Monash University statement on MSDI change proposal
The University is proposing that Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) transitions from being a standalone organisational unit to having its functional areas realigned into relevant faculties.
We’ve proposed this realignment to strengthen our academic integration, enable clearer educational alignment, and maximise research impact of our collective sustainability efforts across research.
The University shared the proposal with impacted staff on 18 September and will consider feedback until 17 October before making a final decision. The proposal to change MSDI aims to better support staff and students in both education and research delivery, and impact the communities they serve.
We’ve directly shared the proposal with about 100 staff who may be impacted and will consider their feedback before making a final decision. There are no redundancies or impact on current fixed term staff contracts as part of this proposal.
Under the proposal, staff currently in MSDI would have greater access and teaching support via the faculties to deliver education programs to more students, and strengthen their collaboration.
Climateworks Centre is not part of the proposed scope for change. Under the proposal, Climateworks’ reporting line will remain in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise portfolio.
Climateworks Centre will continue to operate under the existing joint agreement between Monash University and The Myer Foundation. The Centre’s vision, governance and the way it operates as an independent non-profit under Monash University will remain unchanged, including the independent board.
Monash University is deeply committed to research in sustainability and climate change, the Impact 2030 strategy identifies climate change as one of the great challenges of the age, and this important work will continue across the University.
Monash University is aware of the inaccuracies of the recent article in The Age and is working to improve accuracy of the coverage.