The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to develop a research profile that develops knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. The aim of all the research is to further knowledge within the discipline area, within the Faculty and the University, as well as the broader community beyond the University.

The Faculty has established two Research Centres which foster research in specialist areas. These are:

• The East-West Centre for Cultural and Economic Studies
• The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD – New Centre launched in August 2010)

In 2011, the Faculty also announced the launch of the Australian Centre for Arson Research and Treatment (ACART), the first centre in Australia devoted to research and treatment of deliberate fire-setting.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a number of distinguished and active researchers. Many of those individual researchers contributed to major research projects which were recognised by successful grant applications, the publication of academic books, articles and seminar and conference presentations. Some achievements included: 

• Assistant Professor Bruce Watt received $150,000 from Q-Comp for a projected titled ‘Q-Comp return to work authority evaluation’.
• Professor Jeffery Brand received $47,900 from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association for a project titled ‘Digital Australia and New Zealand 2011, a social and market research study’.
• Professor Mark Pearson was also awarded $2,500 from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health for a project titled ‘Legal restrictions on media reporting of mental health proceedings’.

In addition, during 2011 the Faculty continued to support an active Seminar Series, as well as host some influential national and international visitors. The HSS Seminar Series this year included the many Confirmation Seminars given by the PhD cohort. In addition, the Faculty dedicated block grant funds to the development of support mechanisms to underpin all candidates’ research capacity. Individual Grants were assured for all eligible candidates and Fieldwork Grants were allocated on a competitive basis. The funds were used to fund diverse research methodologies. Mentoring candidates through paid research assistant work within the Faculty was also encouraged. Many of the candidates found undertaking research assistance work with senior academics, beneficial in their own research work.