge in a new and creative way, so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, and understandings in the relevant discipline area(s). This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative. Artwork credit: Cover image for Atelier Paris: The Power Studio catalogue: A.D.S. Donaldson, Untitled (for J.W. Power), The University of Sydney Page 2

3 NTRO categories CW - 5. Research Reports for an External body 18% CW - 4. Curated/produced exhibition/event 9% CW - 1. Original Creative Work 47% CW - 3. Recorded / Rendered 9% CW - 2. Live Performance 17% University of Sydney 2015 NTRO publications annual collection The University of Sydney Page 3

4 What kinds of research produce NTROs? the creation of new works the performance of new repertoire interactivity & activating audiences new interpretations of ideas through curatorial efforts experimenting with new techniques, materials or modes of working site specific investigations interdisciplinary collaborations & connections between unrelated practices new applications of original research traditional scholarship in humanities and STEM disciplines Image credit: Sydney College of the Arts, 2015 The University of Sydney Page 4

5 Practice-based research Research is the curiosity-driven production of new knowledge. Helga Nowotny, The Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts, (2010) Practice-based Research is a form of research that aims to advance knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice. Linda Candy, Practice Based Research: A Guide, (2006) Artistic Research seeks to convey and communicate content that is enclosed in aesthetic experiences, enacted in creative practices and embodied in artistic products Hank Borgdorf, The Production of Knowledge in Artistic Research, (2011) The University of Sydney Page 5

6 Practice-based research example I think of and engage with the process of making/production/construction as ongoing. The event of installation and exhibition is as much a part of the process of production as preparing the work beforehand. Dr Bianca Hester Five Points of View, interview with Charlotte Day and Bianca Hester, (2010) Artwork credit: (Installation) Bianca Hester, Movements Materialising Momentarily, St Paul s St Gallery, Auckland, 30 July 11 September wordpress.com/ The University of Sydney Page 6

7 What makes reporting NTROs so challenging? variable and unconventional nature of NTROs proxies for quality assurance cutting edge NTROs difficulties with Outputs availability of basic bibliographic information digital innovations variable maturity of knowledge-base cultural issues / resistance Image credit: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2016 The University of Sydney Page 7

8 Musical Compositions illustrate some of the challenges multiple pathways to public availability published score live public performance broadcast / recording / digital dissemination cutting edge musical compositions may not have a conventionally notated score any score Image credit: David Kim-Boyle score snapshot for Point Studies No The University of Sydney Page 8

9 What is the University of Sydney approach to reporting non-traditional research? Annual reporting at faculty/school level Digital outputs & research statements Published university criteria Quality NTRO data set Centralised data verification and content assessment The University of Sydney Page 9

10 Published university guidelines & criteria expand on ERA guidelines official guidelines & criteria since 2012 continuing collaborative effort between faculties & Research Portfolio two levels of guidance general guidance applicable to all types specific NTRO type criteria for 20 types The University of Sydney Page 10

11 Annual reporting cycle researcher publishes outcome of research database data entry by faculty / school upload digital files & research statement data & documentation validation by NTRO team research content assessment ERA ready quality data set The University of Sydney Page 11

12 NTRO reporting history Total number of NTROs reviewed Original Creative Works 2015 Live Performance Recorded / Rendered Curated Exhibition Research Reports Linear (Total number of NTROs reviewed) The University of Sydney Page 12

13 Things we do differently now Up to No official guidelines or criteria Rudimentary data validation Print-based Output files only Full research statements only for Major weighted NTROs 100% faculty-based research content assessment One expert central staff member 2nd revision on intranet, supported by tips & tools Systematic validation of > 10 data & document parameters Digital representations of research publications Full research statements required for all NTROs (except category 5) > 90% anonymous external assessment Faculty / School professional staff with expertise 3-member NTRO team with documented processes Multi-disciplinary NTRO Sub-Committee The University of Sydney Page 13

14 Things we need to work on streamlining processes without sacrificing rigour & quality valid evidence of excellence indicators recruiting & retaining our anonymous external assessors adjusting to digital innovations engagement with a wider range of disciplines Image credit: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2016 The University of Sydney Page 14

15 What value do NTROs have for the sector? open up ideas about knowledge creation & research practice recognition of university research contributions to culture provide insights for developing impact measures and stories accommodate new forms of knowledge sharing & collaboration Image credit: PARADISEC Sydney, 2013 Questions? The University of Sydney Page 15