The Australian SHAPE EMCR Network ANNUAL REPORT 2024
This report provides an overview of the key activities undertaken by the Australian Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and Environment (SHAPE) Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Network during the period of January through December, 2024.
About the Network
The Australian SHAPE EMCR Network, launched in December 2022, is Australia’s first network supporting EMCRs working in the social sciences, humanities & creative arts within and beyond academia. The Network operates with the full support of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (AAH) and the Academy of the Social Sciences Australia (ASSA) in response to the well-documented challenges faced by EMCRs across Universities, Research Institutions and the Higher Education Sector.
The Network’s Executive
The executive committee draws its strength from a wide range of EMCRs working across multiple SHAPE disciplines in Australia. Read about the exec members here. In 2024, Melissa Day stepped down as Chairperson and Sarah Midford took on the role. We also welcomed Alexa Ridgway as the incoming Co-Deputy Chairperson and Sam McKay as the new Media Officer.
Message from the Executive
“In 2024, the SHAPE Futures Executive worked towards strengthening the foundations of the Network. Developing a Strategic Plan has focused our mission and objectives for the years ahead. A highlight for me was the SHAPE Annual Convention at UWA, Perth this November. Our in-depth discussion of the academic balancing act will underpin SHAPE’s advocacy work going into 2025. I am proud of the contributions SHAPE made to consultations with the Office of the Chief Scientist on the new skills and experience framework for researcher assessment, as well as other important conversations about new directions in the Higher Education sector. I am confident that 2025 will see the Network make even more impact as we continue to engage with our members to bring about positive change for SHAPE EMCRs” – Associate Professor Sarah Midford, SHAPE Futures Chairperson.
“I was delighted to step into the role of Co-Deputy Chairperson for the SHAPE Futures Executive in 2024. SHAPE’s commitment to highlighting the precarious conditions faced by EMCRs across the SHAPE disciplines resonated deeply with me, given my own experience with casual and inconsistent work. I’m therefore especially proud of SHAPE’s advocacy efforts in 2024 on the issue of EMCR precarity. The Network’s commitment to representing the voices of those who are often silenced within academic and non-academic institutions is also one of its greatest strengths. SHAPE’s Annual Convention in 2024, held at UWA, acted as a pivotal event for discussing these issues and identifying ways for the Network to continue its excellent work thus far. I see 2025 as a year where we will build strongly upon the momentum we have created, develop stronger relationships with our membership base and further establish SHAPE as the key body representing the voices of EMCRs in the humanities and social sciences” – Dr Alexandra Ridgway, SHAPE Futures Co-Deputy Chairperson.
The SHAPE Futures Strategic Plan 2025-2027
In 2024, the SHAPE Futures Executive Committee started working on the Network’s first Strategic Plan. The process focussed on defining the Network’s values, vision, mission, strategic priorities and objectives and will set the agenda for the next three years. Throughout the process, the Executive Committee has focussed on how best to support and represent Australian SHAPE EMCRs, building on what we learned from our 2023 survey of members. As part of this process the Network defined its values. The values reflect our conversations with SHAPE EMCRs, the data collected in our 2022 survey of Australian SHAPE EMCRs, and the vision and mission of the Network going forward.
SHAPE Futures’ Values
Promotion: Championing the economic, social, cultural and environmental value of SHAPE EMCR research Connection: Fostering networks within Australia’s diverse SHAPE research community to enhance and support EMCR career pathways
Voice: Amplifying early and mid-career researchers’ perspectives, championing their interests within the Higher Education sector and actively supporting their ability to shape the future of the Australian research landscape through dialogue and consultation
Wellbeing: Recognising that the professional achievements of SHAPE EMCRs needs a foundation of sustainable career outlooks and personal wellbeing
The SHAPE Futures Australian EMCR Network Strategic Plan is available on our website.
Achievements in 2024
- Held facilitated Strategic Planning discussions, resulting in the publication of SHAPE Futures 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
- Expanded our executive with new members and revised roles
- Farewelled our founding Chairperson and welcomed next Chairperson of the Executive Committee
- Submitted an article for peer-review based on the data captured in SHAPE’s nationally representative survey of SHAPE EMCRs
- Participated in small group consultation meetings with the Office of the Chief Scientist to develop best practice outcomes and a new framework for Researcher Assessment in Australia
- Submitted feedback to the National Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy
- Represented SHAPE EMCRs on several round tables and consultations with ASSA, DASSH, ARC, ACOLA, Accord, Research Assessment Review
- Connected with DASSH, Australian Council of Graduate Research, the EMCR Forum, SAGE Athena Swan, Universities Australia
- Held our second Annual Convention with distinguished speakers: Prof. Antonia Girardi & Dr Hannah Forsyth
- Offered bursaries to Early Career Researchers attending the SHAPE Futures Convention
- Received funding from the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) to hold our Convention as part of their broader Congress
- Maintained our communication with members through newsletters, emails and social media, extending our presence to include a LinkedIn account
- Commenced our quarterly newsletter for members
Financial Report 2023-2024
The establishment and ongoing operation of this network was supported by a grant from ASSA and AAH, as well as by in-kind contributions by the executive committee. Funds were used for:
- Mailchimp account, $480
- Website hosting, $192
- Website maintenance, $396
- Membership expenses, $330
- Communications Officer salary, $3,500
- Annual Convention, $1,114
TOTAL: $6,012
View the Annual Report here.
