Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO) was recently named as one to watch by Swinburne University of Technology’s Professor Aleksandar Subic in a publication featuring 15 impact case studies – from research as diverse as astrophysics to homelessness.
‘I am pleased to let you know that we have published Change Makers – a compilation of 15 diverse stories of research impact from across Swinburne that showcases some of our most inspiring and transformative outcomes,’ announced Professor Subic, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development).
‘These case studies showcase how innovative research and strong partnerships can create positive real-world change in industry and the community.’
Professor Aleksandar Subic
Better information for more people
APO was named as one of three digital providers of ‘better information for more people’. These three enterprises (APO, Inside Story and UniPollWatch) were all ‘born digital’ and collect and organise information to make it more discoverable and usable in new ways.
The case study traces the evolution of APO (originally named ‘Australian Policy Online’) from its launch in 2002 as an open access database for policy research. Awarded the ‘Best Information Website’ at the 2014 Australian and New Zealand Internet Awards, APO has grown from humble beginnings to having more than 4.2 million users from around the world, with 16.4 million page views.
At the time of writing the case study, APO hosted an impressive 38,928 policy resources in 1,264 subjects, contributed by more than 6,000 institutions and almost 27,000 authors – numbers that continue to grow steadily year on year.
APO’s comprehensive array of policy contributors includes government departments and agencies, academic research centres, think tanks, civil society organisations, consultants, and research companies and academic publishers from all around the world. Many organisations have also joined as partners, APO Collection sponsors and APO Briefing subscribers.
Presented alongside APO in this case study is Inside Story – an online magazine on current affairs and culture from Australia and beyond, authored by academics and journalists. UniPollWatch – established for the 2014 Victorian state election to provide innovative coverage of current events through the eyes of young Australians – is also highlighted in the same category.
Change Makers is a compilation of 15 diverse case studies of research impact from across Swinburne University. This research is in line with Swinburne University’s Research and Innovation Strategy – ‘Transforming Industries, Shaping Lives and Communities’, and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Engagement and Impact Assessment agenda. Enquiries about this publication can be made to Swinburne Research.
