Institute for Humanities, Education and Arts Research (IHEAR)

IHEAR is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to transform the lives of communities and individuals through empirical research, civic engagement, and partnerships. We thrive as a supportive, connected and inclusive research community with subject leaders, experts and aspiring researchers. We exist to bring positive changes to people’s lives and promote cultures, communities and human development.

We specialise in the following methodologies:

Behavioural-cognitive analysis
Cultural and literacy analysis
Participatory research
Large-scale data-driven inquiries
Socio-cognitive approach to assessment

IHEAR hosts the world leading Centre of English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA). Home of the socio-cognitive framework for assessment design and validation.

Our Vision

We exist to bring positive changes to people’s lives and promote cultures, communities and human development. Our research addresses a variety of issues including:

The missing voices of the marginalised, vulnerable, and/or under-represented, minority cultural representation, homeless communities, children on the move, students from diverse socio-economic status, people affected by trauma, disabilities, or exclusion;
Superficial adoption, misapplication or unintended harm: translating knowledge, evidence, and lived experience to impact lives through improved policy, professional practice, assessment design, public understanding through civil engagement and partnerships;
Rapid changes in AI and digital transformation, professional identities, shifting media landscapes, online communication, platform power;
Promotion of arts, cultures and communities: engaging in place-based research; providing research expertise and evaluation of projects in local, regional and national communities; and creating new knowledge and arts practices.