Scholarship, inquiry and impact
Our research centres are dedicated towards fostering innovation, research, and development, and brings together the strengths of our PhD qualified permanent and sessional academics. It also services the development needs of early-career academics and future research students.
Our research vision
CIHE Australia’s research agenda is focused on building capability in business, technology and professional practice as well as Early Childhood Education and Community Services.
We support research that is:
- rigorous and ethically conducted
- informed by industry and community needs
- translated into practical insights and impact
- inclusive of diverse perspectives and global contexts
Whether you are an emerging researcher, postgraduate student or industry partner, CIHE Australia provides a supportive environment to explore your ideas.
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Information Technology
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Accounting
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Early Childhood Education
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Community Services
Research Centre in Accounting
The Research Centre in Accounting (RCEA) supports innovation, research, and development in Accounting. Its key objectives include conducting high-impact research, building partnerships with industry and academia, enhancing curriculum through research-led teaching, and promoting knowledge sharing through conferences and seminars. The Centre also supports sustainability-focused accounting research, develops talent through training and mentorship, and strengthens research and supervision capability for research degrees.
Research priorities:
- Auditing and Assurance: Audit processes, risk management, and the impact of technology.
- Cross-disciplinary Research: Applications of machine learning and data analytics in Accounting.
Meet our researchers:
- Associate Professor Asal Al-Odat
- Associate Professor Nazila Razi
- Dr Mohobbot Ali
- Dr. Md Khokan Bepari
- Dr. Fazle Rabbi
- Dr Phillip Lawrence
- Dr. Tharindu Attanayake
Research Centre in Information Technology
The Research Centre in Information Technology (RCIT) supports innovation, research, and development in IT. Its key objectives include conducting high-quality research across major IT domains, promoting knowledge sharing through workshops, seminars, and publications, and collaborating with industry to address real-world challenges. The Centre also supports multidisciplinary technology projects, develops talent through training and mentorship, and strengthens research supervision capability for research degrees.
Research priorities:
- Cybersecurity: Digital security threats, privacy protection, ethical hacking, and AI/ML-enabled defence.
- Software Development: Web applications and software supporting big data technologies.
- IoT and Edge Computing: Smart systems, sensor technologies, IoT security, and edge-cloud integration.
- Cross-disciplinary Research: Machine learning, AI, and data analytics.
Meet our researchers:
Research Centre in Early Childhood Education
The Research Centre in Early Childhood Education (RCECE) is dedicated to advancing innovation, research, and development in the field of Education. The RCECE focuses on addressing pressing challenges in early childhood education.
Objectives
- Advance Research: Conduct high-impact research that contributes to both theoretical and practical advancements in accounting.
- Foster Academic and Industry Collaboration: Build partnerships with firms, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to ensure that research findings are relevant and can be effectively applied.
- Enhance Educational Outcomes: Develop curriculum materials, case studies, and tools that reflect the latest research trends, promoting innovative teaching methodologies.
- Support Sustainable Practices: Focus research on sustainability in accounting practices and reporting, promoting corporate responsibility.
- Develop Talent: Provide training, internships, and mentorship programs for students and professionals to foster skill development in accounting.
- Develop Capability to Support Research Degrees: Build research and research supervision capabilities among early-career researchers.
The RCECE’s research prioritises the following key areas:
- Teacher education, professional identity, and ongoing professional learning for early childhood educators.
- The impact of policies, leadership practices, and governance on early childhood education systems.
- Effective teaching strategies, play-based learning, and STEAM education in early years.
- Cognitive, social, emotional, and language development in early childhood settings.
Meet our researchers:
- Dr Ranran Liu
- Dr Ashley Li
- Dr Thi Thao Vu
- Yuk Lan Edith Leung
- Bhumika Bhatia
- Chutima PRA Adissorn
- Hui (Naomi) Zhu
- Katie Wei
- Diyora Yusupova
- Sinora Tamang
Research Centre in Community Services
The Research Centre in Community Services (RCCS) at CIHE Australia is committed to fostering innovation, research, and development in the field of community services. Drawing on the expertise of CIHE’s faculty, to drive meaningful social impact. It serves as a platform for advancing knowledge in areas such as social work, disability services, mental health, and community development. Additionally, the RCCS supports the professional growth of early-career academics and aspiring researchers, contributing to evidence-based practices that enhance service delivery and social well-being.
Objectives:
- Advance Research: Conduct high-impact research that contributes to both theoretical and practical advancements in accounting.
- Foster Academic and Industry Collaboration: Build partnerships with firms, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to ensure that research findings are relevant and can be effectively applied.
- Enhance Educational Outcomes: Develop curriculum materials, case studies, and tools that reflect the latest research trends, promoting innovative teaching methodologies.
- Support Sustainable Practices: Focus research on sustainability in accounting practices and reporting, promoting corporate responsibility.
- Develop Talent: Provide training, internships, and mentorship programs for students and professionals to foster skill development in accounting.
- Develop Capability to Support Research Degrees: Build research and research supervision capabilities among early-career researchers.
The RCCS focuses on the following key areas:
- Enhance training, accreditation, and continuous learning while strengthening the professional identity and well-being of frontline workers.
- Evaluate national and state policies on service delivery, equity, and accessibility, and investigate leadership models that improve service coordination.
- Explore digital and technology-driven solutions to enhance service accessibility, efficiency, and client outcomes.
- Develop best practices for trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and person-centred service models while addressing systemic barriers faced by vulnerable populations.
- Strengthen community-led initiatives and participatory approaches while evaluating the long-term social impact of community service programs and policies.
Meet our researchers:
- Ms Miriam Hynes
- Naomi Badu
- Kazi S Rashid
Postgraduate research opportunities
CIHE Australia supports higher degree research pathways for students who wish to deepen inquiry and contribute original knowledge. Our research supervision framework emphasises:
- Tailored supervision and academic guidance
- Ethical and rigorous research training
- Connection to relevant professional contexts
- Contributions to academic and industry discourse
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Research Methods or Master of Research.
Our Human Research Ethics Committee
CIHE Australia is committed to ensuring that all research involving human participants is conducted ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with national standards. CIHE Australia has established a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to oversee the ethical review, approval, and ongoing monitoring of human research.
Our HREC operates in alignment with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, 2025) and relevant regulatory and institutional requirements.
Role of the CIHE HREC
The CIHE HREC is responsible for:
- Reviewing research proposals involving human participants to ensure ethical acceptability
- Safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety, and wellbeing of research participants
- Ensuring informed consent processes are appropriate and clearly documented
- Assessing risks and benefits associated with proposed research
- Monitoring approved research for ongoing compliance and reporting requirements
- Reviewing amendments, adverse events, and final reports for approved projects
Governance and Framework
The CIHE HREC is constituted and governed under CIHE Australia policies and procedures and operates in accordance with national ethical guidelines.
This document outlines the Human Research conduct and procedure in accordance to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and outline HREC’s authority, membership composition, decision-making processes, and review pathways.
Applying for Human Research Ethics Approval
CIHE uses a proportionate approach to ethical review, aligned with the level of risk associated with the proposed research.
Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel (HREAP) – Lower Risk Research
Research assessed as low risk (as defined under the National Statement) may be reviewed by the CIHE Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel (HREAP). The HREAP provides ethical review and guidance for projects that involve no more than low risk to participants.
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) – Higher than Low Risk Research
Research that is assessed as higher than low risk is reviewed by the CIHE HREC. Full HREC review ensures comprehensive consideration of ethical issues, participant protections, and regulatory compliance.
Applications are allocated to HREAP or HREC review based on the nature, scope, and risk profile of the research.
External and Unaffiliated Researchers
CIHE Australia may accept applications from external or unaffiliated researchers who require review by a registered Human Research Ethics Committee, subject to meeting CIHE eligibility and acceptance criteria.
This framework supports ethical oversight for researchers who:
- Are not staff or students of CIHE
- Require HREC review for collaborative, independent, or externally funded research
- Do not have access to an institutional HREC elsewhere
Acceptance of external applications is assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to additional conditions, fees, and ongoing monitoring requirements.
For more details contact the Research Office at research.office@cihe.edu.au.
Ongoing monitoring and compliance
All approved research projects are subject to ongoing ethical oversight by the CIHE HREC. Failure to comply with approval conditions may result in additional requirements, suspension, or withdrawal of ethics approval.
Research integrity
CIHE Australia is committed to fostering a culture of research integrity that underpins all research activities conducted under its auspices. Research integrity is fundamental to maintaining public trust, academic credibility, and the protection of research participants.
CIHE Australia expects all researchers to conduct research in accordance with the principles of:
- Honesty and rigour in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of research
- Transparency and accountability in research processes and outcomes
- Respect for research participants, communities, and cultural considerations
- Responsible management of data, materials, and records
- Appropriate authorship, acknowledgement, and disclosure of conflicts of interest
CIHE Australia’s approach to research integrity aligns with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and relevant national guidelines.
Allegations of breaches of research integrity, including research misconduct, are managed in accordance with CIHE Australia policies and established procedures to ensure fairness, confidentiality, and procedural integrity.
Contact the Research Office to learn more about the research integrity at CIHE Australia or to report any concern or complaints regarding research integrity at research.office@cihe.edu.au.
Join our HREC Committee
CIHE Australia welcomes Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified individuals who wish to contribute to ethical governance and research integrity by serving on the CIHE HREC.
HREC membership categories:
- Chair – responsible for leadership, meeting facilitation, and ensuring sound ethical decision-making.
- Community members – individuals not affiliated with CIHE who bring a community, consumer, or participant perspective.
- Professional carers – individuals with current experience in the professional care or treatment of people (e.g. nursing, counselling, allied health).
- Pastoral carers – individuals who provide pastoral, spiritual, or cultural care within a community, including community or faith leaders.
- Legal members – qualified lawyers with expertise relevant to ethical, regulatory, or governance matters.
- Researchers – individuals with current or recent experience in designing, conducting, or supervising human research.
Serving on the HREC provides an opportunity to contribute to high-quality, ethical research and to support emerging and established researchers.
How to Express Interest?
Individuals wishing to be considered for membership are invited to submit a brief curriculum vitae (CV) outlining relevant qualifications and experience and specifying which membership category preferred to research.office@cihe.edu.au. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further discussion.
Contact
For enquiries related to human research ethics, applications, or HREC membership, please contact:
CIHE Research Ethics Office
research.office@cihe.edu.au
Partnerships and collaboration
Research at CIHE Australia is strengthened through partnerships with:
- Industry and professional bodies
- Community organisations
- Other higher education and research institutions
We welcome collaboration that aligns with our strategic research areas and values.
Contact us the Research Office at research.office@cihe.edu.au.
Explore research opportunities at CIHE Australia
Learn how our staff and students engage in applied research and scholarly projects.
What’s on
CIHE Australia opens in Perth
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KU-CIHE IT Double Degree 2026
Australian Computer Society accredited
Semester one enrolments now open
