A Model for Collaborative Research

Abstract

This chapter describes the formation and trajectory of the Bush Tracks (BT) Research Group. The contemporary educational background and principles that guided the group are outlined, followed by the identification of values shared by members that underpinned the group's productive research process and dissemination of outcomes. Supportive leadership is identified as an important factor underpinning the success of Bush Tracks. In addition, mentoring and collaborative opportunities over more than a decade of research activity contributed to the success of the group, with continuing research relationships between members proving to be an enduring legacy. In recent years, the positive collegial values practised as part of Bush Tracks have seeded a faculty-wide approach to enhancing research culture within a regional university. In this instance, the ways of working together developed by the Bush Tracks Research Group were taken as a blueprint for encouraging innovative and collegial research practice.