Innovative Research Universities rebrands

“The seven-strong Innovative Research Universities (IRU) group has rebranded and recruited two new institutions to better align itself with current higher education policy. Alliance 2050 will remain headed by Western Sydney University vice-chancellor George Williams with a new goal of achieving the Universities Accord target of an 80 per cent tertiary educated workforce by 2050. In a move that ‘follows the money’, the group has picked up Victoria University and the Australian Catholic University, both known for focusing on tertiary attainment and boosting student engagement. Ongoing members include Western Sydney University, the University of Canberra, Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University and Murdoch University. The universities have 65 campuses across the country and teach a combined 285,000 students. Education Minister Jason Clare launched the Alliance at former colleague Bill Shorten’s institution, the University of Canberra, on Wednesday, and reiterated that the Accord target is projected to add $240 billion to the economy. “Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today. But not everywhere. Not in our outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. The 2050 Alliance will help change that,” Minister Clare said. Left to right: George Williams, Bil Shorten and Minister Clare announce the rebranded group. Picture: University of Canberra. Although all universities signed up to the Accord target, not all have dedicated institutional missions to achieving the goal. However, leaders of all the universities in the group have been outspoken about the importance of focusing on disadvantaged students from surrounding communities. More on this story: $50,000 arts degrees look set to stay | Students ‘yearn’ to be taught how to disagree | New standards address racism, disability issues University of Canberra vice-chancellor Bill Shorten, the newest kid on the block, has become known for an 'anti-elitist' message. He has said universities should step away from "ivory towers" and instead focus on student experience and boosting graduation rates. Professor Williams, a proponent of equity students from western Sydney, said the sector is undergoing enormous change. “We are in the middle of the biggest transformation in our higher education system since the 1980s,” he said. “There is no time to waste – the decisions we make today will determine whether we meet our 2050 goals. The time is right for universities to come together with a clear focus on the public good – serving our students and communities, and helping to deliver on major national priorities including intergenerational equity and productivity growth.”

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