NEW PARTNERSHIPS IN SUPPORTING POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH N. TRIVETT, J. SKILLEN, B. JAMES Learning Development, University of Wollongong Abstract Learning Development at the University of Wollongong has embarked on a coordinated and strategic approach to the provision of support for postgraduate research students and supervisors. This involves partnerships between Learning Development academics, faculties and their Research Committees, the University Research Office and postgraduate coordinators to assess student and supervisor needs, and to provide colloquia, workshops and resources that will enhance research training for postgraduate students and research management practices for faculties. It is hoped that this work will mirror the success Leaning Development and their faculty partners have had at undergraduate level in supporting student learning and significantly improve the skills of research students as well as impact on the skills of discipline staff/supervisors. Background The context of Australian postgraduate supervision has been changing since the late 1980's. Not only has the number of students enrolled in PhD programs increased dramatically (Leder, 1996), but the Australian postgraduate population is now more diverse and variable (Kamler & Threadgold, 1997). The move towards interdisciplinary study has added yet another complicating dimension to this context. Most students embarking on postgraduate study within this context will find that their supervisor is likely to be someone "whose only training to do supervision and