HCSNet;'s Priority Area Scheme identifies five areas of research
which:
- encompass problem-centred, rather than discipline-centred, approaches to
as yet unsolved issues or problems in Human Communication Science;
- require novel collaborations of experts across Human Communication
Science disciplines for their solution;
- set the scene for future research and training in Human Communication
Science; and
- assist in defining the emerging field of Human
Communication Science.
The overall aims of the HCSNet Priority Area Scheme are to facilitate
research in priority areas, and to establish the reputation of HCSNet and
Australia as a research leader in Human Communication Science and
Technology.
These aims are addressed by providing focussed resources for HCSNet
activities (workshops, international visits, international liaisons,
industry liaisons, summer schools, SummerFest activities) that fall within
any of the five Priority Areas.
Priority Areas provide direction in a number of ways including
the following:
- The Workshop Program: additional funding for workshops that
fall into a priority area (up to A$5K in addition to the normal funding maximum
of A$15K, for a total of A$20K).
- The International Visiting Speaker Program: additional funding
for programs that fall into a priority area (up to A$500 in addition to the
normal funding max of A$3.5K, for a total of A$4K).
- Preferential engagement of speakers for and preferential strands in
Priority Areas for the annual HCSNet SummerFest, and other workshops and
conferences.
HCSNet Priority Areas have been
established on the basis that they meet the following criteria:
- There exists expertise and interest within the HCSNet membership
- The focus is interdisciplinary
- The area is of international relevance
- There is potential for impact with respect to:
- Public interest
- Pressworthiness
- Government and political clout
- The ARC (and their PAs)
- Research
- Industry
Priority Area Leaders and Priority Area Funding: Each HCSNet Priority
Area is headed by two Priority Area Leaders who drive activity in the areas, one
being an Early Career Researcher (ECR) and one an established researcher.
HCSNet members considering an application that falls within a particular
Priority Area should consult with one or both of these leaders before
drawing up their application.
To obtain additional funding or resources associated with HCSNet Priority
Areas, applicants for funding through the various HCSNet funding schemes
should include in their proposal a paragraph which sets out:
- how the subject matter of the proposed activity falls within the
designated Priority Area;
- how the proposed activity would meet some or all of the above Criteria
for Priority Areas; and
- how insights from the contributing disciplines in the propose activity
could have a direct impact on the development of theory and technologies in
that Priority Area or Human Communication Science more generally, in the
next five to ten years.
See the pages linked to below for further information on the five priority
areas.
