CQUniversity is not about to shoot first and ask questions later. It is embedding a research agenda right at the start of its journey as a 'dual-sector' institution.

The University is hoping for final approval soon on its proposed merger with CQ Institute of TAFE, and it is also progressing its own vocational education and training (VET) programs as it transitions into a dual-sector institution from 2013.

VC Prof Scott Bowman pictured welcoming federal government backing for the dual sector concept

Meanwhile, academics and community stakeholders interested in evaluating dual-sector from the ground up will gather at Rockhampton Campus on November 7 and 8 for the Inaugural CQUniversity Dual Sector Research Symposium and associated workshop.

Over the next three to five years, in alignment with progress as a dual-sector institution, the aims are to develop research informing the development of VET at the national and international levels, to drive and inform the development of CQUniversity as the leading dual-sector institution, and to encourage and celebrate the collaborative CQUni-CQIT response to industry needs.

This event is being funded by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Vocational Education and Training) Nik Babovic and has the support of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Chad Hewitt. The symposium will be convened by Assoc Prof Bobby Harreveld, Dr Ros Cameron, Assoc Prof Kristy Richardson and Dr Susan Kinnear around themes including 'sustainable regional development', 'policy and programming', 'workplace planning and development', and 'teaching and learning'.

Seminar speakers will include Mr Babovic, RMIT Principal Policy Adviser Gavin Moodie, UniSA Strategic Research Partnerships Senior Adviser Janet Dibb-Leigh, National Centre for Vocational Education Research's GM Research Sue Fergusson, and Skills Queensland CEO Rod Camm.

"The change in operations at the University provides an exciting opportunity to establish a new area of research interest and strength: that of dual-sector research," says Dr Cameron.

"The symposium focus will be on growing a shared understanding of the research needs and opportunities within the dual-sector landscape."