Overview and Aims

The Centre for the Study of Research Training and Impact (SORTI) was established on 21 September 2000. The Centre's mission arises out of the direct concern, at national and international levels, about the effectiveness and impact of research and research training.

The research, training workshops and consulting activities of the centre are directed toward the understanding and development of research and higher order problem solving skills, and the impact of research training and research in a wide variety of contexts including the workplace.

A core concern of the centre is research higher degree supervision - instructional models, factors contributing to success and evaluation and assessment of outcomes. A further core concern is the dissemination of research.

The centre brings together researchers from the faculty of Education, the university Research Branch, and national and international academics who visit the centre and engage in collaborative projects. With a focus on the tertiary and professional learning environment,  the expertise of members ranges across Education, Psychology, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Evaluation and Measurement, Policy Studies, Fine Arts, Curriculum, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Music, History, Philosophy, Social and Cultural Studies, University Administration and Research Management.

Aims

Institutional

To undertake investigations within the University of Newcastle that will further strengthen its research training and research student outcomes. This involves the study of the teaching and learning of postgraduate research students across all disciplines in the University. The information gathered will be used to improve research student outcomes through staff development training and specific seminars for students.

National

To undertake projects of national significance in the areas of research training and the impact of research. This involves members of the Centre in conducting research into the acquisition of research knowledge and skills and of the impact of research across disciplines and institutional settings. This will also embrace the exploration of knowledge use with respect to information technology and high level problem solving. These aims require close cooperation with other sectors.

Dissemination

On the basis of what is learned about researcher development and research impact seminars and courses are developed through SORTI and available to Universities and industries / enterprises interested in training staff in high-level problem solving and systematic enquiry related to all aspects of research in academic institutions and other workplaces.

Visualisation of our Research Program and Project Development