First mathematical software recognised as Non-Traditional Research Output
Researchers from the School of Information and Physical Sciences impressed the University’s Non-Traditional Research Output (NTRO) Committee recently with an innovative software package for analysing mathematical structures. This is the University’s first software output and has been confirmed by the Committee as being recognised internationally.
Professor Jennifer Milam, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Excellence) and Chair of the NTRO Committee, said the submissions to the Committee show the breadth of academic work at our University.
“It is great to see our academics thinking beyond traditional research outputs and presenting them for the Committee to consider... Collecting different evidence of output and impact, in research, teaching and engagement, is a big shift under Foundations for Inspiring People.
As a University committed to real-world impact, I’m really excited to see how we continue to evolve in this space next year... This high-quality work will serve us well in the relevant fields of research submitted as part of our ERA submission"
Dr Stephan Tornier and Mr Khalil Hannouch from the School of Information and Physical Sciences developed UGALY (Universal Groups Acting LocallY), an innovative software package which builds on an existing framework for analysing mathematical structures.
As a software package developed for the computer algebra system GAP (Groups, Algorithms, and Programming), the work has been formally accepted by the GAP Council and included in GAP’s core distribution, demonstrating the level of maturity and robustness of this contribution.
Stephan and Khalil’s work was recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
Architectural works extending the boundaries of collaborative practice across physical distance
Dr Beth George, from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, created a set of 3D mixed media mappings and drawings for the exhibition Out of the Sea from 3D point clouds of the Canal Rocks site near Margaret River (WA) produced by Spatial Co. The use of 3D point clouds for visualisation is an emerging field, and Beth demonstrated a novel use of them through combining digital and analogue technologies. The curated exhibition allowed artists and makers to collaborate under the travel restrictions of the pandemic.
The significance of Beth’s work was demonstrated by the invitation from the curatorial team and acceptance of her works into the exhibition. The works were displayed in the exhibition at Midland Junction Arts Centre’s gallery in WA, and a 3D tour of the exhibition room was also available online to accommodate travel restrictions. Beth’s work was featured in art and design journal Fabric Quarterly and recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
What are Non-Traditional Research Outputs?
Universities have traditionally recognised scholarly outputs in the form of peer-reviewed publications and measures of impact. Today, research has expanded beyond journal publications to include screenings, software applications, licenses and patents, performances, architecture and exhibitions and these are known as Non-Traditional Research Outputs (NTROs). NTROs also allow for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge to be recognised and valued where this would not fit into traditional research publications.
In considering NTROs, research is defined in the same way as it is for traditional outputs as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way, so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, and understandings in the relevant discipline area(s).
Just as there are established policies, frameworks and processes to assess and recognise the quality of peer-reviewed research publications, the University now has a process of formal recognition for quality peer-reviewed NTROs. Guidelines for NTROs were launched in December 2020 and the NTRO Review Committee, Chaired by Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence, Jennifer Milam, meets quarterly to review nominated submissions in NURO.
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