New lead appointed to regional workforce cluster
CQUniversity’s recently established Regional Workforce Development Research Cluster has new hands at the helm with the leadership appointment of Professor Hurriyet Babacan.
Bringing a distinguished 25-year track record in research, teaching and learning and community and professional service, Prof Babacan hopes to lead CQUniversity in regional workforce research, building the University’s research capacity in the field while connecting with industry and community.
The Cluster aims to consolidate CQU research on workforce and labour market matters in regional areas; engage with industry, employers, government and relevant stakeholders in relation to workforce research; and develop innovative and novel ideas about addressing workforce transitions and challenges.
“The Regional Workforce Development Research Cluster aims to undertake research on the challenges and issues facing the workforce and labour market in regional areas,” Prof Babacan said.
“The Cluster is new and with many people doing diverse research across the University we will be able to make an impact on addressing current and future workforce issues.
“It is an exciting opportunity and one that will now doubt bring amazing outcomes in the near future.”
Based in Cairns, Prof Babacan currently holds a conjoint appointment, shared with James Cook University – an arrangement she sees as conducive to exploring collaborative research projects.
“I bring extensive experience in working in regional areas and research on workforce issues,” she explained.
“I am also keen to integrate research that involves higher education and VET as CQU is a dual sector university and I have worked in four dual sector universities in the past.”
Prof Babacan has previously been recognised for her work through a number of awards, including the Order of Australia 2014 (AM) for outstanding contribution as an academic and author; Bi-Centenary Medal awarded by the Prime Minister in 2002, and the Multicultural Services Award by the Premier of Queensland.
She has also been named in the Australian Women’s Archives in recognition of women leaders who have contributed to Australia.
