Ingrid Richardson, Natalie Hendry, Catherine Gomes, Gretchen Coombs, Larissa Hjorth, Ruth DeSouza and Anne Harris

Summary

In this report we have outlined some of the key themes, issues, practices and perceptions experienced by HDR candidates relating to:
• Belonging and Communities of Practice
• Working from Home
• Uncertain Futures and Precarious Work
• International Candidates’ Experience
• RMIT Systems and Services
• Ethics of Care

COVID-19 has recalibrated everything — work, life and study — as many of these activities become compressed in the home. Digital amplification can be felt palpably on all areas — in good and less positive ways. For HDRs, this recalibration has added another layer of complexity and instability in an already undulating journey that is both intellectual and psychological. Work futures have rapidly come under revision — compounding the feelings of uncertainty, loss and change.

By listening to the lived experience of HDRs we can work collaboratively to develop nuanced systems and processes that nurture growth during these uncertain times. While digital engagement can help, digital pivots can only provide a certain amount of connection. Connection doesn’t always translate to belonging. Understanding and addressing belonging during the pandemic means developing more agile co-designed methods for engagement and communities of practice to foster a collaborative and sustainable future — both as part of the HDR journey and beyond.

This report has sought to give a voice to the diverse and divergent lived experiences of current HDRs, across different fields of research and stages of the research.

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