In a national first, the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) has unveiled the Trials Registry, an innovative resource set to close evidence gaps and revolutionise equity policy and practice across Australian higher education.
While commitment to equity in higher education is strong, access to evidence on what truly makes a difference remains inconsistent. The Trials Registry seeks to bridge this gap by showcasing equity initiative trials through ACSES’s Equity Frontiers program. It provides universities and practitioners with open access to evaluation results and methodologies, empowering them to implement proven strategies to enhance outcomes for both prospective and current students.
The Registry highlights initiatives being evaluated at universities across Australia, focusing on trials targeting specific outcomes, priority student groups, and different stages of the student lifecycle. In the near future, detailed trial protocols will be added to the Registry, offering deeper insights into these initiatives and equipping users to replicate successful models locally.
As each trial concludes, the Registry will be updated with final reports and summaries of trial results, creating a continuously evolving resource. This tool is designed to support evidence-based decision-making, helping to close equity gaps in enrolment, retention and student success. It also aligns with the broader higher education reforms outlined in the Australian Universities Accord Report.
Spearheading the Registry’s development, ACSES Trials Lead Dr Patricia Vermillion Peirce said the tool was a turning point for equity research in Australia.
“As ACSES continues to fund trials, the Registry will grow in size and value for the equity sector,” she said.
“By sharing results and methodologies, we’re not just building knowledge, we’re driving change because the Registry gives universities easy access to relevant information that can make a difference to student outcomes.”
ACSES Executive Director Professor Shamit Saggar emphasised the significance of the initiative.
“Equity in higher education is essential for Australia’s future given its inextricable link with the nation’s prosperity,” he said.
“The Trials Registry provides the tools for our universities to make that vision a reality.”
The launch of the Trials Registry marks a crucial first step in building a stronger evidence base for equity in higher education. Visit the ACSES Trials Registry to learn more.
ACSES is funded by the Commonwealth Government to support sustained improvement in outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In July 2022, the Government announced it would commit $20.5 million over four years to expand the Centre. Its work aligns with the Australian Universities Accord.
