Topic: An evaluation of the role and perception of Professional Doctorates in Australia The intention of this research project and the proposed research outcomes are to make available a greater understanding of professional doctorates by candidates, academics and professionals (industry). To achieve this will ultimately help to promote the benefits of professional doctorates as they are not well understood and poorly promoted (Ellis & Anderson, 2009). To achieve this goal it is essential to have a clear understanding of what constitutes a professional doctorate as well as relating the significance of the topic to Mode-2 knowledge production.