|
|
|
|
|
|
D/4.4 Research groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains (Tier 4) |
||||||||||||||||||||
4.4.1 Description 4.4.1 DescriptionA research group, node, laboratory, program or domain is the fourth tier of research activity recognised within QUT's research structure. These are smaller research groupings, established by a faculty or institute and recognised by the University. The terms describe an area of focused research activity that has a group of researchers and resources underpinning the research focus. Research groups, nodes, laboratories, programs or domains , because of the focused nature of their research activity, provide an avenue for the development of the research experience of staff, including early-career researchers, and for discipline-based, problem-focused and/or thematic research. A research group is smaller than a centre and undertakes focused research activity within a faculty, or across faculties. A research node is a focused research activity within a faculty, is smaller than a centre, has specific connections to other research nodes, or forms the stem of a larger research activity. A research laboratory is a facility, with ongoing support and staff, for focused research activity. A research program may be narrowly focussed in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary in nature and may be within or across faculties. A research domain is usually a multi-disciplinary research program within an institute. 4.4.2 Awarding of statusResearch group / node / laboratory / program / domain status is recognised by a faculty, or by agreement between faculties or by an institute or combination of faculty/ies and institutes . The Office of Research maintains a register of these. Faculties / institutes normally establish research groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains through the faculty academic board within the strategic planning cycle. A formal process is used. It is based on the Tier 3 research centre status application proforma and guidelines (see D/4.3.3 and also application proforma for Tier 3 research groups on Office of Research web page). 4.4.3 ResourcesThe sponsors are responsible for ensuring that there is active management and an appropriate level of resources so that high quality research and the development of staff can take place. Staff involvement in leadership roles within research groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains is managed through Performance Planning and Review (PPR) processes (see B/9.2 and B/9.3 ). Normally, the leader of such a group will be referred to as a coordinator / leader . 4.4.4 ReportingResearch groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains report to the executive dean of faculty / institute director / head of school or nominee, on day-to-day management and academic activities, in accordance with the reporting processes established by the faculty / institute . The faculty / institute is required to submit an annual report on its research activity to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) through the Office of Research, including a recommendation for continuation or termination of status of all its research groups / nodes / laboratories / programs / domains. 4.4.5 Changes to name, mission, objectives or structureChanges to title, mission, objectives, and structure normally occur within the context of the annual reporting cycle. Applications are considered by the executive dean of faculty / institute director , who approves the change and forwards the endorsement via the relevant faculty / institute governance structure to University Research and Innovation Committee for noting. 4.4.6 Termination of statusThe decision to wind up a group / node / laboratory / program / domain is made by the relevant faculty / institute governance structure/s, on the recommendation of the executive dean of faculty / institute director, at a time judged appropriate. A research group / node / laboratory / program / domain may be wound up when the purpose for which it was established has been fulfilled or is no longer a strategic priority for the faculty / institute, when it has ceased to be active, or when it is no longer performing at a level judged appropriate by the faculty / institute. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) must be advised by the faculty / institute of its action in winding up a research group / node / laboratory / program / domain via the relevant faculty / institute governance structure/s. Modification History
|
