Research activity among the Australian nursing and midwifery academic workforce: a cross-sectional study

Background: Research in nursing and midwifery continues to grow and inform evidence-based practice. However, intentions to pursue an academic research pathway and heavy teaching workloads impede research outcomes in academia, with the nursing and midwifery academic workforce being at particular risk. Aim: Determine research activity among the nursing and midwifery academic Australian workforce and explore how academic roles, qualifications, tenure, and workload profiles influence research engagement, productivity, and outcomes. Methods: An online survey was circulated throughout Australian universities, social media platforms, and professional websites. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 250 respondents, the majority (n=164) were research-active and were employed in blended teaching and research roles (n = 126). Tenured academics reported a significantly higher rate of research-active status (p ≤ 0.001). The mean number of papers published in the previous 12 months was 3.31 (Standard Deviation [SD] 2.28), with a career mean of 26.47 (SD 46.25). Respondents who were research active were engaged in Higher Degree Research (HDR) supervision, and research-active academics were more likely to apply for and be successful in grant outcomes (p<.001); however, they had lower levels of satisfaction with workload. Discussion: Job security through tenure is significantly associated with research activity, indicating that research productivity may be lost through non-tenured positions. Whilst research-active respondents were engaged in HDR supervision, which is essential for workforce growth and scholarship, a significant portion were not, placing the workforce pipeline at risk. Conclusion: Research activity in academia is essential for tenure and to support evidence-based practice. By fostering enabling research environments, the contribution of nursing and midwifery academics to support evidence-based practice and scholarship can be enhanced.