Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC)

In December 1999 the Commonwealth Government announced in Knowledge and Innovation: A policy statement on research and research training a number of changes to the funding arrangements for higher education research. Among these changes the former Research Quantum (RQ) of the university operating grant was incorporated into a new block funding mechanism to be known as the Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS). The IGS was introduced in 2002.

The IGS allocations to universities will be allocated according to a formula that takes account of:

• Research student places;
• Research related income; and
• Research outputs.

Knowledge and Innovation also announced the creation of a new scheme for funding higher degree by research students, the Research Training Scheme (RTS) which was fully implemented in 2002. 2001 was a transitional year. The RTS is also allocated on performance, on the basis of:

• Research student completions;
• Research related income; and
• Research outputs.

Research Infrastructure Block Grants (RIBGs) continues to be allocated on the basis of the competitive component of research income (usually referred to as Category 1 income).

All research staff and affiliates of the University must ensure that they participate in the HERDC. For most, this will mean ensuring you submit your publications to your Coordinator or directly to the Research Office. Your efforts directly effect the amount of funding made available to the University for research activities.

Finance Officers are also required to verify the research income of project under their responsibility.

Researchers and administrators should subscribe to the HERDC Bulletin to receive regular updates on the collection.

To subscribe visit the HERDC Bulletin Information page.