A New Era for Open Scholarship in Australian Higher Education
The launch of Advancing Scholarship and Research in Higher Education (ASRHE) marks a significant development in Australia's higher education publishing landscape. Sponsored by the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) and published by the Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA), this diamond open-access journal eliminates both author fees and reader paywalls, aligning with growing calls for equitable access to scholarly work.
ASRHE positions itself around the ethos of 'generous scholarship,' a philosophy that prioritises collaboration, development of emerging researchers, and innovative forms of knowledge sharing. In a sector where traditional publishing models often create barriers, this approach offers a refreshing alternative for academics at Australian universities and colleges.
Understanding Diamond Open Access in the Australian Context
Diamond open access refers to scholarly publishing models where neither authors nor readers incur charges. Journals operate through institutional support, volunteer labour, and community contributions rather than commercial subscriptions or article processing charges. In Australia, this model resonates strongly amid debates over research funding, equity, and the sustainability of scholarly communication.
HERDSA's involvement underscores the journal's roots in the Australasian higher education community. Established in 2020, ASRHE builds on HERDSA's long-standing commitment to advancing teaching and learning scholarship across universities such as RMIT University, Flinders University, and Charles Sturt University, where several editors are based.
The journal's commitment to no fees makes it particularly valuable for researchers at smaller institutions or those without substantial grant support, fostering broader participation in higher education discourse.
The Philosophy of Generous Scholarship
At the heart of ASRHE lies the concept of generous scholarship. This framework emphasises reciprocity, intellectual generosity, and support across career stages. It moves beyond traditional gatekeeping to create spaces where scholars at all levels can contribute meaningfully.
Editors describe the approach as fostering development for both authors and reviewers. Review processes involve collaborative group discussions rather than isolated feedback, leading to consensus-driven, constructive comments. This model not only improves manuscript quality but also builds capacity among emerging academics.
Such practices reflect broader trends in Australian higher education, where universities increasingly value inclusive research cultures that support diverse voices, including those from Indigenous researchers and practitioner-scholars.
Innovative Features: Research in Progress and Beyond
ASRHE distinguishes itself through two main article categories. 'Research Complete' follows conventional standards for substantial contributions. 'Research in Progress' allows publication of early-stage work, including pilot studies, emerging methodologies, and theoretical explorations.
This category invites collaboration and iteration, recognising that research is rarely linear. For Australian academics balancing heavy teaching loads, it provides an avenue to share insights without waiting for large-scale projects to conclude.
The journal also encourages non-traditional formats, such as multimedia or visual arguments, acknowledging that conventional article structures may not suit every inquiry. Proposals for open article categories aim to better accommodate Indigenous ways of knowing, addressing calls for decolonising publishing practices in Australian higher education.
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HERDSA's Role and Broader Sector Impact
HERDSA, a key player in Australasian higher education, provides sponsorship and oversight. The society connects researchers across institutions, promoting evidence-based improvements in teaching and learning.
ASRHE's diamond model contributes to national conversations about open access. With many Australian journals already operating without fees, ASRHE strengthens this ecosystem. It supports the sector's push for greater equity, particularly as universities navigate funding pressures and international student dynamics.
By prioritising developmental reviewing and inclusive formats, the journal aligns with university strategies for research training and staff development at institutions nationwide.
Benefits for Academics and Institutions
Early-career researchers and PhD candidates benefit significantly. The supportive review process offers professional development opportunities, while the Research in Progress category allows timely dissemination of work.
Institutions gain from increased visibility of their scholars' contributions without financial barriers. The journal's focus on SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) directly supports teaching-focused academics at colleges and universities.
Reviewers receive recognition letters highlighting their contributions, enhancing CVs and fostering a sense of community within the higher education research network.
Challenges and Sustainability Considerations
While promising, diamond open access faces sustainability questions. Reliance on volunteer labour and institutional support requires ongoing commitment. ASRHE's model, backed by HERDSA, demonstrates one viable path, but scaling such initiatives across the sector demands strategic investment.
Australian universities must consider how to integrate support for these journals into research strategies. Recognition in promotion criteria and funding allocation could further strengthen the model.
Future Outlook for Open Scholarship
ASRHE represents a forward-looking approach as Australian higher education evolves. With aspirations for indexing in databases like DOAJ and the Emerging Sources Citation Index, the journal aims to increase its reach while maintaining its values-driven ethos.
As global discussions on open access intensify, ASRHE offers a distinctly Australasian perspective rooted in generous scholarship. It invites submissions from anyone aligned with its mission, regardless of affiliation.
The journal's website at open-publishing.org/journals/index.php/asrhe provides submission guidelines and reviewer opportunities.
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How to Engage with ASRHE
Academics interested in contributing can submit manuscripts through the journal platform. Calls for reviewers appear periodically on the announcements page.
HERDSA members and the wider higher education community are encouraged to participate, whether as authors, reviewers, or readers. Contact details are available via asrhe@herdsa.org.au.
This launch signals an important step toward more equitable and developmental publishing practices in Australia's universities and colleges.