ANU McCusker Institute

The ANU McCusker Institute is committed to developing community-minded leaders who make a positive social impact. Our mission is to inspire students and the broader ANU community to become active contributors to local, national, and global communities while raising awareness of pressing social issues. We aim to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world challenges by fostering collaboration and encouraging partnerships that drive innovative solutions. This approach enhances the educational experience and prepares our students to tackle complex societal issues as engaged citizens. Through our programs, projects, and placements, the McCusker Institute promotes social responsibility and aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating positive change in society. We strive to provide impactful opportunities that inspire all members of the ANU community to contribute to a better future.

• Networks: The McCusker Institute cultivates a vibrant network of transdisciplinary researchers, social change advocates, and academic professionals. This network encourages collaboration across various fields, enabling the sharing of opportunities and expertise to address complex societal issues and enhance the contributions of both students and staff.

• Connection: Through partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the McCusker Institute connects students, researchers, and community organisations with leading experts. By fostering engagement in innovative projects, we enable participants to develop solutions that drive meaningful social impact and community development.

• Training and curriculum: As a cross-College, education-focused institute, McCusker offers targeted programs and shareable curricula aimed at developing key graduate attributes, including Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving, Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledges, and Critical Thinking, with a special focus on Social Impact. Our programs, designed by experts, aim to enhance leadership skills, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

• Education: The Institute provides opportunities for students from all degree programs to engage in real-world projects. Our academic offerings are enriched by research and experiential learning that prepares students to tackle societal challenges, fostering the development of transdisciplinary problem-solving skills.

• Academic Freedom: The McCusker Institute promotes the independence of research and learning while supporting new, socially engaged approaches. Our goal is to blend academic rigor with a real-world impact that addresses pressing global challenges.

• Collaboration and project partnerships: The McCusker Institute fosters a collaborative learning culture by building partnerships that connect the ANU with the broader community. These partnerships enable student projects that engage with cross-cutting research areas, fostering a culture of engagement and innovation across all Colleges. Our collaborative efforts span areas such as student engagement, staff development, learning systems, and cross-College relationships, creating a dynamic environment for impactful learning.

Our expertise spans decades of academic engagement across a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, policy, governance, and humanities. In addition to these areas, we emphasise applying research to real-world challenges that create meaningful social change. Many of the challenges facing communities throughout Australia and particularly in Canberra, are complex or “wicked” problems, involving demographic, infrastructural, political, cultural, and economic dimensions. As an Institute we strive to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and societal needs, creating opportunities for students to apply their skills to these pressing social issues. The McCusker Institute empowers students to address these multifaceted issues by forming small teams that work alongside academic staff and community partners—including industry, government, and local organisations. Together, they tackle different dimensions of these challenges, contributing innovative solutions that have a lasting social impact. Through strong partnerships with community organisations, government, and fellow universities, the McCusker Institute plays an integral role in advancing solutions for Australia’s most significant societal challenges. Together, we are building a collaborative and inclusive network that empowers students, researchers, and professionals to create a brighter, more equitable future.

Our expertise spans decades of academic engagement across a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, policy, governance, and humanities. In addition to these areas, we emphasise applying research to real-world challenges that create meaningful social change. Many of the challenges facing communities throughout Australia and particularly in Canberra, are complex or “wicked” problems, involving demographic, infrastructural, political, cultural, and economic dimensions. As an Institute we strive to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and societal needs, creating opportunities for students to apply their skills to these pressing social issues. The McCusker Institute empowers students to address these multifaceted issues by forming small teams that work alongside academic staff and community partners—including industry, government, and local organisations. Together, they tackle different dimensions of these challenges, contributing innovative solutions that have a lasting social impact. Through strong partnerships with community organisations, government, and fellow universities, the McCusker Institute plays an integral role in advancing solutions for Australia’s most significant societal challenges. Together, we are building a collaborative and inclusive network that empowers students, researchers, and professionals to create a brighter, more equitable future.