Year 2001 - University of Canberra

UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2001
24
Research
The year 2001 saw the consolidation of a new
research structure within the University through
implementation of the Research and Research
Training Management Plan (RRTMP). The new
structure has been implemented to allow much
greater concentration of resources in areas where
the University is nationally and internationally
competitive.
Divisional Research Institutes (DRIs) have been
established in the Academic Divisions.
The role of the DRIs is to
> Monitor and review research strengths
> Advise the Divisional Pro Vice-Chancellor with
respect to distribution of research funding
> Implement the RRTMP and develop annual
research operational plans
> Monitor the quality of the research and
research training
As a result of an extensive review of research
activities across the University, nine areas of
research strength (ARS) [Table 1] have been
identified on the basis of performance (research
income, publication, higher degree by research
student load and completions, and critical mass
of active research academics). Existing research
centres and nodes have been incorporated into
the new structure.
Areas of research strength are structured to
> Ensure that an active dialogue is established within the research
strength to enable the development of further research opportunities
> Report to the Divisional Research Institute on matters related to
the operational workings of the Research Training and Research
Management Plan, and particularly on the quality of research
supervision and support provided to emerging researchers
> Identify and develop research projects and research partnerships
within and external to the Division, together with potential sources
of research funding
> Encourage, assist and support staff, including adjunct and associate
staff and postgraduate students, to initiate, conduct and complete
quality research projects
> Provide an annual report to the Divisional Research Institute, which
will include statistical data on the performance of the research
strength in each area and the quality of the research environment.
As a general principle of the new research organisation, resources and
research student places are allocated to each Academic Division on
the basis of the Areas of Research Strength that each Division hosts
on behalf of the University. Funds allocated in this manner are used
to fund research activities and to maintain a supportive research
training environment.
Table 1
University areas of research strength
DIVISION OF COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION
> Tourism
> Education and Innovation
> Communication, Media and Cultural Studies
DIVISION OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
> Information Sciences and Engineering
> Governance
> Socio-Economic Policy and Research
DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND DESIGN
> Ecology, Environmental and Earth Sciences
> Medical and Health Sciences
> Built and Cultural Environments