2007 Annual report (PDF 8.1 Mb) - University of Melbourne

RESEARCH &
ReseARCH TRAINING
Research Income ($’000)
$ MILLION
500
400
300
200
100
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Based on research performance, in 2007
the University was successful in gaining
the highest allocation nationally of the
research block grant ($124.9 million
representing an increase of 4.1 per cent
from 2006) comprising:
> Institutional Grants Scheme funding
($35.6 million),
> Research Training Scheme funding
($63.5 million) and
> Research Infrastructure Block Grants
Scheme funding ($25.8 million).
The University’s research income for 2006
totalled $279.7 million (an increase of 10 per
cent) comprising $128.3 million of ACGs (the
highest nationally), $58.2 million from other
public sector funding (the highest nationally)
and $93.2 million in industry (including
CRCs) and international support.
The University maintained its position
as one of the largest research and
development providers in Australia.
Expenditure on research and research
training from all sources was an estimated
$569.7 million representing 43 per cent of
total University expenditure and an increase
of 7 per cent from 2006 ($532.7 million). In
a 10-year period, the University’s research
expenditure has more than doubled.
Research Expenditure ($‘000)
$ MILLION
500
400
300
200
100
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Increased Funding
Strategic Priorities
> Increase income and success rates by
10 per cent by appointing ARC grant
coordinators and shepherds in all faculties
to ensure best practice in grant seeking
and mentoring
> Increase international R&RT funding by 10
per cent by marketing grant opportunities
and building collaborative networks
Achievements
In 2007, for commencement in 2008, the
University was again awarded the most
combined ARC and NHMRC new five-year
funding ($119.8 million).
Performance in the ARC Scheme improved
markedly. The University obtained the
highest number (112), value ($38.0 million)
and success rate (27 per cent) for the
ARC Discovery Projects and was ranked
first amongst the Group of Eight (Go8)
Universities. The results are a significant
improvement on the $28.6 million, 21
per cent success rate and ranking of four
for the previous year. The University’s
$45.2 million for total ARC funding saw
Melbourne ranked second amongst the
Go8 Universities, up from fourth.
The major improvements in ARC results
have arisen from a concerted effort
by the University implementing the
recommendations of the 2006 Research
and Research Training Taskforce. In
2007, all faculties appointed ARC grant
coordinators and shepherds to ensure best
practice in grant seeking and mentoring. To
counter below Go8 average success rates
for the ARC Linkage Program, specialised
assistance introduced in 2007 to improve
performance will continue to be available
to researchers. An experienced dedicated
officer will provide advice on critical
elements of applications.
Overall NHMRC performance was again
strong, with the University leading both
total and project funding. The University’s
NHMRC Project funding awarded in 2007
increased by 61 per cent to $55.8 million
with a corresponding success rate of 34
per cent compared with $34.6 million and
27 per cent respectively for the previous
year. Total NHMRC funding announced for
2008 was $74.6 million. Of particular note,
in 2007, the University received a special
program grant in the area of diabetes health
for a value of $3 million. The University also
gained two fellowships under the inaugural
NHMRC Australia Fellowship Scheme,
from 11 nationally, providing total support of
$8 million over five years. The Fellowship
winners are detailed on page 17.
Strengthen Cross-
Disciplinary Research
and Inter-Institutional
Research and International
Collaboration in Research
and Research Training
Cross-Disciplinary
Collaborative Research
Strategic Priorities
> Enhance the scale and visibility of the
Strategic Research Initiatives Fund to
stimulate and support cross-disciplinary
and cross-faculty initiatives
> Develop cross-disciplinary plans in
partnership with key affiliates and other
external collaborators to increase the
scale and scope of cross-disciplinary
Research and Research Training
melbourne’s performance against key national research indicators
RESEARCH INCOME
$m National
Rank
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS (DEST
WEIGHTED SCORE)
% of Total DEST Weighted
Score
National
Rank
RESEARCH HD LOAD
% of Total EFSTL National
Rank
RESEARCH HD
COMPLETIONS
Number
National
Rank
2003 198.7 1 13.4% 2,857 1 8.1% 2,925 1 694 1
2004 208.8 1 13.0% 3,299 2 8.2% 3,160 1 724 1
2005 254.4 1 13.9% 3,878 1 8.8% 3,159 1 739 1
2006 279.7 2 12.7% 3,809 (est) 2 8.2% 3,122 1 736 1
2007 307.2 (est) n/a n/a 3,811 (est) n/a n/a 3,169 (est) n/a 730 (est) n/a
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2007 23