Research Workshop

The Research Council Committee (“RCC”) convened a research workshop in mid-2009. The workshop was attended by more than 50 researchers (from other disciplines as well as the actuarial sciences), practitioners and others.

The main aim of the workshop was to critique, advocate and help fine-tune a list of strategically important areas that should be given priority in allocation of the first round of Australian Actuarial Research Grants, later in 2009. The opportunity was taken to have the workshop thoroughly discuss, and voice ideas on, the important associated subject of linkages between specialist researchers and the practising sector of the membership.

The discussion and deliberations that took place at the workshop greatly helped RCC finalise the list of priority research areas used in the first grants round. In early 2010 RCC revisited that list of strategically important fields, and decided that, while the form and content of the list would be reviewed and fine-tuned in consultation with practice committees and other relevant parties before the 2010 research grants round, convening another research workshop in 2010 would not be necessary.

RCC did decide, however, that a second workshop should be held in 2011. Information on that event will be made available well in advance.

The second round of Australian Actuarial Research Grants, as well as the first round of the companion Australian Actuarial Research Contracts program, will be advertised in late July/early August 2010.