
A message from Professor Andrew O’Neil
News 28 MayAn update from the Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O'Neil.
17 December 2019
Share
Two ACU researchers have been awarded prestigious ARC Discovery Project grants to further their work.
Professor Chris Lonsdale, who leads the NHMRC-funded iPLAY project in the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, will study the effects of children’s exposure to electronic screens on their development.
Professor Bryan Turner, already recognised as one of the world’s leading sociologists of religion, will investigate male-dominated far-right groups in Australia, in a project looking at the relationship between intellectuals, masculinity and citizenship.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Wayne McKenna said that these awards were another endorsement of ACU’s research excellence.
“These projects are valuable contributions to ACU’s fast-growing research profile in our areas of strategic priority,” he said.
Professor Lonsdale was awarded $658,544 for a project entitled Square Eyes or All Lies? Understanding Children's Exposure to Screens.
The project will examine Australian parents’ number one concern about their children’s health and behaviour – their interactions with electronic screens. The project will use wearable cameras to measure what children are doing on screens, and where, when, and how long they are doing it. The project will also investigate how screen time impacts children’s development and how it is influenced by their environment.
The evidence will be used to improve screen time guidelines, which are currently based on minimal research findings, and to help parents understand the impact of screen time on their children’s development.
The project collaborates with partner investigators from the NSW Department of Education and NSW Ministry of Health as well as collaborators from the University of Southern Queensland, University of Helsinki, University of Oxford, University of Otago and Baylor College of Medicine.
Professor Turner received $327,521 for a project entitled Far Right in Australia: Intellectuals, Masculinity and Citizenship, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Newcastle, Victoria University and the University of Potsdam.
The project will explore why men are drawn in increasing numbers to far right groups. Moving beyond the simple stereotype of disenfranchisement, it will examine how tropes of masculinity are used to recruit and retain members and how bonds of citizenship have weakened amongst men who define themselves at the margins.
Professor Turner said these groups stand in contrast to longstanding Australian values of mutual respect and tolerance. “Any threat to that ideal poses a serious risk to our democracy and the rule of law. This project addresses that core concern, which is aired daily in the popular press and on social media. The findings will provide some answers to the question of why some men are strongly drawn to joining or supporting far right groups.”
The Discovery Projects, together with the recent success in Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards, bring the total ARC funding awarded to ACU in this round to almost $1.8 million dollars.
An update from the Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O'Neil.
Expect a few email notifications as we prepare to welcome you to Viva Engage next week.
ACU is developing a new Education and Student Success Plan to ensure our university continues to provide a high-quality, student-centred learning experience. Find out how you can contribute to the pla...
A reminder to all academic staff that the mandatory Notice of Intent, for those intending to apply for promotion in the 2025 round, must be submitted by 11.59pm this Friday (30 May).
Include an additional survey item in the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey for units that are offered in Professional Term 4 (202547).
Register for these 15-minute sessions to learn more about the variety of online researcher profile platforms and what is involved in setting up, linking and updating your profile.
Lecturers-in-charge can make a direct determination of Poor Academic Practice (PAP) for students who engage in minor forms of academic misconduct. Learn why they can be valuable to staff and students.
You're invited to join your Campus Community of Learning Advancement - a professional learning community focused on collaborative workplace learning.
A message from the Executive Dean Faculty of Education and Arts Professor Mary Ryan.
The Semester 1 2025 Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys will close on 29 June. Students say they are more likely to complete the surveys if they are reminded in class and unders...
ACU librarians have recently begun using Rayyan for screening and collaboration. It is a free alternative to Covidence that can assist with systematic review workflows. Read more about Rayyan and othe...
The Academic Board Digest from meeting 02/2025 held on 15 April 2025 is now available.
Tomorrow, 15 May, is International Day of Families. To celebrate, let’s hear from ACU staff member Martina Donaghy about how flexible working has helped her manage care for her young daughter after re...
Student Advocacy Service is running an information session designed to provide staff with a clearer understanding of the scope of support available to students.
Explore the future of assessment with Interactive Orals. We’ll be joined by expert, Danielle Logan-Fleming to share valuable insights into this transformative model and its impact across disciplines.
A message from the Executive Dean of Health Sciences Professor Suzanne Chambers.
Academic promotions provides an opportunity to recognise and reward your achievements at your current level of appointment that warrant promotion to the next academic level. Register to attend an info...
Advance HE is offering free webinars on Student Success and Advance HE Fellowships in May and June as part of their Australasian Member Benefit Series.
Recent cyber-attacks on Australian organisations have highlighted the need to protect yourself online. Learn more about infostealers and what you can do to stay safe.
As artificial intelligence tools become part of everyday academic work, questions around copyright are more important than ever. This workshop on 22 May will focus on the copyright implications of usi...
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.