Research Centres and Research Institutes Framework

Overview

OVERVIEW

The University aims to build and support research of the highest quality, and encourages the strategic use of Research Centres and Research Institutes to promote existing and emerging areas of research strength, enhance the University's national and international profile, promote strategic linkages with external partners, assist in attracting both outstanding researchers and external research funding, foster renowned research teams, attract higher degree by research students, and boost high quality research output. This Framework sets out the principles and operational criteria for instigating, managing and evaluating Research Centres and Research Institutes.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This Framework applies to the establishment and operation of University Research Centres and Research Institutes. For specific information on Cooperative Research Centres, refer to the Research Branch or the University's CRC website. Where a separate incorporated entity is proposed for a Research Institute, refer to the University Owned Entities Policy.

FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLES

Research Centres and Research Institutes

1. Research Centres and Research Institutes will be areas of high quality research activity, and will form an integral part of the University.

2. The instigation, management and evaluation of all University Research Centres and Research Institutes must be conducted in accordance with the University Research Centres and Research Institutes Guidelines and Criteria.

3. The establishment and designation of a University Research Centre or Research Institute must be approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President [VC&P], on advice from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) [DVC&VP(R)]. Research Centres will have a designated 'home' School and be overseen by an Executive Dean. Research Institutes will be overseen by the DVC&VP(R), but have a 'host' Faculty to provide general administrative support. In most instances, Research Institutes will be established as independent cost centres with a Faculty.

4. The relationships between Schools and Research Institutes will be guided by the principles and protocols contained in Attachment 1.4.

5. On occasion, the University will need to respond rapidly to opportunities to develop strategic research initiatives outside of this Framework. In order to provide some flexibility, the VC&P, in consultation with the DVC&VP(R) and Executive Deans, may authorise the establishment of such University Research Centres and Research Institutes and the parameters under which they will exist.

6. All funds received, equipment purchased and income accrued by a University Research Centre or Research Institute are the property of the University, unless determined otherwise in a legally binding agreement.

7. A University Research Centre or Research Institute may collaborate or share resources with another university, research institution or other external body, provided the arrangements are specified in a legally binding agreement negotiated between the parties. Such arrangements, as described in Joint Ventures with External Partners, require the approval of the DVC&VP(R) and, where the joint venture is intended to result in a new incorporated structure and/or the issuing of shares, the approval of Council following a recommendation from the Finance Committee (refer to the University Owned Entities Policy). Council approval is also required for a major strategic initiative or a significant commercial activity.

8. All University Research Centres and Research Institutes must submit an annual report against agreed key performance indicators. They will be subject to formal reviews, as and when required.

9. If use of the words 'Australian' or 'National' in the title is desired, specific approval by the DVC&VP(R) is required, and will only be granted where the University Research Centre or Research Institute has a national dimension to its character (e.g. has nodes across the country, serves as a national focal point, or is unique and prominent in Australia).

10. Changes to a University Research Centre, that materially affect any matter addressed in the establishment proposal, must be approved by the DVC&VP(R) before being implemented. Significant changes may require a new proposal for the approval of the VC&P.

11. The VC&P, on advice from the DVC&VP(R), reserves the right to disestablish any University Research Centre or Research Institute at any time.

Faculty Research Units or Groups

12. Nothing in this Framework prevents the establishment of a Faculty Research Unit or Faculty Research Group to foster emerging research strengths, and allow the strategic pursuit of Faculty goals. Such units or groups must be approved by the Executive Dean of the relevant faculty, and are subject to any conditions imposed by the Executive Dean. A Faculty Research Unit or Group is part of the Faculty, and the Executive Dean is responsible for its establishment, disestablishment, funding, management, reporting and review. These groupings must not use the terms 'Institute', 'Centre', 'National' or 'Australian' in their title, and must clearly promote their relationship to the University in their titles or sub-titles, in accord with the University's Brand and Visual Identity Policy .

Authorities

Key	Authority Category	Authority	Delegation Holder	Limits
Research	Organisational Structure	Approve the establishment and disestablishment of Research Centres and Research Institutes.	VC&P	Council approval required for a major strategic initiative or a significant commercial activity.
Research	Organisational Structure	Approve the initiation of a review of any Research Centre or Research Institute. Approve the allocation of central funding to Research Centres and Research Institutes, as appropriate. Approve major changes to a Research Centre or Research Institute.	DVC&VP(R)
Research	Organisational Structure	Approve the initiation of a review of any Research Centre for which they are responsible. Approve the establishment and disestablishment of Faculty Research Units or Groups.	Executive Deans
Research	Organisational Structure	Approve the establishment or disestablishment of a Research Centre or Research Institute which is a major strategic initiative, a significant commercial activity, or an incorporated joint venture.	Council

The authorities for day-to-day administrative support of Research Centres are in accordance with the University's Delegations of Authority for Executive Deans and Heads of School. The authorities for day-to-day administrative support of Research Institutes are in accordance with the University's Delegations of Authority for Executive Deans, Institute Directors and the DVC&VP(R). Please refer to the Delegations database.

Please use the following URL instead of linking to individual documents:
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/984