NAATI Research Fund

As part of our work during the Improvements to NAATI Testing (INT) Project, we identified the ongoing need for NAATI to invest in industry research. A small annual research fund now exists to promote relevant translating and interpreting research. 

The aim of the NAATI Research Fund is to broaden the scope of industry research projects and collaborations. 

NAATI is now considering third party proposals for funding for the 2021-2022 financial year.

What Do I Need To Know?

NAATI encourages collaborative funding involving other funding sources (such as ARC linkage grants). We understand that external funding options have varying submission dates and application processes and requirements.

Applications for research funding can be made at any time (via a registration of interest process). NAATI will consider research proposals over one or more than one year.

What Are The Research Priorities?

NAATI considers research priorities on an annual basis. The priorities for the 2021-2022 financial year are as follows:

Certification System Quality and Scope

• Validation of English language proficiency prerequisites: analysis of relationship between language proficiency level and translating and interpreting (T&I) test results.
• Validation of test specifications: analysis of relationship between test results and professional competency.
• Reliability of live role-player test delivery.
• Inter-rater reliability (i.e. consistency of test scores across two or more raters).
• Analysis of the relationship between examiners’ demographic characteristics and assessment performance.
• Options for providing valid and reliable translating and interpreting skills testing opportunities for new and emerging languages.

Endorsed Qualifications 

• Best practice in translating and interpreting specialisation education.
• Relationships between training/qualification type, duration, intake demographics and English and LOTE language proficiency and certification outcomes.

Translating & Interpreting Practice

• Practitioner retention rates, demographics and strategies (i.e. why certified practitioners are retained or lost to the profession?).
• Best practice management of vicarious trauma for T&I practitioners.
• Identification of current gaps in professional development opportunities for translators and interpreters in Australia.
• Analysis of AUSIT code of ethics in context of recent theories and practices, and its implications to validity and reliability of NAATI’s assessment tool for ethical competencies.

Broader Industry 

• Identification of priority languages to meet emerging demand within translating and interpreting sector (including regional variations).
• Cost-benefit analysis of engaging appropriately credentialed practitioners or failing to do so in particular sectors (e.g. health, legal, immigration).
• Efficient and effective methods for user education on the NAATI certification system.
• Effectiveness of certification in improving standards in the industry.

How Do I Apply?

Interested parties should submit their proposal by completing the application form.

After you have submitted an application, NAATI will conduct an initial assessment to determine if your application meets the eligibility criteria for recommendation for funding. Generally this will take about four weeks.

Applications that meet these criteria will then be referred to the Technical Reference Advisory Committee (TRAC) for review before consideration by the NAATI Board (via the CEO). Consideration of applications can take up to 12 weeks.

Applications that have merit but do not pass this initial assessment will be returned to the applicant with feedback and an invitation to re-apply with relevant modifications.

Applications that do not have merit will be returned to the applicant with feedback about why their application was unsuccessful.

Successful applicants will be contacted and provided with a draft funding contract. You will then be required to provide six-monthly progress reports and a final report including a financial acquittal at the completion of the research project.