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D/1.2 Policy on research structures |
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1.2.1 Centres and institutes QUT has a good record of research achievements with particular strengths in the area of applied, or user-led, research and innovation activities. QUT's objective of high impact research is reflected in its research goals, and the University is particularly successful in research partnered with industry, and other end-users. While the University wishes to promote all areas of research activity, it aims to have a particular emphasis on focussed areas in which it can be nationally and internationally competitive. This emphasis on selectivity and concentration is also present in government policy-setting frameworks, including the requirement in Knowledge and Innovation for " an enhanced strategic and priority setting role for institutions in relation to research and research training " . Within this framework, QUT has developed policies that are designed to increase its total research base, as well as its relative competitiveness in areas of strength. 1.2.1 Centres and institutesQUT's strategic policy in relation to research is contained in its Research and Innovation Plan. The structural arrangements for research centres and institutes therefore support the Plan's key objectives of:
The terms 'centre' and ‘institute' are employed to give identity to a group of individuals organised around a central research purpose and working towards definite and achievable research and development, research training and/or community service goals. The terms are of value in communicating internally and externally with professional colleagues and the wider community, as well as in gaining financial support for a specific program of research or other activity that is the core business of the centre or institute or institute. Faculty-based research centres, along with schools, provide an avenue for doctoral research and for the development of staff research experience, particularly in supervising research students. QUT recognises that the designation of the title 'centre' to areas of special focus may need to be awarded in a flexible manner to accommodate particular needs and objectives within the institution. Establishment of institutes is expected to have an effect on the role of existing centres, especially faculty-based research centres of participating faculties (see section D/4.1 ). A list of institutes, centres, and other research activities is available on the QUT website. 1.2.2 A four-tiered structureQUT recognises four tiers of research activity. Tier 1 - Institutes – multi faculty partnerships Institutes are formed as University-level entities to achieve research outcomes, in line with the University's strategic research plans, which cannot be achieved by faculties operating alone (see D/4.1 ). Tier 2 - Externally funded centres QUT gives institutional recognition to large, strategic research groups particularly where these have external partners and external funding. This tier includes QUT involvement in Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), centres of excellence (COEs) and other large research consortia (LRCs), as well as QUT collaborative centres (see D/4.2 ). Tier 3 - Faculty-based research centres The third tier comprises faculty-based research centres which are managed by faculties and are recognised on the basis of their ability to meet faculty and University-endorsed guidelines (see D/4.3 ). Tier 4 - Research groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains The fourth tier includes smaller research groups, nodes, laboratories or programs that are established by a faculty and recognised by the University. These terms are employed to describe a group of researchers and resources underpinning an area of focused research activity within a faculty or across faculties (see D/4.4 ). 1.2.3 Use of other termsThe use of other terms for research entities, such as 'unit', must be approved by the Vice-Chancellor or delegated nominee. Modification History
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