D/1.2 Research structures

Contact Officer	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)
Approval Date	19/07/2019
Approval Authority	University Academic Board
Date of Next Review	30/07/2020

1.2.1 Purpose
1.2.2 Application
1.2.3 Roles and responsibilities
1.2.4 Tiered structure
1.2.5 Establishment, approval, operation and closure of research structures
1.2.6 Delegations
Related Documents
Modification History

1.2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide principles for the development, establishment, closure and management of research structures. QUT’s research structures framework is based on principles of critical mass, scale of research and research income, quality of research and research outputs, and quality of international and industry partnerships.

QUT's strategies and priorities in relation to research, research training and commercialisation are outlined in the QUT Blueprint and supported by Academic, Faculty and Institute Plans.

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1.2.2 Application

This policy applies to all levels of research structure at QUT. QUT’s research structures are comprised of three tiers - University Research Centres (Tier 1), Faculty and/or Institute Research Centres (Tier 2) and Research Groups (Tier 3).

These structures can reside within faculties or institutes or across faculties and/or institutes. Institutes are University level entities primarily focussed on research within QUT’s organisational structure. Institutes operate according to the governance and organisation policy for these entities, Organisational structure (A/4.1). Where applicable, reference to research institutes is included in this policy.

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1.2.3 Roles and responsibilities

Position	Responsibility
University Research and Innovation Committee	endorses QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)	approves QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol provides an annual summary level report to Council on all University Research Centres (Tier 1) and externally funded Research Centres (Tier 2), through University Research and Innovation Committee and University Academic Board
University Research Centre and Faculty / Institute Research Centre Director (Tiers 1 and 2)	provides an annual report to the executive dean or institute executive director of the host faculty/institute and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)
Research Group Leader (Tier 3)	provides an annual report to the faculty/institute executive through the executive dean / institute director

Approval responsibilities

Approval	Tier 1 - University Research Centres	Tier 2 – Research Centres – Faculty or Institute Centres	Tier 3 – Research Groups
Establishment and closure and material change to title, mission, objectives or structure, including appointment of centre directors and research leaders	Vice-Chancellor and President or delegated authority	Vice-Chancellor and President or delegated authority	Executive Dean of Faculty and/or Executive Director of Institute
Non-material change to title, mission, objectives or structure	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)	Executive Dean of Faculty and/or Executive Director of Institute	Executive Dean of Faculty and/or Executive Director of Institute

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1.2.4 Tiered structure

The tiered structure framework supports the University’s research goals as outlined in the QUT Blueprint and Research Plan by:

establishing and building critical mass in our disciplines or across multiple discipline boundaries
enabling targeted capacity building through both internal and external investment
creating an intellectual, physical and virtual environment that enables research quality, translation of outcomes and social, economic and environmental impact
identifying and supporting research leadership
supporting Indigenous researchers and research and aspirations for gender equity in research
aligning with sectoral, thematic or funding priorities (regional, national and international)
enhancing the research component of the university’s “real-world” focus
growing and sustaining investment in research across a variety of funding sources – nationally competitive, commercial, industry and philanthropic
creating knowledge that contributes to the development of educational programs especially at the intersection of disciplines or in new emerging professions
opening a window through which the community can look into our world, access our expertise, and understand the value of our research.

Tier 1 – University Research Centres – research strengths

A University Research Centre is a University-level entity established with the primary purpose to build and develop high-quality, critical mass in research capabilities that are nationally and internationally leading. A University Research Centre represents a University research strength that has a global reputation and provides a focus for strong external engagement.

A University Research Centre must have an appropriate and sustainable level of external funding.

University Research Centres are of larger scale than Tier 2 research centres. The Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol details eligibility and selection criteria for Tier 1 University Research Centres.

Tier 2 – Research Centres – faculty and/or institute centres

Institute/ Faculty/ Faculty-Institute research centres are established to provide a focus to support and grow research capability consistent with the strategic plan of the Institute and/or Faculty/ies involved. A Tier 2 Research Centre strengthens QUT's reputation for high-quality and high-impact research and has a primary focus of the conduct of high-quality research and research training. The Research Centre can also engage in consulting activities, continuing education and the provision of other services related to its research activities.

Research Centres are of larger scale than Research Groups. The Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol details eligibility and selection criteria for Tier 2 Institute /Faculty / Faculty-Institute Research Centres.

Tier 3 – Research Groups

Research Groups have the primary purpose of representing a cohesive discipline-based group or interdisciplinary group of researchers to deliver high-quality research of sectoral or emerging significance, and supporting the development of QUT’s researchers, including early career researchers.

Research Groups will be of a small scale and will be established by a faculty or institute according to faculty or institute requirements.

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1.2.5 Establishment, approval, operation and closure of research structures

Research structures are to be established, approved, operated and closed in accordance with the roles and responsibilities outlined above, Appendix 3 Schedule of Authorities and Delegations, A/4.1 Organisational structure and the QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol (QUT staff access only). The QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol outlines details of the establishment, funding, governance, reporting, review and disestablishment requirements for each tier of research structure.

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1.2.6 Delegations

Refer to Appendix 3 Schedule of Authorities and Delegations (VC075)

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Modification History

Date	Sections	Source	Details
19.07.19	All	University Academic Board	Revised policy to align the research structures policy and protocol with Blueprint 6
17.07.15	All	University Academic Board	Revised policy to incorporate rescinded policies D/4 Research structures (including centres). Content also moved to the QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Guidelines
27.03.09	All	University Academic Board	Policy reviewed – minor editorial changes only
01.07.05	All	University Academic Board	Revised policy consistent with new Institutes policy; renumbered to D/1.2 (formerly D/4.1)
16.11.01	All	University Academic Board	New centres policy (effective immediately)

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