Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs)
| For all up to date, and supporting information about CRCs please visit the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research CRC website. |
Participating in a CRC
A CRC is a structure established under the Commonwealth Government CRC Program. It provides funding to build critical mass in research ventures between end-users and researchers, and tackles clearly-articulated, major challenges for the end-users. All applicants and participants involved in a CRC must follow the Cooperative Research Centres Program Guidelines, which cover all aspects of the Program, including selection round requirements.
It is important to note that involvement of the University of Adelaide in any CRC bid must be endorsed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), as our authorised representative for these matters.
Involvement is also governed by the University’s Contracts and Agreements Policy.
Definitions
Key Researcher: is the University’s academic staff member who, on behalf of other University researchers involved, takes responsibility for initial discussions and negotiations with the coordinating team (“Bid Leader/s”) for the CRC bid, potentially leading to a formal bid submission.
CRC Bid Process Flowchart and Timetable
Flowchart of CRC Bid Process Within The University of Adelaide
Timetable of CRC Round 15 Bid Process Within The University of Adelaide
| Step | Item | Date | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CRC Information Session SA AusIndustry Office | Tuesday, 21 February 2012 9.00am -12.00pm | CRC Applicants |
| 2 | UA Notice of Intent due in Research Branch
| Monday, 30 January 2012 | Key Researcher: UA Notice of Intent for the participation of the University in a CRC, must be compiled in consultation with the relevant Head(s) of School and Executive Deans. Executive Deans: Consider UA Notice of Intent and, in consultation with the relevant Head(s) of School, make a recommendation to the DVC&VP(R) on whether to proceed with support for participation in a CRC bid. |
| 3 | UA DVC&VP(R), Executive Deans/Heads of School and key proponents of the bid meet to finalise and confirm bid details* | Early April 2012 | DVC&VP(R): Consider UA Notice of Intent recommended by an Executive Dean. Where appropriate, provide approval for the University’s participation in a CRC bid. Advise the University Finance Committee of all CRC bid submissions. |
| 4 | Advice from UA to bid leader outlining the basis on which the University is prepared to participate | Early May 2012 | Coordinated by Research Branch, in conjunction with Key Researcher. |
| 5 | Bid documents and, UA Internal Certification due in Research Branch, to arrange for DVC&VP(R) to sign Bid Declaration. | Friday, 16 May 2012 | Key Researcher: If the UA Notice of Intent is approved, work with the bid leader (if a different person) to prepare a full bid submission. |
| 6 | Bids close in Canberra | Thursday, 14 June 2012 | Research Branch:
|
| 7 | Research Project Plans due in Canberra | Early September 2012 | Prepared by Bid Team. |
| 8 | Interviews in Canberra | 12-14 Nov 2012 | If shortlisted by DIISR |
| 9 | Successful applicants notified | December 2012 | DIISR |
Authorities in the Process
The following authorities have been approved by the University of Adelaide Council.
| Key | Authority Category | Authority | Delegation Holder | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Research Agreements | Approval of all CRC applications. | DVC&VP(R) | Advise Finance Committee |
| Research | Research Agreements | Approval of an unincorporated CRC agreement, if the University of Adelaide commitment is under $2M for the life of an unincorporated CRC. | VC&P | |
| Research | Research Agreements | Approval of a CRC agreement involving an incorporated entity, or if the University of Adelaide commitment is over $2M for the life of an unincorporated CRC. | VC&P | On the recommendation of Finance Committee and approval of Council. |
Note: The Research Branch will administer and coordinate the operations associated with CRC bids, and any subsequent finalisation of the establishing agreements for a CRC.
Intellectual Property Considerations
Adelaide Research & Innovation can provide guidance and advice on dealing with Intellectual Property in relation to CRCs. The University’s Intellectual Property Policy details the relevant principles and procedures. As students are not employees of the University, it is essential that their supervisors ensure that student deeds of Intellectual Property assignment (SPPAs) are executed prior to the commencement of student participation in CRC projects.
Research Project Applications to a CRC
Individual research project applications to a CRC for funding will be managed in accordance with the University’s Research Grants, Contracts and Consultancies Policy.
Reporting Requirements for a CRC
Reporting requirements for a CRC will be determined by the over-arching CRC establishing agreements, as well as any applicable individual research project agreements.
In line with standard University practice, individual project leaders will normally be responsible for providing regular project progress reports to the CRC. Schools will have oversight for ensuring proper financial expenditure and records. Financial reporting obligations will be carried out by relevant Finance Managers, in consultation with the project leader/s, and in conjunction with Financial Services (Research Accounting) and Research Branch.
Important Links & Documents
- CRC selection round application forms, templates and guidelines (available 13 Feb 2012)
- UA Notice of Intent proforma (with explanatory information) (due 30 January 2012 in Research Branch)
- How to build a CRC consortium
- UA Internal Certification (TBA)
- Cooperative Research Centres website
Contacts
Don McMaster
Research Grants Officer
Karen Burke
Manager Major Programs
