In short
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Science impact through continuous improvement
We are committed to both science excellence and client satisfaction. We are scientists because we want to contribute to evidence-based decision-making and we know that our science is assisting our partners to achieve this.
Since 2013, ARI has asked our clients for feedback about our performance and the impact of our research. Through an annual survey we continue to learn how we can improve our services and better support our clients to make meaningful and informed decisions to improve biodiversity outcomes.
Our commitment to continuously improving has seen our average Customer Satisfaction Rating increase over the last 12 years by 10% from Good (3.95) to Very good (4.52). This would not have been possible without the genuine feedback from 578 clients over this period.
In the 2024-25 financial year, ARI delivered on 160 projects for over 50 project partners from all levels of Government, resource management, universities and Traditional Owner organisations.
Examples of partner organisations ARI works with.
Our approach to research
Our clients are not only customers but partners in the research we deliver. Every project we deliver contributes to and benefits from ARI’s more than 55 years of ecological research in Victoria, from field observations to data management and analyses, and species expertise.
Our research is targeted, has direct application and is delivered directly to decision-makers in policy and resource management who can use it.
As a Victorian Government Research Institute, ARI supports the delivery science for the public good and protecting our environment.
What you can expect from working with ARI
- Independent, trusted research delivered under the Victorian Public Service Code of Conduct.
- Research designed to answer your questions.
- Use of legacy data – new projects value-add to our comprehensive datasets so you can get the most out of your research investment.
- Responsive, transparent communications and professional project management.
- Quality communications products to help tell your science story to your audience.
- A collaborative approach that makes working with ARI an enjoyable experience.
2025 Partner survey
Our 2025 ARI Partner Survey received 48 responses from Governments (Local, State, Federal and International), Catchment Management Authorities, Traditional Owner Organisation, consultants and universities.
These represented projects of varying durations (from less than 6 months to multiple years), diverse research services and for 22% of responders, it was their first time working with ARI.
We are proud that 100% of our responding clients would recommend ARI to others, and almost 35% already have.
Impact of our research
Our partners come to us for our recognised expertise, quality outputs and for building strong research partnerships. For the first time, respondents highlighted that our research was expected to have impact in supporting and engaging with Traditional Owners.
96% of our clients say that our research has had a moderate to very high level of influence on their organisation’s work (52% high to very high in 2025).
Our research was expected to:
- Inform management decision making (77% of projects)
- Facilitate on-ground management actions (56% of projects)
- Support communication programs (40% of projects)
- Inform policy development (27% of projects)
We also heard that our science would support self-determination for Traditional Owners and improve data management and analysis.
What our clients say
- Overall satisfaction – 96% felt their overall satisfaction was good or better.
- Value for money - 81% of clients said ARI’s overall value for money was good or better.
- Understanding of the funders needs – 100% felt ARI had a good or better understanding of their research needs.
- Rigour and robustness of the science – 98% said that ARI’s science and thinking behind the project design was good or better.
- Quality products – 87% of our clients rated our reports, products or services as good or better.
- Relevance of recommendations – where applicable, 77% said recommendations were good or better with 23% saying this question was not applicable.
Partners choose to work with ARI because:
- Reputation or recognised expertise (71%)
- Existing relationships or continuing project (58%)
- Trusted and confidential partner (42%)
Partner testimony
"It is more like a partnership rather than a regular service provider, and there is continuous improvement and commitment to the science.” – 2025
“I've worked with a number of ARI scientists and am always impressed with the breadth of their knowledge and experience. The people I have worked with are exceptionally well organised and professional while also being easy-going and inclusive.” – 2025
“The knowledge brought to our project by the team helped to influence some of our decision making in the finalising stages of development. They were responsive to our needs and were flexible to any additional requests we had.” – 2025
“Best research organisation I work with for quality, service and timeliness. Very professional." – 2024
“[ARI’s] flexibility allowed us to offer opportunities for TO partners and community members to observe/participate where possible. [Staff are] great at helping us identify knowledge gaps and finding a suitable project to address it ensuring our MERI program is robust and efficient” – 2024
“The people. ARI staff are so knowledgeable and passionate and bring and share that knowledge in inclusive ways. I was also really impressed by ARI staff's ability to listen and incorporate Traditional Owner knowledge and aspirations into the project.” – 2024
“[We had] access to cutting edge expertise and methods, clear lines of communication which allowed us to work closely to meet the critical requirements of the work. Honest and frank discussions about what was possible in the timelines and working closely on solutions together that produced the best, most usable and fit for purpose tools.” – 2024
“The ARI team has delivered the work within budget and within very challenging deadlines.” – 2023
“They're both so knowledgeable and are excellent communicators!” – 2023
“[The scientists] did an amazing job and did some ground-breaking work. They also did some fantastic presentations on this work to staff and other agencies to promote the excellent research.” – 2023
Page last updated: 29/09/26