ACSPRI Fellowship Program

The following five criteria will be used in the selection of ACSPRI Fellowship holders.

1.    Ability to motivate research (importance/significance)
2.    Potential for academic impact
3.    Potential for policy impact
4.    Innovation in method
5.    Presentation ability/communication

Each of these criteria are briefly defined and developed below.

1. The ability to motivate their research refers to the capacity or power to inspire and encourage scientific or scholarly investigation in a particular field or topic.  It suggests the potential to generate enthusiasm, curiosity, and interest among researchers or scientists, spurring them to explore new ideas, conduct experiments, gather data, and seek solutions to unanswered questions or problems.  A candidate can possess this ability by presenting compelling or significant challenges, offering a credible pathway through to addressing them, demonstrating the potential benefits or implications of their research, and promoting a sense of purpose and excitement in pursuing their program of study.

2. Potential for academic impact refers to the likelihood or capacity of a particular piece of research or program of study to make a significant contribution or influence within the academic community. It suggests generating important and valuable outcomes that can advance knowledge, theories, or practical applications within a specific field.  Reviewers should consider various factors in assessing academic impact.  These may include the novelty or originality of the research, the depth, and rigor of the investigation, the potential to address gaps or challenges in existing knowledge, the potential to generate new insights or perspectives, the applicability or relevance to real-world issues or problems, and the potential to influence or shape future research, policies, or practices in the field.

3. The potential for policy impact relates to the capacity or likelihood of a study or research program to influence or shape public policies, decision-making processes, and governmental actions.  It suggests generating findings, insights, or recommendations to inform and guide policy development, implementation, or evaluation.  When assessing the potential for policy impact, several factors come into play.  These may include the relevance or significance of the research findings to policy issues or challenges, the credibility and robustness of the evidence or data presented, the alignment with policy goals or priorities, the feasibility and practicality of the proposed policy recommendations, and the accessibility or communicability of the research to policymakers or stakeholders.  Further, the impact on policy can manifest in various ways.  It can involve influencing the formulation of new policies, shaping amendments to existing policies, contributing to the design or implementation of specific programs or interventions, informing policy debates or discussions, providing evidence-based guidance to decision-makers, or raising awareness of important policy issues among the public or relevant stakeholders.

4. Innovation in method captures the development, introduction, and application of new and improved approaches, techniques, and methods (“methodologies”) in research or problem-solving. It indicates a departure from traditional methods and signifies the introduction of novel, creative, or more effective ways of conducting investigations or achieving desired outcomes.  Innovation in methods involves exploring alternative ways of gathering data, analysing information, conducting experiments, or approaching research questions. Innovation in methods can lead to advancements in knowledge, facilitate breakthrough discoveries, improve the reproducibility of research results, expand research capabilities, and open-up new avenues for investigation. It often requires creativity, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge established practices or paradigms to push the boundaries of knowledge and achieve better research outcomes.  The innovation could include the following:
•    The adoption of new technologies.
•    The integration of interdisciplinary approaches.
•    The modification or adaptation of existing methods.

5. Presentation ability and communication refers to the skills and aptitude for effectively conveying information, ideas, or findings to an audience.  It encompasses the capability to deliver presentations and written word in a clear, organised, engaging, and persuasive manner.  Presentation ability involves various aspects, including:
•    Clarity
•    Organisation
•    Engagement
•    Persuasiveness
•    Adaptability
Practical presentation and communication skills are essential in academic contexts.  They enable researchers to share their work, collaborate with others, disseminate knowledge, engage with stakeholders, and make a lasting impact in their expertise.