International Academics Special Interest Group

This group aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, research opportunities, and professional development among international academics working in Australasia.

International academics bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the Australian academic landscape, especially in teaching, research and academic leadership. However, they often face unique challenges, including cultural adaptation, language barriers, lack of local network, visa regulations, and professional integration. Establishing the HERDSA International Academics Special Interest Group (IASiG) will address these challenges by providing a platform for support and collaboration. In addition, the IASIG will also provide:

1. Networking and support opportunities - platform for international academics to connect and share experiences. Sometimes being international can be isolating; this IASiG will be able to create opportunities for peer support (esp. when settling in and/or when going for promotion)
2. Mentorship - Senior academics can mentor newbies from similar cultural backgrounds who understand the context of where they have come from.
3. Diversity and enhance inclusion: Highlights the importance of diversity in academia and lean towards inclusive practices. Also creates a platform for cultural exchange and contacts, thus broadening our understanding of others' ways of working to enrich, teaching, research, and future collaboration.
4. Research collaboration/opportunities: Platform to conduct collaborative research that leverages on the diverse backgrounds and expertise of members which can lead to cross-faculty/discipline research (since members will come from diverse disciplines and faculties)

Membership will be open to all international academics working in Australasia, including researchers, lecturers, and postdoctoral fellows. Membership benefits will include access to networking events, workshops, and online forum.

Activities
The IASiG will organise a variety of activities, including:

1. Networking Events: Regular meetups and social events to foster connections.
2. Workshops and Seminars: Professional development sessions on topics such as grant writing, publishing, and career advancement.
3. Research Collaborations: Facilitating collaborative research projects and interdisciplinary partnerships.
4. Advocacy: Representing the interests of international academics to university administrations and government bodies.

SIG Co- Leaders

A/Professor Linda Ng
University of Southern Queensland
 linda.ng@unisq.edu.au

Dr Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh
La Trobe University
 j.nachatarsingh@latrobe.edu.au

Dr Jason Wong
Australian Catholic University
Jason.wong@acu.edu.au