On Tuesday March 5th the Australian Council of Graduate Research will launch a suite of video resources and training materials to help combat sexual harassment, gender bias and discrimination in research training programs.
Working on the premise that building a culture of respect and equality is critical to the provision of safe and supportive research training environment, ACGR has produced a series of videos that illustrate situations where unconscious bias, unprofessional behaviour and abuse of power challenge this culture.
The six scenarios that are explored in these videos will “ring true” with many in the higher education sector and will help to stimulate discussion about the risks of certain behaviours or circumstances. Production of the resources has been overseen by senior academics with deep experience of graduate research.
Announcing the release ACGR Convenor, Professor Sue Berners-Price said that “our Council is committed to reducing the incidence of discrimination and sexual harassment and assault for candidates undertaking research degrees in Australia. These videos, together with comprehensive instructional support materials will be a vital resource for university research student and supervisor training programs.”
The ACGR Respectful Research Training resources align with the Principles for Respectful Supervisory Relationships which were developed jointly by Universities Australia, ACGR, National Tertiary Education Union and Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations.
Immediate past convenor, Professor Denise Cuthbert said, “The ACGR has taken a leadership role in providing high quality training materials to support safe and inclusive research training and minimise sexual harm. This original Australian material will greatly enhance the training of staff and candidates in Australian universities”.
A public launch of the materials will be held at RMIT University at 5.30 pm on Tuesday May 5th.
To attend the Respectful Research Training Launch and be the first to view these fabulous resources please register through Eventbrite.
For further information contact: Fiona Zammit, Executive Officer, ACGR, exec@acgr.edu.au