RMIT University

Research structures policy

Policy

Intent and objectives

To outline the RMIT research framework, which encompasses individual academics, Research Groups, Research Centres, and Research Institutes.

Objectives

To optimise and support RMIT’s key research objectives through the identification and establishment of structured Research ‘Groups’, ‘Centres’, and ‘Institutes’ designed to:

Scope

This policy applies to RMIT’s internal research structures, with particular emphasis on Research Groups, Research Centres, and Research Institutes. Facilitate recognition of RMIT’s areas of research expertise and excellence.

Exclusions

Cooperative Research Centres; Centres of Excellence; Research Centres that are wholly externally funded or are a separate legal entity.

Policy provisions

RMIT’s research structures engage academics at all levels; from individuals working on discrete projects, through to cross-disciplinary teams undertaking a program of research around a particular theme.

RMIT University recognises four levels of internal research activity which, in order of increasing size and complexity, comprise:

1. Individual academics

While it is not a requirement that every academic at RMIT belong to a Research Group, Research Centre, or Research Institute, it is expected that, in conjunction with teaching and leadership responsibilities, all academic staff will undertake research activities, the nature of which should be discussed and agreed as part of the Work Plan process.

2. Research groups

Research Groups are located in Schools and undertake research normally focussed in a disciplinary area. Although a Research Group typically involves academic staff from within a particular School, a Research Group may include members from other Schools (see RMIT Research Structures Establishment Guidelines and Establishment of Research Groups Procedure).

3. Research centres

Research Centres are located in Schools and/or Colleges and are recognised by their ability to undertake high impact research that has national recognition. A Research Centre may include members from multiple Schools who work in the same disciplinary field (see RMIT Research Structures Establishment Guidelines and Establishment of Research Centres Procedure).

Externally funded Research Centres automatically gain RMIT ‘Research Centre’ status and can promote their research activities to internal and external audiences. However the Establishment of Research Centres Procedure does not apply to Research Centres that are wholly externally funded or are a separate legal entity and whose planning, reporting and review will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the funding body. Processes for the establishment and monitoring of such Centres will be managed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Vice President.

4. Research institutes

Research Institutes are University-level entities that bring together multidisciplinary teams of academics to undertake high-impact industry-focussed research to solve complex research questions of national and global significance (see RMIT Research Structures Establishment Guidelines and Establishment of Research Institutes Procedure).

Research structures policy

Supporting documents and information

Supporting procedures and guidelines

Related documents

Research structures policy

Answers to FAQs

Q. Who can apply for recognition as a Research Group/Research Centre?

A. Applications for recognition of a Group/Centre should be prepared by the Leader of the proposed Group/Centre. Applications should address all of the points identified in the relevant Establishment Procedure. To be recognised as a Group/Centre, the members of the proposed Group/Centre must meet the minimum expectations/thresholds outlined in RMIT Research Structures Establishment Guidelines.

Q. Who can apply for recognition as a Research Institute?

A. As outlined in the Establishment of Research Institutes Procedure the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) will identify any areas where a new Research Institute should be established and invite a senior academic staff member, who would serve as the Institute Director, to prepare an application.

Q. I want to join an existing Research Group/Research Centre/Research Institute. How do I go about this?

A. If you are interested in joining an existing Research Group/Centre/Institute you should first consider the research projects/programs of the various Groups/Centres/Institutes to determine alignment of your research. You should then approach the Group Leader, Centre Director, or Institute Director to find out more and to enquire about the process for joining the Group/Centre/ Institute. It is important to note that Research Group/Centre/Institute Leaders determine membership of their Group/Centre/Institute. Institutes are comprised of core members and members (see Establishment of Research Institutes Procedure for definitions).

Q. Do I have to be a continuing member of staff?

A. No

Q. What are some of the benefits of forming a Research Group/Centre/Institute?

A. Research Groups/Centres/Institutes receive formal recognition from the University that they are undertaking a program of research around a specific issue, set of questions or theme(s). By forming or joining a Research Group/Centre/Institute, members can collaborate on innovative research, develop joint funding applications and produce research outputs including – but not limited to – joint research publications. By working together, Research Group/Centre/Institute members can build and strengthen their reputation and enhance the quality of their research outputs. Recognised Research Groups, Centres and Institutes can work with University Marketing to prepare materials, including webpages, to help raise the profile of their research activities within and outside of RMIT.

Q. What support does the School and/or College provide to members of Research Groups and Research Centres?

A. Research Group and Research Centre members are members of Schools and so they will receive administrative support, capital requirements, equipment maintenance and upgrades, research-related travel and other resources through their School. Research Group and Research Centre members may be eligible for internal research funding/support schemes (see http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/alert for details of potential opportunities). Individual Schools and/or Colleges may choose to provide additional support to Research Groups and Research Centres. For more information about possible additional support, members should contact their School and/or College.

Q. What central support is provided to Research Institutes?

A. Each Research Institute receives “Base Funding” to cover the costs of the Institute Director, an Institute Manager and an Administrative Officer. Each Institute also receives “Other Operating” funding which is negotiated annually with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Vice President as part of the budget process.

Q. What support do the School and/or College provide to members of ResearchInstitutes?

A. Research Institute members are members of Schools and will receive administrative support, capital requirements, equipment maintenance and upgrades, research-related travel and other resources through their School. Research Institute members may be eligible for internal research funding/support schemes (see Research Alert for details of potential opportunities).

Q. Is it possible for a Research Group to develop into a Research Centre?

A. Yes. If a Research Group achieves significant growth and meets the establishment guidelines for a Research Centre then the Group Leader may prepare and submit an application at any time for recognition as a Research Centre. Applications for recognition as a Research Centre should be prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Establishment of Research Centres Procedure.

Q. How frequently do Research Groups undergo a formal review?

A. While Research Groups do not undergo a formal review process such as those prescribed for Research Centres and Research Institutes (that is, no formal review panel is convened for Research Groups), Research Groups are required to annually review and renew their Three Year Plan for submission to the College Research Committee (see Three-Year Plan – Research Group/Centre template and section 5 - Establishment of Research Groups Procedure for details).

Q. How frequently do Research Centres undergo a formal review?

A. Each Research Centre undergoes a formal review every three years in accordance with the Schedule for Review of Research Centres and Research Institutes (see Three Year Review of Research Centres Procedure for details).

Q. How frequently do Research Institutes undergo a formal review?

A. Each Research Institute undergoes a formal review every five years in accordance with the Schedule for Review of Research Centres and Research Institutes (see Five Year Review of Research Institutes Procedure for details).

Research structures policy

Accountability

Revision number

V 1.0

Accountability

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation

Document ref

POL/2011/00163

Operational responsibility

Director of Research and Planning

Date approved

6 June 2011

Last reviewed

Approval authority

Vice-Chancellor

Next review

6 June 2016

Commencement date

6 June 2011

Interpretation and advice

Research and Innovation Portfolio

Implementation

Executive Director, Research Office