Analysis of Australian Research Council Grants Awarded for Social Work Projects 2008–2017

Abstract

The quantity and quality of social work research is central to creating knowledge for the profession and maintaining social work’s presence and status in universities. This study examines Australian Research Council grants awarded for social work projects for the 10-year period 2008–2107. It investigates the quantum of grants and the topics addressed, and compares social work to related social sciences. The field of social work was awarded 84 research grants over the 10-year period, a total of $23 million and an average of 8.4 grants per year. However, this did not match the grant successes of the two comparator fields of criminology and social policy and administration. Having a clear picture of research achievements, including grants, is necessary to enable the discipline to plot a strategic way forward, addressing gaps and deficits, and building on strengths. IMPLICATIONS Increasing research grant success is vital to the ongoing development of the social work knowledge base, and bolsters the standing of social work in universities. Maximising the use of social work Field of Research codes will increase the visibility of social work research, especially in multidisciplinary projects. Social work researchers should publicise competitive grant successes.