• Section 1 - Definitions
• Section 2 - Policy Statement
• Part A - Policy Declaration
• Part B - Statement of Principle
• Part C - Policy Description
• Objectives
• Scope
• Part D - Content and Implementation
• Section 3 - Related Policies, Documents, Legislation & Strategic Priorities
• Part E - Institutional Context
• Collaborative Research Structures Policy (under development)
• Research Funding Support Policy (under development)
• Part F - Research Entities
• RCL: Research Cluster
• RC: Research Centre
• SRC: Special Research Centre
• XRC: Externally Funded Research Centres
• RI: Research Institutues
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Part G - Research Cluster (RCL)
• Criteria for Research Cluster Designation
• Establishment
• Operation
• Approvals
• Termination
• Part H - Research Centre (RC)
• Criteria for RC Designation
• Establishment
• Operation
• Approvals
• Termination
• Part I - Special Research Centre (SRC)
• Criteria for SRC Designation
• Establishment
• Operation
• Governance and Responsibility
• Marketing
• Delegations
• Accountability
• Students
• Approvals
• Termination
• Section 5 - Research Entity Policy Review

Section 1 - Definitions

(1) The following definitions, and those contained in Part F relating to Research Cluster (RCL), Research Centre (RC) and Special Research Centre (SRC), apply for the purpose of this Policy:

1. AOP (Annual Operating Plan) - An AOP outlines annual projected activity, financial/budget projections, resource requirements, and target performance criteria.
2. Block Grants - The additional Block Grant monies made available by the Federal Government to universities for Research performance. The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) administers all such grants under the Research Funding Support Policy.
3. DIISR - means Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
4. DDVCR - means Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).
5. ECR (Early Career Researcher) - is defined as a staff member who has a PhD or equivalent research doctorate awarded in the last 5 years and has published from their doctorate or has demonstrated an equivalent research experience relevant to their research field, and does not currently hold, or has held, an Australian Competitive Grant.
6. ERA - means Excellence in Research for Australia
7. A scheme currently being developed by the Federal Government for recognition and funding of research activity in major Research Institutions including universities. The scheme replaces the Research Quality Framework.
8. HDR - means Higher Degree Research.
9. Institutes - refers to University entities which usually go beyond research to include other activities such as teaching, professional development and/or outreach as components of their core mandate.
10. Research Active - A research active staff member is defined as a staff member with at least 3 outputs over a 3 year period in any of the following categories, but with one of these from the first category:
11. A DIISR proxy publication
12. A DIISR proxy publication means an author on such a publication or a creator of an output recognised by the SCU Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).
13. Named on a project that received external research income (as included in the HERDC income return)
14. Principal supervisor of a HDR student.
15. RPB - means Research Performance Bonus.
16. The research support funding made available to Faculties, Schools and Research Centres within Schools originating from the Federal Government grant allocated to the University against Student places.
17. RRTAC - means Research and Research Training Advisory Committee.
18. VCEC - means Vice Chancellor's Executive Committee.

Section 2 - Policy Statement

Part A - Policy Declaration

(2) This Policy defines the classification criteria and procedures for the establishment, operation, monitoring and termination of approved Research Entities at Southern Cross University (SCU). This Policy refers specifically to SCU Research Clusters, Research Centre, and Special Research Centres, but does not include externally funded, collaborative research entities such as Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) and Research Institutues.

(3) In addition, the Vice Chancellor reserves the right to make a determination to establish a Research Centre or Special Research Centre, having particular strategic importance to the research aspirations of the University.

Part B - Statement of Principle

(4) Southern Cross University's identified Research Centres were established under the 2004 Research Centre Policy. The Research Centres have greatly contributed to the growth of research but with the changing external research environment, the University must address the following issues:

1. University research concentrations with a critical mass of expertise;
2. Incentives for researchers to collaborate or undertake interdisciplinary research;
3. Internationalisation and networked research;
4. Quality assurance, accountability and rigorous review processes;
5. Increased focus on research training and HDR development;
6. Increased need for research to be funded from external rather than internal sources;
7. The quality and impact of research outcomes (ERA).

(5) SCU Research Entities aim to improve the productivity of SCU researchers by increasing success in winning grants, improving the quantity and quality of research outputs and improving HDR completions. Centres are critical in assisting the University to maximise its performance in ERA.

(6) SCU Research Entities are to be dynamic research units that bring together critical numbers of academic staff and HDR students to carry out research in recognised areas of expertise.

Part C - Policy Description

Objectives

(7) The University recognises the need for efficient and effective mechanisms for researchers to share resources, attract grant funding and contract research and market capabilities under a cohesive umbrella. Research Clusters and Research Centres provide formal recognition and branding of logical groupings of research capability.

(8) This Policy provides structure for the classification, establishment, operation and termination of Research Clusters and Research Centres. In general these research structures provide foci for research capability, capacity and facilities. They may be multi-disciplinary and/or multi-institutional and would normally comprise several academic staff whose coordinated research outcomes will add value to the University research mission in areas of research deemed to be strategically appropriate.

Scope

(9) This Policy is relevant to all academic staff, Schools and Faculties of SCU who undertake research in one of the University's strategic areas of research expertise

(10) This Policy defines:

1. classification of research entities; and
2. establishment and operating criteria for each entity.

Part D - Content and Implementation

(11) This Policy covers the definition and operation of Southern Cross University approved research entities. All research entities that exist at the date this Policy is approved will be reviewed and classified by DDVCR in accordance with the new policy framework. All existing research entities will be given a six-month period from the date of approval of the Policy to comply with the new requirements.

(12) To be recognised as a SCU research entity, all entities must comply with this Policy.

Section 3 - Related Policies, Documents, Legislation & Strategic Priorities

Part E - Institutional Context

(13) This Policy forms part of a suite of research policies developed (or being developed) to guide staff towards the achievement of the University's Strategic Objectives 3 and 5 (Revised Strategic Plan 2005 - 2010).

(14) In particular the Research Funding Support Policy should be read in conjunction with this Policy.

Collaborative Research Structures Policy (under development)

(15) This policy defines the criteria for establishing externally funded Research Centres and institutes.

(16) They will be established by SCU but have multiple external partners or members. Governance arrangements are likely to include external parties.

Research Funding Support Policy (under development)

(17) The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) provides financial support to Research Clusters, Research Centres and Special Research Centres, Faculties, Schools and individual researchers through a range of internal funding schemes and through the management of the RPB and Block Grants. The Research Funding Support Policy defines the distribution and management of this funding.

Part F - Research Entities

(18) Southern Cross University provides for a number of defined entities for focused research activity. The designations of "Centre" and "Institute" are assigned to research collectives within the University to provide identity and focus to University supported research activity and collaborations. The terms also provide a mechanism for Research Clusters to apply for grant and industry funding and support, and to be recognised internally and externally amongst their peers, partners and potential clients.

(19) Research active staff would normally be a member of one research entity only, but may be a member of more than one research entity. Where a staff member is a member of more than one research entity, research outputs for that staff member may only be contributed to the total research outputs of one Research Entity. Adjunct staff may be included in applications to establish a Research Cluster (RCL), Research Centre (RC) or Special Research Centre (SRC), but the research outputs of these adjunct staff must contribute to the total research outputs of Southern Cross University.

RCL: Research Cluster

(20) A Research Cluster is a University recognised entity of focused research activity typically contained within a particular School or Faculty. The Research Cluster may have facilities (laboratory, assigned offices or functions) and may also provide contract commercial services as well as research capability.

(21) A Research Cluster would be a relatively small group but would be engaged in valued and University aligned research and research training (Masters by Thesis, Doctoral students) activity.

RC: Research Centre

(22) A Research Centre is a formed and named entity conducting research activity by assigned academic staff. The Research Centre would have grant and industry funded research programs and would have a prime focus to conduct research, commercial research, research training (Masters by Thesis, Doctoral students) as well as engage in consulting and extension activities. A Research Centre would be based in a School or Faculty and would have a direct relationship with one or more Schools in research and research training.

SRC: Special Research Centre

(23) A Special Research Centre is a formed and named entity conducting research activity by assigned academic staff. The Special Research Centre would have grant and industry funded research programs and would have a prime focus to conduct research of strategic importance to SCU in terms of national/international standing and peer esteem; commercial research; and research training (Masters by Thesis, Doctoral students) as well as engage in consulting and extension activities. A Special Research Centre would be based outside Schools or Faculties and would likely have a multidisciplinary focus.

(24) Southern Cross University's approved mechanism for enrolling HDR students is in an Academic Organisational Unit (AOU) i.e. School/College. Once established, Special Research Centres will be recognised as an AOU, and are eligible to enrol HDR students.

(25) Research Centres and Special Research Centres may, in some instances be characterised as either "External Research Centres " or "Research Institutues ". Both the Externally Funded Research Centres and Research Institutues are described below but are covered in the separate Policy document; "Collaborative Research Structures Policy" (under development).

XRC: Externally Funded Research Centres

(26) Externally Funded Research Centres will be, or have been, established through external partners and with Government and Industry funding, and would include SCU based Cooperative Research Centres, Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence and industry funded large consortia. These Centres may have governance independent of the University but would have University representation and membership (in the Centre) and would be based at SCU and established as an SCU initiative. The Centres would largely be funded from external sources.

RI: Research Institutues

(27) A Research Institutue is a Research Centre or Special Research Centre which is differentiated by having a formal agreement with other external research organisations or research entities. A link would be more than a project level collaboration and would likely be established and maintained by a formal head agreement and have a defined set of activities, resourcing and participation by SCU and one or more external research or industry organisations.

(28) An Institute would be at least a Research Centre and may also be an External Funded Research Centre and may have additional governance requirements and operational characteristics associated with the external partners.

(29) A Research Institutue is a classification, not a name, and whilst "Institute" may be included in a part of an institute name (preferably) it is not mandatory. A Research Centre or Special Research Centre that is not an 'Institute" should avoid using Institute in the name of the Centre. All names of Centres and Institutes must be approved by the designated authority as indicated for each Centre Classification.

Section 4 - Procedures

Part G - Research Cluster (RCL)

(30) A RCL is a recognised entity of focused research activity typically contained within a particular School or Faculty. A RCL may have facilities (laboratory, assigned offices or functions) and may also provide contract commercial services as well as research capability. A Research Cluster would be a relatively small group but would be engaged in valued and University aligned research and research training (Masters by Thesis, Doctoral students) activity. The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) (DDVCR) maintains a register of designated Research Clusters.

Criteria for Research Cluster Designation

(31) The RCL should have evidence that the group would comprise a critical mass of full time academics.

(32) It is to have capability and capacity in an area of research expertise with at least 2 full time academic staff committed to and identified. Research active staff should be capable of being ranked on the second or third tier of the ERA levels.

(33) Research active and ECR staff associated with a RCL would need to demonstrate a good track record over the most recent three (3) year period. This record would include an aggregate of:

1. Applications for National Competitive Grant awards
2. One or more successful applications for DDVCR internal Collaborative Grants
3. History of externally funded research (in the order of $250,000 p.a.)
4. Publications in top tier (A and A*) academic journals, and a high level of overall publication output
5. PhD completions
   1. The balance of these activities may vary, such that the research outputs are consistent with the discipline specific criteria used in the ERA process for assessing quality, i.e. the portfolio of activity needs to be of high national standards.
   2. Special consideration will be given to research staff who have had their career interrupted for recognised personal reasons, e.g. maternity leave.

(34) The RCL would provide for research development opportunities with identified potential for attracting industry and grant funding.

(35) The RCL would be contained in a School and operated as a part of the School or Faculty Cost Centre.

(36) In general a RCL will have limited resource or funding requirements. Any such requirements would be the responsibility of the associated Cost Centre.

(37) The RCL would undertake postgraduate student training and supervision as a part of its research activities.

Establishment

(38) Prior to the development of a proposal for a RCL, the proposed Director of the RCL should discuss the matter with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Executive Dean of the Faculty, and Head of School. To establish a RCL a proposal document must include:

1. Proposed name of the RCL;
2. Proposed Director, Research Cluster;
3. Other proposed members of the RCL, together with summary curriculum vitae for all proposed participants;
4. A competitive analysis of any existing Research Clusters or Research Centres within the University;
5. How the formation of the RCL will add value to the University's research mission; and
6. An initial AOP and Research Plan that includes targeted performance criteria and a budget.

Operation

(39) A RCL will operate under a School Cost Centre with all expenditure associated with the group being governed under a particular School operating budget, policies and approval processes. The RCL head will report to the Cost Centre Head.

(40) A RCL may apply for any of the internal funding support that may be available through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). In general such support would be allocated to the RCL rather than to individual researchers within the group.

(41) Any marketing material identifying the RCL must comply with the University guidelines relating to the use of logos and branding. Refer to the Director of Marketing for details.

(42) A RCL must provide an Annual Report covering activity and performance over the past 12 month period as well as an AOP that includes projected activity and outcomes for the next 12 month period. This would also incorporate a budget for the period.

(43) A RCL must provide a detailed report on activities, progress and outcomes together with an application to continue (if it is the intention for RCL to continue) every three years, to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) who will seek advice of the Research and Research Training Advisory Committee. An application to continue would be in the same form as an application for RCL establishment.

Approvals

(44) In chronological order:

1. Establishment
   1. Reviewed and recommended (or otherwise) by RRTAC Approved by:
   2. 1. Head of School
      2. Executive Dean of Faculty
      3. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
      4. Vice Chancellor
2. Annual Operating Plan and Annual Report
   1. Head of School
   2. Executive Dean of the associated Faculty
   3. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
3. Final (3rd) year review
   1. Head of School
   2. Executive Dean of the associated Faculty
   3. RRTAC
   4. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

Termination

(45) A RCL will be considered terminated at the end of the 3 year term unless the RCL has produced the required final (3rd) year report together with an application to continue.

(46) The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) may discontinue a RCL at any time where performance has been unsatisfactory.

Part H - Research Centre (RC)

(47) A Research Centre would typically be based in a School or Faculty and would have key focus to conduct both grant based and commercial research, provide research training through postgraduate participation and supervision and develop and strengthen the ties between teaching and research within the Schools and Faculty. A RC would also be expected to participate in a range of related services, e.g. commercial consulting work; continuing and specialised education services (workshops), and be involved in local community, as it relates to their areas of research interest.

(48) Research conducted under a RC should have, or be aiming to be of high quality and impact and align with the University's strategic research goals.

Criteria for RC Designation

(49) The RC must comply with the definition of a Research Centre as described in this Policy.

(50) It is to have capability and capacity in an area of research expertise with at least 3 full time academics, research associates, or post-doctoral students committed and identified under the Centre. Centre Directors must be capable of being rated in the top 2 ERA levels. All full time staff associated with a RC need to meet ERA assessment criteria.

(51) Research active and ECR staff associated with a RC would need to demonstrate an exceptional track record over the most recent five (5) year period. This record would include an aggregate of:

1. Multiple National Competitive Grant awards
2. Externally funded Research (in the order of $1million p.a.)
3. Regularly publishing in top tier academic journals, and a very high level of overall publication output
4. Regular HDR/Doctoral completions each year and demonstrable growth in HDR/Doctoral completions.
   1. The balance of these activities may vary, such that the research outputs are consistent with the discipline specific criteria used in the ERA process for assessing quality, i.e. the portfolio of activity needs to be of highest national standards and high international standards.

(52) A RC would be established to better utilise cost centre resources and facilities and to present and market capabilities with identified potential for attracting industry and grant funding.

(53) A RC would be contained within a School or Faculty and would operate as a part of that cost centre.

(54) A RC would have considerable commitment of Cost Centre resources and facilities and would require establishment under an approved business plan and operate against an annual operating plan.

(55) A RC would undertake postgraduate student training and supervision as a part of the research activity of the Centre.

(56) A RC may be multi-disciplinary drawing capability and researchers from multiple Schools across the Faculties.

(57) A RC may have external institutional involvement.

Establishment

(58) Prior to the development of a proposal for a RC, the Director of the potential Centre should discuss the matter with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Head of School of the Faculty and Head of School or Schools. To establish a RC a proposal document is required that would cover:

1. Proposed name of the RC.
2. Proposed Director, Research Centre.
3. Other proposed members of the RC, together with summary curriculum vitae for all proposed participants.
4. Track record of proposed RC researchers (grant funding and publications).
5. How the formation of the RC will add value to the School, Faculty and University.
6. Linkages with any external Research Clusters and industry.
7. Competitive analysis of any existing Research Clusters or Research Centres within the University and externally.
8. Complete financials of the proposed Research Centre covering resourcing and facilities requirements and any funding commitments of the Cost Centre as well as expected support from the DDVCR. The proposal is to include an AOP that includes targeted performance criteria and an annual budget.
9. RC performance criteria would as a minimum be required to achieve the following in each 12 month period against a developed AOP:
   1. Maintain academic staffing as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   2. Include postgraduate student training and project involvement.
   3. Achieve targeted research revenue as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   4. Achieve publications targets as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   5. Have a growth profile (staff, students and revenue) that meets established annual performance targets/milestones for the Centre.

Operation

(59) A RC will operate under a School or Faculty Cost Centre with all expenditure associated with the Centre being governed under a particular School or Faculty operating budget, policies and approval processes. The Director, Research Centre will report to the Cost Centre Head (School or Faculty).

(60) Schools and Faculties may apply their own administration charges on projects and consultancies not deemed research related.

(61) A RC is to have an annual operating plan and associated budget and provide quarterly summary reports to the relevant Cost Centre Head detailing financials and progress against expected research objectives, targets and activity.

(62) A RC may apply for any of the available internal funding support that may be available under the DDVCR. In general such support would be provided to activity and requirements associated with the Centre rather than individual researchers.

(63) The DDVCR may provide financial support to a RC. In such cases, the financial support will reflect the RC contribution to the research outputs of the university. (Refer to Research Funding Support Policy).

(64) Any marketing material identifying the Centre must comply with the University guidelines relating to the use of logos and branding. Refer to the Director of Marketing for details.

(65) A RC must provide an Annual Report covering activity and performance over the past 12 month period as well as an AOP that includes projected activity and outcomes for the next 12 month period. This would also incorporate a budget for the period.

(66) A RC must provide a detailed report on activities, progress and outcomes together with an application to continue (if it is the intention for Centre to continue) every three years. The application to continue would require the same criteria and process as a new Centre establishment.

Approvals

(67) In chronological order:

1. Establishment
   1. Reviewed and recommended (or otherwise) by RRTAC
   2. Approved by
      1. Head of School (where relevant)
      2. Executive Dean of the associated Faculty
      3. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
      4. Vice Chancellor
2. Annual Operating Plan and Annual Report.
   1. Head of School (where relevant)
   2. Executive Dean of the associated Faculty
   3. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
3. Final (3rd) year review
   1. RRTAC
   2. Executive Dean of the associated Faculty
   3. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

Termination

(68) A RC will be considered terminated at the end of the 3 year term unless the Centre has produced the required 3rd year report together with an application to continue.

(69) The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) may discontinue a Research Centre at any time where performance has been unsatisfactory.

Part I - Special Research Centre (SRC)

(70) A Special Research Centre is a University Centre that is established in response to the strategic research goals of the University. It is characterised by novel interdisciplinary research that aligns with SCU research strengths and national research priorities. A SRC would have national and international links and would be considered at least a peer with any comparable research facility world-wide.

(71) A SRC would generate research capability and capacity through collaborations within the SCU research community and externally via partnerships with other research institutions and industry. In particular a SRC would have, and would generate further high quality and high impact research outcomes attracting significant Federal Government block grant funding. It would be expected that Special Research Centres would attract high performance academic research staff to the SRC and University.

Criteria for SRC Designation

(72) Academic staff proposing a SRC would have current active research programs that would logically fit into the proposed Research Centre.

(73) The SRC would be expected to be operational for at least 5 years and staff would be expected to commit to SRC participation over this period.

(74) It is to have capability and capacity in an area of research excellence, with at least 5 full time academics, research associates, or postdoctoral students committeed and identified under the RC. The Research Directors must be capable of being rated at the highest ERA level. All academic staff associated with a SRC need to meet ERA assessment criteria.

(75) Research active and ECR staff associated with a SRC would need to demonstrate an exceptional track record over the most recent five (5) year period. This record would include an aggregate of:

1. multiple and regular National Competitive Grant awards over a sustained period;
2. externally funded Research (in excess of $2 million p.a.)
3. consistently publishing in top tier academic journals, and a very high level of overall publication output; and
4. a consistent record of a high level of doctoral completions each year.
   1. The balance of these activities may vary, such that the research outputs are consistent with the discipline specific criteria used in the ERA process for assessing quality, i.e. the portfolio of activity needs to be of the highest international standards.

(76) A SRC would be established against SCU Research Strategy and Objectives and is likely to have independent resources and facilities with the capacity to market the Centre capabilities, and attract industry and grant funding.

(77) A SRC would be an independent Cost Centre reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). A SRC is likely to have affiliations with Schools and Faculties but there would be no managerial, administrative or financial links associated with these affiliations.

(78) A SRC would have considerable commitment of Cost Centre resources and facilities and would require establishment under an approved business plan identifying all existing and required resources.

Establishment

(79) Prior to the development of a formal proposal for a SRC, the proposed Director, Special Research Centre should develop an outline of the Centre for discussion with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), who will consult with the Research and Research Training Advisory Committee as to whether a formal proposal should be developed. The proposal will need to include:

1. A justification and basis for the establishment of the SRC.
2. Complete financials of the proposed Centre covering resourcing and facilities requirements and any funding commitments of the Cost Centre as well as expected support from the DDVCR and University.
3. A revenue budget for existing and committed research projects and grant funding for a 5 year period.
4. A cost budget covering all resourcing, infrastructure and staffing requirements for the SRC for a 5 year period.
5. References and support from
   1. within the SCU research community
   2. peer industry researchers and/or clusters.
6. Proposed name of the SRC.
7. Proposed Director, Special Research Centre.
8. Other proposed members of the SRC, together with summary track record and curriculum vitae for all proposed participants (grant funding and publications).
9. Explanation as to how the formation of the Special Research Centre or Institute will add value to the University research mission.
10. Linkages with any external Research Clusters and industry.
11. Competitive analysis of any existing Research Clusters or centres within the University and externally.
12. An AOP that includes targeted performance criteria and an annual budget.

Operation

Governance and Responsibility

(80) The SRC will operate as a self sufficient Cost Centre against agreed annual operating budgets that identify all sources of funding for the centre. The Cost Centre Head for each SRC will be the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). The Director, Special Research Centre will report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).

(81) The SRC will establish an Advisory Board that includes external and independent representation.

(82) A SRC may apply for any of the available internal funding support that may be available under the DDVCR.

(83) The University may provide financial support to a SRC. In such cases, the financial support will reflect the SRC contribution to the research outputs of the university. (Refer to Research Funding Support Policy).

(84) In general an SRC will:

1. fund project staff and all project costs from project budgets.
2. be responsible for all equipment acquisitions from generated funds and from earned Block Grants.
3. provide an AOP covering a financial budget for the ensuing year and a 3 year projection. It should also indicate the capital and space resourcing requirements for the Centre updated annually as well as performance criteria for successful operation of the Centre.
4. need any staff not funded by projects to be funded internally by the Centre using Research Funding Support, Block Grants and Centre generated funds. Staff are to be employed under the associated Cost Centre (DDVCR ). The Annual Operating Plan will need to identify such resource requirements.
5. operate as separate functional and financial units and are to have the capability and resources to operate in this way but should make use of existing administrative and Human Resources facilities of the governing Cost Centre (DDVCR ) where possible.

Marketing

(85) A SRC would expect to participate in industry wide events and activity and should develop an appropriate marketing plan covering development of marketing communications (website and brochures), conference participation and promotion of the Centre.

(86) Any marketing material identifying the Centre must comply with the University guidelines relating to the use of logos and branding. Refer to the Director of Marketing for details.

Delegations

(87) A SRC should have the equivalent delegated authority as given to a School. The Centre Director would be allocated the authority.

(88) A SRC should have its own designated financial accounts and be able to operate these accounts under this delegation.

(89) Management of the SRC (staffing, travel, expenditure, etc) is a Centre responsibility under this delegation.

Accountability

(90) Formal review mechanisms of a SRC will include:

1. Quarterly in-house reviews with the DDVCR.
2. A SRC must provide an Annual Report (AR) covering activity and performance over the past 12 month period as well as an AOP that includes projected activity and outcomes for the next 12 month period. This would also incorporate a budget for the period. SRC performance criteria would as a minimum be required to achieve the following in each 12 month period:
   1. Maintain researcher staffing as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   2. Include post graduate student training and project involvement as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   3. Achieve research revenue as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   4. Achieve publications targets (quality and quantity) as indicated in the original proposal and subsequent AOPs.
   5. Have a growth profile (staff, students and revenue) that meets established annual performance targets/milestones for the Centre.
   6. Maintain and develop external linkages with peer research institutions.
3. A final review that will report details of activities, progress and outcomes together with an application to continue (if it is the intention for Centre to continue) every five years. An application to continue would be in the same form as an application for a SRC establishment. Benchmarking against ERA criteria would be appropriate.

Students

(91) SRCs would be eligible to enrol postgraduate students, and would be expected to include significant participation of postgraduate students in research training, projects and research activity.

(92) Senior academic staff within a SRC would be expected to supervise a cohort of postgraduate students.

(93) The SRC would be responsible for attracting suitable students to work on SRC research projects. This would include providing scholarships through industry participation and from Government allocations through grant funding bodies (ARC, AusAID and others).

(94) A SRC should participate in relevant University academic boards and committees that deal with research (RRTAC ) and postgraduate students.

Approvals

(95) In order of appearance:

1. Establishment
   1. Reviewed and recommended (or otherwise) by RRTAC
   2. Approved by
      1. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
      2. Vice Chancellor
2. Quarterly Review
   1. DDVCR
3. Annual Operating Plan and Annual Report.
   1. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
   2. Vice Chancellor
4. Final (5th) year review
   1. RRTAC
   2. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
   3. Vice Chancellor

Termination

(96) A SRC will be considered terminated at the end of the 5 year term unless the Centre has produced the required 5 year report together with an application to continue.

(97) The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) may recommend discontinuation of a SRC at any time where performance has been unsatisfactory. The Vice Chancellor will consider and act on the recommendation.

Section 5 - Research Entity Policy Review

(98) RRTAC will undertake a review of the Policy and its implementation every five years, and will report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) on its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.