• Charles Sturt one of five NSW universities to partner with James Martin Institute for Public Policy
• University's researchers will gain access to the $500,000 grant pool of Institute’s 2023 Policy Challenge Grants

Charles Sturt University has joined the James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI), allowing its researchers to undertake projects that boost evidence-based policymaking in NSW.

Since its launch in August 2021, JMI has delivered a range of collaborative projects in partnership with the NSW Government in areas such as domestic violence, economic reform, resilience in remote schools, women’s economic opportunity and AI capability.

As a partner university, Charles Sturt researchers will gain access to the $500,000 grant pool of JMI’s 2023 Policy Challenge Grants – a competitive program for projects that offer new insights into some of Australia’s most significant policy challenges.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon (inset), said the University is “committed to supporting the development of policy solutions that address the needs and priorities of our communities”.

“The partnership with JMI provides an excellent opportunity for our researchers to work with policymakers and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based solutions to complex policy challenges,” Professor Leon said.

JMI was established through a grant from the NSW Government, alongside support from its three founding partners: the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, and the University of Technology Sydney. The University of NSW has joined at the same time as Charles Sturt.

Professor Peter Shergold AO, Chair of the JMI Board, said that he was “deeply proud to welcome UNSW and Charles Sturt among our university partners, as we take this opportunity to scale up this truly unique venture for the public good”.

Ms Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of JMI, said “we look forward to working with the best and brightest minds from UNSW and Charles Sturt to tackle the complex challenges”.

“Charles Sturt brings a unique focus on applied research and practical learning to the partnership,” she said.

“The breadth and depth of UNSW’s research capability, together with Charles Sturt’s commitment to regional and rural communities, will add significant value to the mission of the James Martin Institute.”