The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is committed to producing research and advice that’s rigorous, ethical, transparent and useful for education policy and practice. 

We build quality into our research and evaluation (called ‘research’ here) at every stage – from project design, through to publication and use. This includes internal processes and external expert input and review to ensure our research work is robust, credible and fit for purpose. 

How we ensure quality 

We use a combination of processes to ensure the quality of our research. These processes help us to:

  • select methods that fit the research question
  • identify and manage ethical, privacy, governance and data risks
  • test the quality of our analysis and interpretation
  • identify gaps, limitations or alternative explanations
  • ensure findings are supported by the evidence
  • communicate conclusions clearly and transparently
  • improve our methods, tools and processes over time.

Different types of research projects require different quality assurance approaches. Our processes are tailored to the purpose, scale, complexity and risk of each project. 

For every project, our aim is the same – to ensure we’re:

  • asking the right questions
  • using the right methods
  • supporting our findings well
  • testing implications with key stakeholders
  • stating limitations as clearly and comprehensively as possible
  • providing suitable outputs for our intended audiences.

Stakeholder input

AERO works with partners, systems, sectors, educators, researchers and other stakeholders to align our research work with real-world policy and practice.

Stakeholder input helps us to:

  • inform research priorities and test whether research questions are relevant and useful
  • understand context and implementation considerations
  • identify practical implications for policy or practice
  • check whether outputs are clear and usable 
  • strengthen the relevance of our work.

We consult with project partners, governments, experts and other stakeholders, as well as groups, including:

Stakeholder input complements research expertise by helping ensure AERO’s research work is grounded in the settings where it will be used.

External review and expert input

In addition to strong internal processes, AERO engages external expert advice – including peer reviewers and subject matter experts – where additional independent or specialist advice would strengthen a project. 

All of our Work Plan research projects undergo external review at least once – typically during the write-up phase, with additional review where appropriate. Complex projects are guided by an independent expert advisory group from beginning to end.

External reviewers may assess methods, analysis, interpretation, findings or draft outputs. Subject matter experts provide specialist knowledge about a topic, context, population group, method or area of policy or practice.

Reviewers and experts are selected through a structured process based on the specific needs of the project and the expertise and experience required. This includes consideration of:

  • subject matter knowledge
  • methodological or technical expertise
  • experience in the relevant education context
  • ability to critically assess methods, findings and limitations
  • independence from the project, including conflicts of interest
  • ability to provide clear and constructive feedback.

We acknowledge all external advisors and reviewers by name in our outputs where we have permission.

Technical review and verification 

We quality assure our research work to support the accuracy and integrity of data (both qualitative and quantitative), analysis and reporting.

We carry out multiple checks through the life of a project. This includes checking one or more of the following:

  • data quality, completeness and appropriate use
  • coding or analytical processes
  • tables, figures and charts
  • citations and references
  • consistency between evidence, findings and conclusions
  • reporting accuracy and clarity.

These checks may be undertaken by project team members, internal reviewers, methodological specialists or senior staff, depending on the project’s complexity.

Learning and continuous improvement

We use insights from reviews, stakeholder feedback and project delivery to strengthen our future work. This includes refining methods, templates, tools and review processes, and supporting professional learning and reflection across project teams.

Quality assurance is therefore both a project-level process and part of our broader commitment to continuous improvement.