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Applied Research and Innovation Project

Workshops and Events

Explore upcoming workshops, research training sessions and networking events designed to strengthen applied research capability across Victorian TAFE and industry partnerships.

Strengthening applied research capability

Our program empowers Victorian TAFE staff with the skills to lead and deliver high-impact applied research that supports industry innovation, workforce development and community outcomes.

The Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) Project provides professional development opportunities, practical resources and collaborative networks to strengthen research capability across Victoria's TAFE sector. Through workshops, communities of practice, podcasts and knowledge-sharing initiatives, participants can build confidence in applied research design, project delivery and industry engagement.

2026 initiatives include:

  • Professional development workshops: Targeted training across four key research streams.
  • Community of Practice: A collaborative network for peer support and knowledge sharing.
  • Resource library: On-demand access to guides, webinars and research podcasts.

Upcoming workshops and sessions

Explore upcoming workshops, roundtables and learning sessions designed to strengthen applied research capability, support ethical research practice and encourage collaboration across the Victorian TAFE sector.

Register via the links below or contact us at appliedresearch@holmesglen.edu.au. 

Data collection and ethics in practice (June/July)

Focus: The "how-to" of fieldwork and technical ethical requirements

Date: 1 July 2026

Time: 10.30am – 12pm

Facilitator: Deniz Akin

Overview:

Expanding on our Community of Practice insights, this roundtable aims to translate our shared understanding of complex navigation pathways into tangible, staff-led documentation.

We will examine how to collaboratively develop practical, user-friendly ethics guidance created by staff for staff. The goal is to bridge the gap between high-level policy and the unique, boots-on-the-ground reality of individual TAFE environments.

Key areas for discussion:

  • Navigating daily dilemmas: Identifying common ethical issues in teaching, student interaction, and industry partnerships
  • Accessible resources: Designing tools that are easy to find and use

Register →

 

Date: 16 July 2026

Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Guest Speakers: Kira Clarke (Brotherhood of St. Laurence) and Dr Karen O’Reilley Briggs (Box Hill Institute)

Where: Holmesglen Chadstone Campus, Conference Centre

The Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) Project, in partnership with Australasian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA), invites you to join an engaging, in-person event designed to support TAFE professionals in writing with clarity, purpose, and impact. 

What you will gain 

  • Insights into developing persuasive proposals: convey your ideas convincingly and find support for your project
  • Practical strategies for dissemination: strengthen your research writing by learning techniques to communicate research findings clearly and effectively

Morning tea will be provided.

Please note: This is an in-person event and will take place in the Conference Centre on the Holmesglen Chadstone Campus. Please RSVP including dietary requirements by 2 July 2026, 5 pm via appliedresearch@holmesglen.edu.au

 

Date: 22 July 2026 

Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Facilitators: Deniz Akin

Join us to discuss how to successfully manage industry partnerships. We will focus on the value proposition of your collaboration and strategies for maintaining ethical, professional, and sustainable relationships.

What you will learn:

  • Practical strategies to define and articulate your value proposition
  • Guidance on navigating transparency and disclosure
  • Techniques for balancing shared goals and managing conflicts

Register →

 

Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm AEST

Facilitator: Dr Paramjit Tyndall

What you will learn:

·         Foundations of Mixed Methods: Develop an understanding of key mixed-methods research models and design approaches.

·         Applied Case Study: Examine a real-world example of mixed-methods research and identify key insights and lessons learned.

·         Data Analysis: Explore mixed-methods data analysis techniques and recognise strengths and risks of this approach.

Register → 

 

Date: 19 August 2026

Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Facilitators: Denz Akin

What you will learn:

  • Building on our initial session, this second roundtable will stress-test our newly developed tools to identify friction points and document the refinements needed for finalisation.

Register →

 

Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026 

Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm AEST  

Facilitator: Deniz Akin  

Overview:

Building on our initial session, this second roundtable will stress-test our newly developed tools to identify friction points and document the refinements needed for finalisation.  

Register →

 

Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026

Time: 12:30 pm – 2 pm AEST

Facilitator: Deniz Akin

What you will learn:

  • Refresh Your Qualitative Design Skills: Revisit how to structure effective qualitative research projects in applied settings.
  • Practical Data Analysis: Learn hands-on techniques for analysing real-world data using coding and theme development.
  • How to Obtain Actionable Insights: Develop an efficient workflow to turn qualitative data into meaningful insights that inform decision-making in TAFE contexts.

Register →

 

Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Time: 12:30 pm – 2 pm AEST

Facilitator: Deniz Akin

This session builds on Qualitative Data Analysis Part 1 by deepening participants’ analysis skills and focusing on turning themes into actionable insights.

You will learn:

  • Deepening Analysis Skills: Strengthen ability to group codes into meaningful themes and interpret their practical significance.
  • Communicating Insights: Learn to present qualitative findings clearly, using evidence to support structured, actionable recommendations.
  • From Themes to Action: Apply analysis to real work contexts and develop insights that inform decision-making in teaching, program design, and applied research.

Register →

 

Podcast episodes

Episode 1 - From shelves to scholarship: A TAFE librarian’s journey into applied research

Guest: Christopher Meeking, TAFE Librarian

Episode overview: We sit down with Chris, a Holmesglen librarian turned researcher, to explore how embedding library support into TAFE courses can boost student outcomes through stronger information literacy and research skills.

Listen now

Important Dates

Stay on track with key milestones for the Victorian TAFE research community:

  • Grant reporting deadlines: Refer to your funding agreement
  • ARI Research Symposium: Dates to be announced mid-2026

Join our 2026 Communities of Practice (6-weekly series)

Connect with colleagues through our active Communities of Practice. These groups provide a collaborative space to share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and build professional networks across our TAFE community. 

2026 meeting dates:

All sessions are held online at 1:00pm to ensure accessibility for both metropolitan and regional TAFE staff. 

  • 11 June 
  • 23 July 
  • 3 September 
  • 15 October 
  • 26 November 
  • 10 December (End of year reflection) 

Please email appliedresearch@holmesglen.edu.au to sign up for the sessions.

 

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For general inquiries or to receive direct registration links for upcoming workshops:

Contact us at: appliedresearch@holmesglen.edu.au