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Terms of Reference - Research Quality and Impact Committee

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Section 1 - Purpose 

(1) The Research Quality and Impact Committee (RQIC) is a subcommittee of the Research Committee which in turn is a subcommittee of the Academic Board. The RQIC is established to advise and make recommendations to the Research Committee on enhancing and monitoring the quality and impact of its research endeavours in line with the University’s strategic priorities and external benchmark standards for research.

(2) The RQIC specifically addresses areas that complement the broader research oversight conducted by the Research Committee as the principal advisory committee of the Academic Board on issues of research across the University and by its educational partners.

(3) The RQIC will:

  1. Strategic Advice

    1. review and report to the Research Committee on the alignment of research activities with the University’s strategic goals,
    2. advise the Research Committee on specific initiatives and strategies to enhance the quality and impact of research,
    3. provide insights on how strategic changes in internal or external policy impact the quality and integrity of research at the University.
  2. Monitoring Performance against Benchmark Standards

    1. advise and, where required, make recommendations to the Research Committee in relation to the methodological basis of metrics and indicators for assessing and reporting on the research impact and performance both nationally and internationally of the University and its educational partners,
    2. monitor the implementation and effectiveness of research quality and impact strategies to demonstrate the Research Requirements align with higher education standards for an Australian University to meet benchmark ‘world standards’ for research,
    3. monitor and track the research performance and impact at the University and by its educational partners against benchmark standards for research, best practice indicators and, where relevant, research of national standing.
  3. Policy Development and Compliance 

    1. recommend to the Research Committee the development or revision of policies and procedures specifically aimed at enhancing research quality, impact and integrity across the University and by its educational partners.
    2. monitor and report to the Research Committee on compliance with relevant national and international codes and standards, including the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, with a particular focus on aspects that enhance research quality and impact.
  4. Leadership, Coordination and Enhancement Initiatives

    1. through its membership, act as a central point to coordinate research efforts across faculties and disciplines, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to improve research outcomes,
    2. lead and facilitate the sharing of best practices in research quality and impact across the University through the Research Committee,
    3. recommend to the Research Committee and contribute to programs that target research performance enhancements and capability building led by the Office of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Research Impact Clusters. 
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Section 2 - Composition

(4) The membership of Research Quality and Impact Committee is comprised:

  1. Ex officio members
    1. Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
    2. Deputy Chair (Research), Academic Board 
    3. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact)
    4. Pro Vice Chancellor (Research Infrastructure)
    5. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality)
    6. Director, Research Data and Contracts.

(5) The Chair may co-opt other members as required.

(6) Appointed members will be appointed by the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor taking into account appropriate gender diversity and participation of Indigenous Australians and students equivalent to appointees to the Research Committee.

(7) Appointed members will serve for a period of two years, and for no more than two consecutive terms.

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Section 3 - Meetings

(8) Meetings and other business will be conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders – Academic Board and its Committees