Researchers wanting to undertake research at department sites such as school and preschools can find application forms and information about supporting documents as well as information about national research and how to access existing data. Department staff can find information about commissioning or reporting on research and evaluation.

Before you start

Researchers should read the conducting research with department staff, students and data procedure (PDF 542 KB) before applying to conduct research.

Supporting documentation you may need for your application include:

• Working with Children Check OR Teachers Registration Board registration
• Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) application, amendments or letter of approval
• letter of introduction to principal, preschool director or site leader
• information sheets for participants
• instruments, assessments or questionnaires
• consent forms
• proof of public liability insurance (see below).

See the department's research policy (PDF 530 KB) for more information.

Understanding our research agenda

Our research agenda outlines the priority research necessary to inform our Strategy for Public Education.

The focus areas of the research agenda include:

• enhancing teaching and learning methods
• prioritising health and wellbeing
• integrating diversity and inclusion
• utilising technology effectively
• strengthening our workforce.

Learn more about  the department's research agenda (PDF 2 MB) and how it can help you generate high quality data.

If you have any queries about the research agenda contact education.strategicpolicy@sa.gov.au.

Apply to undertake research

Research in South Australia only

For a new research study, complete the research application form (DOCX 1 MB) .

To modify an already approved research study, you can complete the shorter research modification form (DOCX 1 MB) .

Email completed forms and all supporting documents to Education.ResearchUnit@sa.gov.au.

Research in more than 1 Australian state or territory

Different forms and guidelines may apply to researchers undertaking projects across other states and territories. You should check guidelines specific to the state you want to conduct research in:

• Victoria
• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory.

Alternatively:

• read the national application guidelines (PDF 151KB)
• submit a national research application form (PDF 317KB)
• email both South Australian and national applications for research and evaluation to Education.ResearchUnit@sa.gov.au.

Request access to department data

You can request access to data that is already held by the department but not typically collected for the purposes of research. This includes:

• enrolments
• attendance
• NAPLAN.

Learn more about requesting data on government schools.

Commissioning or reporting on research and evaluation

Department for Education staff should read the following for general guidance on:

• reviewing or summarising research or evaluation findings – reporting on research and evaluation fact sheet (DOCX 67 KB)
• initiating, sponsoring or commissioning research and evaluation studies or work – initiating and sponsoring research and evaluation fact sheet (DOCX 70 KB) .