D/1.2 Research structures

Policy Owner	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)
Approval Date	15/04/2021
Approval Authority	University Academic Board
Date of Next Review	30/04/2024

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

This policy provides principles for the development, establishment, management and closure of research structures. QUT’s research structures framework is based on principles of critical mass, programmatic research and sustainable funding, high quality and impactful research, and strategic international and industry partnerships that enhance the university’s standing and brand.

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

This policy should be read in conjunction with the QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol.

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1.2.2 Application

This policy applies to all of QUT’s research structures - University Research Centres, Faculty Research Centres and Faculty Research Groups. These structures can reside within or across faculties. Some centres may be associated with others.

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1.2.3 Roles and responsibilities

Position	Responsibility
University Research 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 and externally funded Faculty Research Centres, through University Research Committee and University Academic Board
University Research Centre and Faculty Research Centre Director	provides an annual report to the executive dean of the host faculty and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)
Research Group Leader	provides an annual report to the faculty executive dean

Approval responsibilities

Approval	University Research Centres	Faculty Research Centres	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
Non-material change to title, mission, objectives or structure	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)	Executive Dean of Faculty	Executive Dean of Faculty

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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 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 to enable the conversion of research outcomes into research impact
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
promoting engagement with the wider community to establish and build mutually beneficial relations and address "real world" problems.

University Research Centres

A University Research Centre is a University-level entity established to build and develop high-quality, critical mass in research capabilities that are nationally and internationally leading. A University Research Centre will be built on strong multidisciplinary foundations and is expected to contribute to a significant advance in knowledge at the national and international level. Centres will be a strong focal point and facilitator for impactful research with end-users.

A University Research Centre is expected to foster programmatic research that will position the university to attract long-term, sustainable funding. This will be achieved in collaboration with other faculties, centres, collaborators and end-users.

Faculty Research Centres

Faculty Research Centres are established to provide a focus to support and grow research capability consistent with the faculty strategic plan/s. A Faculty 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.

Research Groups

Research Groups have the primary purpose of representing a cohesive discipline-based group or multidisciplinary 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 according to faculty requirements.

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1.2.5 Establishment, approval, operation and closure of research structures

Research structures are to be approved, established, operated and closed in accordance with the roles and responsibilities outlined above, Register of Authorities and Delegations (QUT staff access only), Organisational structure (A/4.1) and the QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol (QUT staff access only). The QUT Research Structures Criteria and Operating Protocol outlines 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 Register of Authorities and Delegations (VC075 and C168) (QUT staff access only).

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Modification History

Date	Sections	Source	Details
15.04.21	All	University Academic Board	Revised policy to include changes resulting from Repositioning QUT for a post-COVID world organisational restructure (effective 31.01.21)
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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