{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101336"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101336","attributes":{"code":"DE260101336","administering-organisation":"Charles Sturt University","announcement-administering-organisation":"Charles Sturt University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Educational inequalities, social class and the cultural politics of trauma. This project investigates how higher education can reduce social class inequalities by providing better support to students with trauma. In exploring trauma’s social and cultural dimensions, it aims to inform policies and practices that foster inclusive learning environments. Using critical policy analysis, ethnographic methods and stakeholder engagement, the research explores how trauma and social class shape educational experiences. Outcomes include expanded theoretical understandings of trauma's socio-cultural aspects and practical resources for universities grounded in these insights. This research will benefit Australia by advancing national priorities to reduce educational inequities and promote inclusive higher education practices.","funding-current":532471.00,"funding-at-announcement":528232,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Maree","familyName":"Martinussen","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-1243-7691 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Maree","familyName":"Martinussen","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-1243-7691 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"Charles Sturt University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"Charles Sturt University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"390303","name":"Higher Education","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4410","name":"Sociology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"441008","name":"Sociology of Culture","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"441012","name":"Sociology of Inequalities","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"160201","name":"Equity and Access to Education","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"160202","name":"Gender Aspects In Education","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"160203","name":"Inclusive Education","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["New Zealand","Wales"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This project addresses the Australian Government's higher education equity targets by investigating how trauma drives educational inequities among low socioeconomic students. With domestic student attrition at 15%, rising to 30% for low socioeconomic cohorts, such disparities lead to lost investment, reduced productivity and greater reliance on social support. Attrition threatens national well-being, as students who disengage from higher education face poorer health and long-term disadvantage. Addressing these inequalities is critical for economic sustainability and a skilled workforce. \n\nDespite extensive research on student mental health, how trauma impacts university participation and inequities remains underexplored. This project advances knowledge by integrating trauma studies with empirical social class research to understand how trauma interacts with structural disadvantage. By critically assessing how trauma frameworks are applied in policy and practice, this research drives meaningful change through a nuanced socio-cultural approach. The project will generate economic benefits by improving retention and completion rates while reducing costly attrition. It will position Australia as a leader in trauma-informed higher education, informing best practices through open-access resources and policy briefings. Findings will drive sector-wide improvements, fostering more equitable universities that contribute to national economic and social prosperity."}}}