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

KNOWLEDGE
TRANSFER
Internationally acclaimed author and influential public speaker in the realms of art and philosophy Associate Professor
John Armstrong was appointed inaugural Knowledge Transfer Fellow
Achievements
All six New Generation undergraduate
degrees include Knowledge Transfer in their
core programs. Administrative, resourcing
and compliance issues associated with
the incorporation of knowledge transfer
experiences in New Generation degrees
were addressed by the Melbourne Model
Implementation Taskforce during the year.
Dr Jo Barraket, an academic with
considerable experience in the area, was
appointed for six months as Knowledge
Transfer Liaison Officer to assist as the
detail of the curriculum was developed.
The connections between knowledge
transfer, curriculum and the Melbourne
Experience are naturally an area requiring
ongoing attention as the New Generation
degrees take shape. The Increasing
Academic Enrichment Committee has been
established to fulfil this role.
Faculties took a major step toward
embedding knowledge transfer in the
University’s operations when they
incorporated knowledge transfer plans
into their business plans early in 2007. The
executive structure of the faculties now
includes an Associate Dean (Knowledge
Transfer) or equivalent.
In June, $1 million was allocated for the
establishment of a Knowledge Transfer
Office with responsibility for further
development and implementation of the
University’s knowledge transfer strategy,
policies, programs and communications.
The Knowledge Transfer Office has initiated
a pilot partnerships program, forming
interdisciplinary partnerships with two
major companies to work on a range of
projects. The Office will use this experience
to prepare training material for skill
development in partnership establishment
and management, along with guidelines to
coordinate it.
Recognition
Strategic Priorities
> Implement initiatives for recognising
and rewarding excellence in knowledge
transfer
> Incorporate knowledge transfer as a
criterion in academic promotions guidelines
Achievements
In 2007, achievements in knowledge
transfer were recognised through a number
of developments.
A program of knowledge transfer awards
and grants was inaugurated, with the
intertwined objectives of rewarding
excellence, providing seeding for new
knowledge transfer activities and improving
understanding of Knowledge Transfer
within the University.
These program objectives were achieved
with the following awards:
> four Knowledge Transfer Excellence
Awards of $5000, rewarding and
highlighting excellence in knowledge
transfer;
> ten Knowledge Transfer Project Grants
of up to $10000, matching in-kind and/or
financial contributions secured with
partners; and
> four Knowledge Transfer Visiting
Scholar Grants of up to $10,000 for a
visit by a scholar who is experienced in
knowledge transfer.
Such was the quality of the response that
a further seven commendations of $1500
for achievements in knowledge transfer
were awarded.
> The inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s
Knowledge Transfer Excellence Awards
and Symposium highlighted the work of
the award winners and of the University’s
partners. Highlights of the Symposium
included panel sessions with external
partners giving their perspective and
sessions focusing on key aspects of
knowledge transfer, including: knowledge
transfer in teaching and learning; and
finding partners and financing; and
working with partners and providing
outcomes. The Awards provided an
excellent showcase of knowledge
transfer for the public.
New Academic Promotions Guidelines
approved by Council now include
Knowledge Transfer as one of four criteria
for promotion, and will be implemented in
the 2008 round of academic promotions.
Measurement
Strategic Priorities
> Develop detailed measurement and
evaluation of knowledge transfer.
> Assist in the development of impact
material for the RQF.
Achievements
In order to make knowledge transfer more
tangible and visible at the University it is
essential to develop systems to monitor
knowledge transfer activity, even though
this is recognised internationally as a
complex task. Only by measuring and
evaluating activity, will the University
be able to assess its performance and
ensure that it not only remains a leader in
the field, but is constantly improving. The
Measurement Working Group prepared a
paper outlining the major conceptual and
pragmatic requirements for developing
such a system as well as the connection
between knowledge transfer and the use
of impact as a measure of research in the
Research Quality Framework (RQF). The
Group’s recommendations will form the
basis for a specific project on measurement
in 2008 piloting databases and evaluation in
two faculties in 2008.
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2007 45