The Teaching-Research Relationship in Higher Education

This paper examines higher education policy regarding the relationship between research and teaching. The initial issue dealt with is whether current policy in Irish higher education recognises a relationship between research and teaching, and to examine the dual role of academics as teachers and as researchers. This is followed by an examination of any measures put in place to manage and balance the teaching–research relationship. The way in which the relationship between research and teaching is dealt with both in my own institution, the Technological University Dublin, and in higher education policy in a number of other countries is then considered. Finally, the relevant literature that examines the evidence for a teaching–research relationship and that gives suggestions for good practice in developing a link between these two major aspects of academic work is reviewed.