annual report/2006 - University of Melbourne

Melbourne has embraced ‘knowledge transfer’,
the idea of a continuous exchange of knowledge
between the University and the many
communities of which it is part.
“
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Performance Against 2006 Targets
Professor Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Innovation and Development)
Develop a strategic framework for a new approach to knowledge transfer
Target
Outcome
Knowledge transfer is widely understood both inside and outside the University.
The Knowledge Transfer Taskforce (KTT) has developed a definition of Knowledge Transfer. Communication of the
concept will continue.
Target
Outcome
Launch a coherent portfolio of knowledge transfer activities.
An audit of current knowledge transfer activities surveyed by the KTT identified 366 examples of projects involving
interaction with 1,200 community, industry and government partners, estimated to represent less than 20 percent of
University activity. The KTT recommended that the University focus on four knowledge transfer outcomes: generating
public debate; enriching communities; enhancing productivity for business and industry; and leading policy development
and providing independent advice.
Embed knowledge transfer in the core of the University
Target
Outcome
Student involvement in knowledge transfer is evident across the University.
The KTT identified a wide range of current student involvement in knowledge transfer programs. New Melbourne Model
degrees are to include a knowledge transfer component.
Target
Outcome
Build recognition of staff involvement in knowledge transfer into recruitment, performance, and promotion criteria.
Academic Promotions Guidelines have been drafted to incorporate knowledge transfer benchmarks as criteria
for promotion. Knowledge transfer activity will also be recognised and rewarded and will be taken into account in
recruitment in accordance with Human Resources guidelines developed during 2006.
Transform Melbourne’s social and economic engagement
Target
Outcome
Significantly improve contact rates with alumni and organise more focussed events for alumni in Melbourne,
across Australia and overseas.
Alumni staff was doubled, the ADVANCE database for Alumni was upgraded and corrected, and more regular contact
began. 163,000 alumni received the new Alumni Resource Guide, a Growing Esteem brochure and The University
Fund brochure as well as the annual Melbourne University Magazine. Five new overseas events began a more
focussed alumni program. Contact via the email newsletter GradNet lifted from 8,500 to 26,793.
Target
Outcome
Target
Outcome
Target
Outcome
Target
Outcome
Develop a more focussed portfolio of community engagement activities, and ensure that they are of benefit
to the communities concerned, as well as to the University.
The new position of Pro Vice-Chancellor (University Relations) has been appointed to oversee community engagement
activities. The University’s Cultural and Community Relations Fund made grants totalling $260,109 towards 22 projects
involving the community. A commissioned market survey has highlighted aspects of interaction with
external partners that can be strengthened.
Articulate how our arts and cultural activities fit with the University’s aims.
A Cultural Policy Statement was agreed, and published, defining principles for how arts and cultural activities fit into
the University’s aims.
Increase the number of staff appearing with significant impact in the media and other public forums.
The University’s academics are in constant demand as authoritative and independent commentators on significant
public issues.
Recast commercialisation aims and targets, and implement successfully the new Intellectual Property policy.
The Commercialisation Strategy Paper adopted by Council sets out objectives and policies and outlines operational
improvements and new initiatives. A revised approach to Intellectual Property (IP) was agreed in principle by Council,
with complementary IP principles and an Invention Disclosure policy adopted. As a general principle, the University
asserts ownership of intellectual property, other than scholarly works, created by its academic staff.
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2006
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