Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018-19

Another area of engagement that was highlighted in the narratives was the provision of training material, training and trainee programs to stakeholders and research end-users. The areas covered by the strategy of training were varied and included training in specific technologies, specific equipment and specific methodologies. In addition:

• Due to the nature of the research conducted, many universities were in a position to provide current data and training.
• Although many of the examples highlighted were specific to technology, training was also being used to update current standards and methodologies across a number of areas including, for example, education, law and diplomacy.
• Universities engaged in the area of education had strong networks, both national and international, and were working with schools to develop evidence-based, national teaching standards and training programs. Much of this work was designed to improve the teaching of the local schools and support the local teachers. In the international schools, it was also aimed at reducing the reliance on international teachers.
• Training was also being provided in translation and interpreting to interpreters in areas related to foreign affairs.

End-users of training were varied and range from highly specialised, very specific areas such as law enforcement or health professionals to on-the-ground field workers and food producers. This included end-users both in Australia and overseas. Examples included:

• Working with law enforcement to provide training material for the National Firearms Examiners.
• Pilot training involving investment and involvement from Qantas, Air New Zealand and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
• Trainee programs for obstetrics with professional training seminars for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
• Trainee programs in psychiatry for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
• Training of professional ecologists, from a range of organisations, in appropriate field monitoring methodologies.
• Training of fish farmers in sustainable fish farming practices to increase production and reduce environmental impacts.
• Domestic and international training of end-users on the use of drones for improved environmental and agricultural monitoring. Two of these international programs resulted in training ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rangers to use drones.
• Some of the countries involved in the training programs discussed included Indonesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Peru and USA.

This training was delivered through a number of mechanisms, such as:

• The more traditional forms of training include workshops, trainee programs, conferences and forums.
• Video, although not a new method, was being used to deliver training to end-users. Universities were involved in the design and creation of training videos for a variety of audiences.
• Virtual reality and mixed reality training programs were a common part of some industry training particularly in the areas where safety was an issue. An obvious and well known example was the flight simulators in the aviation industry. The use of immersion in computer-generated environments was used to streamline training with a focus on improved safety outcomes.
• Virtual reality and mixed reality training attracted investment from diverse areas of industry including the aviation industry and construction industry.
• The internet was providing a medium through which training could be accessed by otherwise isolated communities. Universities were leveraging this by providing training in the form of webinars and online support. This was particularly useful in providing training to rural and remote communities including remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Many different examples of training and modes of training were outlined in the narratives; however, they all highlighted the importance of the training in ensuring successful uptake and use of the technology or methodology being introduced.