Navigating Research Engagement and Impact: a Grounded Theory Exploration of Australian Law Academics’ Strategies and Experiences

Navigating Research Engagement and Impact: a Grounded Theory Exploration of Australian Law Academics’ Strategies and Experiences

In the dynamic landscape of Australian academia, research in universities has evolved from a purely academic focus to a socially engaged pursuit shaped by government funding imperatives. Law academics now navigate a delicate balance between traditional responsibilities and research engagement, often without formal recognition or integration into their substantial workloads. Using a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology and insights from 14 Australian law academics, this thesis explores the complexities of research engagement and impact in Australian universities. The resulting grounded theory unravels the interplay between academic culture, government policies, and the experiences of law academics, illustrating how these factors shape their encounters in the academic and institutional environment. The prevailing culture in law schools, university dynamics, and government policies significantly influence the opportunities and barriers faced by academics. Common barriers include time constraints and workload-related impediments, limiting their ability to fully participate in research engagement and impact activities. Recognition as experts, within and beyond academia, is crucial, driven by contributions to teaching and research. Amidst these challenges, innovative strategies emerge as academics navigate multifaceted obstacles, making tangible impacts through contributing to societal change such as policy submissions and research-led teaching practices. Establishing relationships with stakeholders, strategic planning, and effective communication are indispensable tools as academics grapple with perceived limitations in controlling research impact achievement. The study provides a unique perspective on research engagement and impact in Australian higher education, offering valuable insights into the interplay between academic culture, government policies, and academic experiences. These findings can inform best practices in law schools and similar disciplines, contributing to ongoing discussions on the role of academic research in fostering societal change.

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