Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia
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A HERDSA Special Interest Group (SIG) provides HERDSA members with a network of like-minded colleagues with whom you can talk about shared research interests as well as potentially undertake some collaborative research.
At each HERDSA conference a session is run in which you can learn more about SIGs. If you are interested in joining a SIG please contact the SIG leader directly. If you wish to set up a new one, you can register your interest by emailing your name, institution and research interest/SIG to office@herdsa.org.au
HERSDA members may join more than one SIG. To join a SIG, please click Member Login on the HERDSA site, click My Dashboard, click Edit Your Profile, select the SIGs you wish to join under My Networks, then click Save.
SIG HANDBOOK
For a copy of the HERDSA SIG Handbook (PDF) click on download.
HERDSA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGS)
List of current HERDSA SIGS
- Pedagogy of Belonging & Wellbeing
- Health Sciences
- Assessment Quality
- Academic Development
- Education Focused Academic (EFA)
- International Academics
- The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
- Teaching & Learning in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (T&L HASS)
- Online Engagement in Higher Education
Pedagogy of Belonging & Wellbeing SIG
The HERDSA Pedagogy of Belonging & Wellbeing Special Interest Group will act as a network for HERDSA members and other interested individuals who are committed to pursuing scholarly work on furthering the research and development of teaching and learning in higher education. Its mission is to create opportunities for dialogue, to promote scholarly research on the topic, and support HERDSA members engaging in work related to student wellbeing and belonging. Central to this mission is a focus on how fostering belonging and wellbeing enhances student learning, engagement, progression, personal growth and academic success, and how these elements can be intentionally embedded in pedagogical practice to create more inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/pedagogy-student-belonging-and-wellbeing
SIG Co- Leaders
Dr Chris Maloney
The University of New South Wales
Dr. Nicola Eastaff-Leung
The University of Adelaide
nicola.eastaff-leung@adelaide.edu.au
Associate Professor Jun Chih
Curtin University
International Academics SIG
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.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/international-academics
SIG Co- Leaders
A/Professor Linda Ng
University of Southern Queensland
Dr Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh
La Trobe University
j.nachatarsingh@latrobe.edu.au
Dr Jason Wong
Australian Catholic University
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning SIG
engages academics, professional staff, third-space staff and part-time teaching staff. Its vision is to support HERDSA’s aims to facilitate and promote the enhancement of teaching and learning, encourage and disseminate research on higher education and tertiary teaching and learning, encourage collaboration and the development of professional communities in higher and tertiary education and assist its members in their ongoing professional development.
This SIG is especially relevant for any individual who is new to SoTL and wishes to:
engage in a collaborative, safe, respectful dialogic learning space with like-minded colleagues;
explore and improve their teaching practices through scholarly activity;
conduct investigative and explorative research on teaching practice and learning; and
engage in scholarly inquiry to enhance student learning outcomes, teaching practice and policy.
Aims for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group:
To bring together individuals interested in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to create a supportive community where members can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on projects related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
To encourage and facilitate research on effective teaching and learning practices, assessment methods, and educational innovations.
To provide a platform for members to share their findings, insights, and best practices related to the scholarship of teaching and learning through conferences, workshops and webinars.
To support the professional development of its members by offering opportunities for networking, mentoring, and collaboration.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/scholarship-teaching-and-learning
SIG Co-Leaders
Dr Trisha Poole (Academic Developer)
University of Southern Queensland
Sue Sharpe (Lecturer, Inclusive Education)
Deakin University
Teaching & Learning in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences SIG (T&L HASS).
Championing creativity, fostering connection, cultivating belonging, and transforming HASS teaching together
Join us and be part of shaping the future of HASS education!
What is T&L HASS SIG?
The T&L HASS SIG brings together educators, students, and scholars passionate about teaching and learning in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). Teaching and learning in HASS goes beyond content delivery. It cultivates creativity, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and ethical leadership. It thrives on staff–student partnerships, co-creation, and fostering student engagement and a sense of belonging, preparing graduates to navigate and shape an interconnected world.
Why T&L HASS SIG?
HASS disciplines, despite their transformative potential, are often undervalued and under pressure. The T&L HASS SIG provides a dedicated platform to affirm, reimagine, and strengthen the role of HASS teaching and learning. By championing creativity, critical thinking, social responsibility, and cultural understanding, the SIG aims to nurture skills and dispositions that prepare graduates for an interconnected world, amplifying the relevance, visibility, and impact of HASS education within universities and broader society.
What does T&L HASS SIG do?
This SIG is a collaborative space where educators, students, and scholars come together to:
Reimagine and celebrate HASS teaching and learning
Champion creativity, foster connection, and build belonging in classrooms and communities
Share strategies for student engagement, collaboration, and co-creation
Foster staff–student partnerships and inclusive pedagogy
Build a strong, supportive HASS T&L community across institutions
Create opportunities to publish, develop resources, and innovate teaching practice
Initiate dialogue within and beyond academia to amplify the value and relevance of HASS education
Explore innovative ways to prepare graduates for life beyond university
Who is T&L HASS SIG for?
Educators, students, researchers, and professionals committed to inclusive, future-ready HASS learning environments.
Why join T&L HASS ?
Because the SIG turns ideas into action by strengthening community, shaping practice, and celebrating the transformative potential of HASS teaching and learning. Join the SIG to exchange ideas, connect with peers, and strengthen the voice of HASS in higher education. Together, we can reimagine the possibilities of HASS teaching and learning.
#HERDSA #HASSSIG #TeachingAndLearning #CoCreation #StudentEngagement #HigherEd
SIG Chair
Dr Nira Rahman
Arts Teaching Innovation
Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne
nira.rahman@unimelb.edu.au or +61421391265
SIG Co-Chair
Deakin University
p.arumugam@deakin.edu.au
Dr. Puva P Arumugam
Online Engagement in Higher Education SIG
HERDSA Online Engagement in Higher Education Special Interest Group is focused on the phenomenon of online higher education student engagement, and the aspects that both hinder and foster this engagement. This may include, but not limited to; student online engagement, pedagogical implications of online engagement, roles related to the facilitation and designing of learning for online engagement, frameworks that inform online engagement; non-engagement, assessment design for engagement, teacher presence, student motivation, synchronous and asynchronous learning activities that foster student engagement and learning, the use of course learning analytics and nudging to enhance or track engagement, barriers and enablers of engagement, as well as the affordances of education technology as a means of fostering online student engagement.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/online-engagement-higher-education
SIG co-chairs:
Dr Alice Brown (Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education)
University of Southern Queensland
Associate Professor Jay Cohen
The University of Adelaide (Academic Director - Online Transmission)
Education Transformation, Division of Academic and Student Engagement
Health Sciences SIG
The role of Health Sciences SIG is to focus on health science education across undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs including professional healthcare courses (medicine, nursing, dentistry, psychology, physiotherapy etc) and more generic ones including but not limited to health promotion, nutrition, and public health. This SIG aims to develop new practices around authentic learning which may involve experiential and/or work-integrated approach, design of authentic assessment that may integrative reflective pieces on student preparedness for workforce, knowledge translation and teaching and learning practice improvement.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/health-sciences
If you would like to get involved in the Health Science SIG please contact the SIG Leader Snezana Kusljic.
SIG Leader: Snezana Kusljic
Email: skusljic@unimelb.edu.au
Assessment Quality SIG
The Assessment Quality SIG spans academics, professional staff, part-time teaching staff, casuals and students. Its vision is to support HERDSA's aims and wider membership to better understand what constitutes meaningful assessment with a particular focus on how to apply effective quality improvement of assessment. A key reference point is new requirements with respect to Assessment Quality as laid down in the revised HESF (higher education standards framework) and forms the basis of TEQSA re-registration of all Higher Education providers.
This SIG is especially relevant for anyone who:
Is involved in designing, marking and reviewing assessment and feedback practices to enhance quality.
Is responsible for assuring the quality of curriculum assessment at their institution.
Coordinates curriculum design and delivery at the level of subjects comprising an award degree
Leads and is responsible for the quality assurance of the curriculum at course level
We have the following aims:
To build a diverse network of staff and students interested in continuing improvement in the quality of assessment and feedback at their institutions;
To provide opportunities to stimulate debate and discussion about assessment quality;
To develop collaborations leading to outputs and outcomes including SoTL publications through HERDSA.
You can stay in touch with the SIG activities on the SIG homepage- https://herdsa.org.au/sig/assessment-quality
If you want to get involved in the growing conversation about Assessment Quality then join the LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14777610/
OR
Thomas Wanner - Uni Adelaide - thomas.wanner@adelaide.edu.au
Priya Khanna - UNSW - priya.khanna@unsw.edu.au
Diana Turnip – UNSW - d.turnip@unsw.edu.au
Academic Development SIG
The HERDSA Academic Development SIG is an international network for HERDSA members and others dedicated to advancing teaching and learning in Higher Education. Our mission is to create networking opportunities, promote scholarly research and practice and support members through sharing resources and leadership opportunities.
We aim to provide a scholarly platform to:
· Facilitate ongoing professional development for academic developers
· Share knowledge, resources, skills, and practices in academic development as a community of practice
· Contribute to theory building in academic development
· Explore and critique the roles / responsibilities of (strategic) academic development
· Identify effective measure to evaluate the impact of academic development
· Engage with other professional bodies in academic development (POD, SEDA, CAULLT, ASCILITE)*
· Increase capacity to advocate for innovation in academic development practices
· Provide a platform for reflection on challenges of academic development
· Support the development of leadership capacity in academic development.
You can stay in touch with SIG activities via the:
· HERDSA AD SIG homepage - https://herdsa.org.au/sig/academic-development
· the AD SIG LinkedIn group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/10387957/
For more information or for additional ideas or activities for the SIG, please contact one of the executive members:
Olga Kozar (Co-chair), Macquarie University
Kelly Shoecraft (Co-Chair), Griffith University
Rosetta Romano, University of Canberra
Rosetta.Romano@canberra.edu.au
Marina Harvey, Macquarie University
Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE)
Council of Australasian University Leaders in Learning and Teaching (CAULLT)
Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD)
Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA)
Education Focused Academic SIG (EFA)
The EFA SIG will act as a network for HERDSA members and other interested individuals who are committed to pursuing scholarly work on furthering the research and development of teaching and learning in higher education. Its mission is to create opportunities for dialogue, to promote scholarly research on the topic, and to provide support to HERDSA members interested in and engaged in an Education Focused career.
The EFA SIG aims to: Support, advocate for, and connect EFA across institutions by creating a collaborative space for sharing resources, mentoring, and driving sector-wide recognition and change. The EFA SIG aligns closely with HERDSA’s Strategic Action Plan by advancing educational policy and practice through advocacy for EFA, promoting the enhancement of teaching and learning via mentoring and professional development activities, and encouraging collaborative research in higher education. It supports HERDSA’s commitment to recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions by creating pathways for visibility and career progression, while also fostering professional communities and cross-institutional collaboration. Through its initiatives, the EFA SIG aims to contribute to HERDSA’s goal of assisting members in ongoing professional development and building a stronger, more connected academic community.
The EFA SIG seeks to:
1. Address systemic challenges faced by EFAs by advancing professional identity and career development: ○ Provide structured opportunities for EFAs to explore, define, and strengthen their professional identities and progress their academic careers within the higher education sector.
2. Build community and enhance collaboration: ● Strengthen professional networks and interdisciplinary collaborations among EFAs nationally and internationally, in line with HERDSA’s mission to develop strong and visible academic communities.
3. Enhance practice through peer learning, reflection and skill-building: ○ Facilitate workshops, mentoring, and knowledge exchange focused on practical skills that advance teaching excellence, curriculum innovation, and leadership capability.
4. Contribute to education research and scholarship: ○ Encourage and disseminate research on EFAs’ identity, leadership, and institutional change alongside SoTL.
5. Influence higher education policy and recognition: ○ Advocate for institutional policies and frameworks that recognise and reward the diverse contributions of EFAs to teaching, research, and engagement, aligned with HERDSA’s objectives of advancing educational policy and practice.
For more information or for additional ideas or activities for the SIG, please contact one of the executive members:
Prof. Patsie Polly patsie.polly@ unsw.edu.au
Dr Nicole Reinke nreinke@usc.edu.au
Dr Hector Viveros Tapia hector.viveros @mq.edu.au
Dr Rowaida Sleem rowaida.sleem@flinders.edu.au
Dr Dhayani Kirubaharan dhayani.kirub aharan@monash.edu
Dr Kashmira Dave kdave3@une.edu.au