Abstract:
At a time when academics in the vocational built environment disciplines find themselves
in an employment environment with an increasing emphasis on research output and
impact, there is conflicting push for ‘reality’ from the industry that our graduates will
serve. There is resultant disillusionment from both academe and industry. Add to this the
expectation from our accreditation bodies that lecturing staff, including part-time faculty
with extensive industry expertise, must have a strong research profile and the dilemma is
compounded. This keynote address presented at the 13th PRRES conference in Fremantle
over 21 – 24 January 2007 will challenge industry, academe, and our professional
institutions to come together and find consensus on how we best balance the multiple
expectations on our university faculties to serve society in the built environment arena.
