Creating impact through engaged research

With member universities across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, Engagement Australia plays a convening and policy leadership role across sector forums, from the Universities Accord to mission‑based compacts, advocating for stronger alignment between university missions, local needs, equity and innovation. It brings together universities, government, industry and communities through inclusive conferences, awards and recognition, networks and communities of practice. 

Lisa Aitken from the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion is a board Director of Engagement Australia and joined the Research Café to discuss its work.  

She began by sharing the exciting update that a new Community Engagement Charter has been developed with input from community and UTS staff and students. 

“The Charter sets a clear, shared foundation for how UTS engages with community, embedding meaningful collaboration into the way we work as an institution,” she said. 

Keep a look out on RES Hub for the upcoming registration details of the Charter official launch in August.

Carnegie and Engagement Australia partnership 

“About five years ago, we joined with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an American based model that allows universities to demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve and to share good practice in the sector,” Lisa explained. 

This framework, used for the past 15 years in the US higher education system, has been contextualised for Australian universities through a pilot process and is now being implemented. 

“In 2023, UTS underwent a rigorous process and was one of two universities to be awarded Carnegie Classification. We were the first institutions outside North American to be recognised in this way. This is now open again for other universities to apply.” 

“The Classification is quite challenging to get through, but it's part of the journey to understand your engagement as a whole institution. That process is really powerful.” 

We want to ensure that our role as a public purpose institution is given the attention it needs at a government level, at an institution level and across the sector.

Lisa explained that through the Engagement Australia and Carnegie partnership, there is a strong focus on capacity building and advocacy across the sector. 

“We want to ensure that our role as a public purpose institution is given the attention it needs at a government level, at an institution level and across the sector,” she said. 

Member benefits 

As a member institution of Engagement Australia, UTS enjoys benefits including the opportunity for staff and researchers to: 

Engagement Australia Conference 2026 

With the theme “Universities Engaging All of Us: Committing to Trust, Purpose and Impact”, the Engagement Australia conference will be held on 23 to 24 July 2026.  

This year’s theme explores the foundations of trust, the clarity of shared purpose, and the tangible, mutual benefit that emerges when universities work alongside communities, industry, government and students as true partners. 

Register now 

Interested in presenting? For those working in community engagement, social impact, or university partnerships in teaching, learning and research, this is a great opportunity to share your insights, showcase your work, and contribute to shaping practice across the sector. 

Submit your abstract for the Engagement Australia Conference by 6 May 2026. 

Submit now 

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