Why we need to change how we do things

The University is experiencing an expansion of research activities in terms of both quantity and complexity and has ambitions to significantly improve research intensity and grow research income in the next decade. The challenge for the University is to ensure it has the capacity to sustain this growth by, among other things, investing in a research management capability that can support research excellence.

Infrastructure constraints

It is important for the University to capitalise on existing strengths and identify and address any limitations. People are the University’s key asset; the calibre of research administrators in the Research Office and across the faculties and affiliated institutions is high. To do their job effectively, however, they need improvements to current processes and systems.

State-of-the-art technology coupled with streamlined processes offers a solution to some of the perennial problems of research administration to assist in managing data, sharing information, streamlining workflow and meeting compliance obligations. There is currently no University-wide system supporting research administration and limited opportunity to link into core University systems (HR, Finance, Student Administration).

This makes it harder for research administrators to maintain data consistency, track work in progress, or report accurately, and can create undue reliance on manual processes. The situation is further complicated by the size, scale and complexity of the University and its affiliated institutions, which presents a challenge to effective coordination and communication.

The impact on research achievement

Improvements to systems and processes are not just about generating administrative efficiencies but about supporting research achievement. A lack of reliable data and limited reporting capability can compromise strategic decision making by making it difficult to recognise and reward achievement or identify and invest in success. And if the University is unable to efficiently, accurately and comprehensively measure and report research performance it runs the risk of underselling the considerable research accomplishments of individuals, faculties and the University overall.

Building a new capability

Through the Research Management Program the University has made a commitment to invest in world-class research management infrastructure that is recognised as best practice to ensure long-term sustainability and support the University’s aspirations for the future.