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research andresearch trainingm a n a g e m e n tr e p o r t

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F L I N D E R SUNIVERSITYA D E L AI DEAUSTRALIA

FLINDERS U N I V E R S I T Y

Research and Research Training Management Reportprepared in compliance with guidelines advised byDepartment of Education, Science and Training, 2005

This report covers research activity during 2004.

Produced by the Publications Office, Public Affairs and Alumni Office, Flinders Universityfor the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Enquiries to:Professor Chris Marlin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001Tel: (+618) 8201 2758 • Fax: (+618) 8201 5949 • Email: [email protected]

Prepared as part of the Institution AssessmentFramework Information Collection required by the Higher Education Group, Department of Education, Science and Training 2005.

F l i n d e rs Unive rs i t y RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING MANAGEMENT REPORT 2005

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPART A1. Context and policy framework

1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.3 Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Use of research block grants and scholarships2.1 Resource allocation mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.2 Institutional Grant Scheme and Research Infrastructure Block Grant

expenditure for 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.3 Internal allocation mechanisms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3. Managing research performance3.1 Research structures and resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.2 Planning processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73.3 Resource allocation procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.4 Performance monitoring arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.5 Benchmarking (national and international) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.6 Identification of research performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.7 Incentives to reward and support research performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.8 Conflict of interest policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4. Research and research training objectives4.1 Research and research training objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.2 Strategies to achieve objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5. Ensuring a quality research training experience5.1 University structures to support research education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115.2 Research higher degree professional development program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115.3 Flinders Postgraduate Students’ Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.4 Arrangements for supervisor development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.5 Student satisfaction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6. Collaboration and national priorities6.1 National Research Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136.2 Significant research collaborations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146.3 Internal support for collaborative research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7. Intellectual property, commercialisation and contractual arrangements7.1 Current arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157.2 Changes since Research and Research Training Management Report 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167.3 Discrete commercialisation procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177.4 Future arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PART BTable 1: Higher degree research (HDR) students (by EFTSL) in 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Table 2: Research income in 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Table 3: Research active staff in 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Table 4: Qualifications and activity of staff who supervised HDR students 2004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

APPENDIXESAppendix 1: Areas of Strategic Research Investment - 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Appendix 2: Collaborations with other South Australian Universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Appendix 3: Significant external research collaborations - 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22

PART A1. Context and policy framework

1.1 OverviewFlinders University's mission, adopted in 2003, is expressed in four words:

Think, Learn, Lead, LinkThese four words inform the University's teaching, research and community engagement and focus thecommitment to innovation in all its processes. The University aims to be:

recognised widely as a community sensitive Australian university that is confident, supportive andoutward-looking and which brings to its community a level of performance in teaching and researchthat meets exacting national and international standards.

Statement of Intent, Flinders University (2000)(www.flinders.edu.au/about/intent.html)

The Mission Statement and the Statement of Intent identify Flinders' mission and express its overall valuesand characteristics as an institution, underpinning the strategic priorities and directions as set in FlindersStrategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II, adopted in 2004.Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II is the result of a review of the strategicplanning document developed in 2001. Mark II was approved by Council in 2004. The review redefined theUniversity's major aims and the revised document was restructured to reflect these aims and to focus onfour principal areas - education, research, international, community engagement - each with its own goals,objectives and strategies. Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II is implemented through the StrategicOverview Action Plans (SOAPs) developed by the Major Cost Centres (the four Faculties, the Library and theCentral Administration). The Deputy Vice-Chancellors also develop SOAPs for their portfolio areas and reportto Academic Senate and to Council on how the University will address the goals for each area of activity inthe coming year. An implementation review against the previous year's SOAPs is conducted each year, andnew actions are identified for the coming year.As part of the Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions process, the implementation of Areas ofStrategic Research Investment (ASRIs) was foreshadowed and further developed in the documentsFocussing Research at Flinders University: Areas of Strategic Research Investment (May 2002), and Areas ofStrategic Research Investment (ASRIs) - Implementation, May 2004. The ASRIs are flagship collaborativeresearch programs, which are selected competitively to represent Flinders' key research capabilities andopportunities, and in which significant resources are invested. They are subject to monitoring and periodicreview. Seven ASRIs were selected by the end of 2004, and two further selection rounds in 2005 willcomplete the first planned cycle. Appendix 1 gives a brief overview of those established by the end of 2004.

The ASRIs represent an important further development in the management of research at FlindersUniversity. At the time of the Research and Research Training Management Report 2003, research atFlinders University was managed through four University-wide research institutes known as the FlindersInstitutes, which were introduced in mid-1999 and represented a separate research management structurealongside the Faculties. In the second half of 2002, a Review of Research Management was carried out witha particular focus on the operation of the Flinders Institutes. This review found that a number ofmanagement difficulties had been created by the establishment of the Institutes alongside the Facultystructure, and also that the external environment which motivated the creation of the Institutes in 1999 hadchanged somewhat. Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor wrote to Faculties in December 2002 indicating that Institutes, if retained,should be more closely integrated into the Faculty management structure, while at the same time ensuringthat cross-Faculty activities, such as those which the Institutes were designed to foster, are encouraged.Faculties were asked to consider appropriate research management structures and these revised structureswere subsequently implemented by Faculties; where Institutes were retained, they were managed by oneparticular Faculty. By the middle of 2005, all four Institutes had been discontinued.


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1.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) University-wide leadership and management of research is the responsibility of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Research) [DVC(R)]; under the University's formal governance arrangements, the DVC(R) exercises thisresponsibility under the overall direction of the Vice-Chancellor. The DVC(R) reports to each meeting of theAcademic Senate, and annually to Academic Senate and to Council on the implementation of the StrategicOverview Action Plan for research and on actions planned for the coming year. In this way, the DVC(R)indicates research priorities for the University and coordinates how the University works consistently toachieve agreed goals for research.The DVC(R) is assisted in his management of research by the:• R e s e a rch Advisory Committee, which includes those re s p o n s i b le for re s e a rch management within Fa c u l t i e s• annual research budget allocation processes, formulated in discussions with the Research Advisory

Committee• Faculty planning and monitoring pro ce sses, including Strategic Overview Action Plans put fo r w a rd by

Fa c u l t i e s• Key Accountability and Measures processes.

1.3 Policy Flinders University has a number of policies governing the conduct of research-related matters- both research in general and in terms of research education. The relevant policies are at:www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/research.html1.3.1 Research

• Policy on Research Practice, which fulfils the requirements under the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice

• Intellectual Property Policy and associated Guidelines • Policy on Centres• relevant legislation and regulations on ethics and codes of practice and internal processes (policy

sta tement, guidelines and pro ce d u res) relating to ethics sta n d a rds, pra c t i ces and approval re q u i rements • Extra-Mural Work Policy and Guidelines• Outside Studies Scheme• Overseas Conference Scheme• Research Grant and Equipment Transfers Policy • Risk Management Policy• Policy on Controlled Entities

1.3.2 Research Education• Education at Flinders (www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/education/edu.index.htm) outlines principles

for research education• Student-Related Policies and Procedures Manual (www.flinders.edu.au/students/rhd/policies.html)

includes a comprehensive range of policies for higher degrees by research and the researchcomponent of postgraduate coursework degrees

• Research Higher Degree Information Manual (www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/student/rhd_index.htm)includes, among other information, a comprehensive listing of scholarships and grants available forresearch students and gives clear guidelines for each of the awards

• policies, procedures and rules for the allocation of postgraduate research scholarships are containedin the Scholarships Committee Ranking Guidelines (APAs or Flinders University ResearchScholarships) and in the conditions and rules for other scholarships and grants.

The Policy on Research Practice identifies expectations in relation to professional standards, andethical and safe practices in research. It identifies a framework for the conduct of research by researchhigher degree students, and requirements in respect of research supervisions. It also provides aframework for handling matters of research misconduct and fraud.In 2004, the University conducted a check on the implementation of its research policies. There wasgenerally good compliance with these policies and an action plan has been developed to address thoseareas where compliance could be improved. A number of these actions - improved processes to ensurestudents are notified of the Intellectual Property Policy, strategies to improve supervisor training, andthe development of an induction program for higher degree research students - were beingimplemented by the end of 2004.

2. Use of research block grants and scholarships2.1 Resource Allocation Mechanisms

The principal mechanism for the allocation of discretionary research resources is the University ResearchBudget (URB). The allocation of the URB is constructed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), who isadvised by the Research Advisory Committee. The URB comprises a percentage of the IGS and all the RIBGallocated to the University.The URB has two main components: a central component and the remainder which is allocated to Facultieson a performance basis. The central component of the URB provides support for the University's researchactivities in a variety of ways, including:• funding for internal scholarship schemes, such as Flinders University Research Scholarships (which have

the same stipend level as the Australian Postgraduate Awards), Thesis Write-up Stipends and stipendsupport for Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship students

• an annual grant to the University Library for the purchase of research materials• funding for institutional contributions to Cooperative Research Centres, projects under the ARC Linkage -

Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme and other cooperative arrangements• an internal grant scheme (University-Industry Collaborative Research Grants Scheme) to encourage joint

research projects with industry.2.2 Institutional Grant Scheme and Research Infrastructure Block Grant expenditure for 2004

2.2.1 Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS)Flinders' IGS allocation for 2004 was $6.78M. Of this, $3.145M was internally allocated to the URB, withthe remainder being dispersed as part of the University budget (see below). The IGS funds allocated tothe URB were expended in support of:• research support for the Faculties• centrally-located research support positions• funding for Areas of Strategic Research Investment (ASRIs), explained later in this report and

consistent with the University's Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark IIand Strategic Overview Action Plans

• support for postgraduate research students, including funds for conference attendance, overseas travel and field trips

• grant and research fellow salary supplementation• University/Industry collaborative grants• other activities and initiatives involving research and postgraduate student support.The Faculties provide reports to the DVC(R) on expenditure from IGS funds allocated through the URB.These reports are then aggregated into a single document which also includes information on the otheraspects of the URB; this consolidated report is presented to the Academic Senate. In relation to 2004,Faculties reported expenditure on, among other things:• establishment grants for new academic staff• project grants• support for postgraduate research students.The remainder ($3.635M) of Flinders University's IGS funds for 2004 was allocated to recurrent funds,and then further allocated to the Major Cost Centres (the four Faculties, the Library, and CentralAdministration), as part of their total allocation to meet staffing and other operating costs relating tothe core functions of teaching and research, and the provision of support for these activities.

2.2.2 Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG)The University allocates its known RIBG funds in October/November prior to the year in which the fundsare to be spent. Allocations for 2004 were based on the figure of $3.482M, of which $0.951M wascarried forward from 2003. As with IGS funding, RIBG allocations were made to a number of centrally supported items and thenthe remainder was distributed to Faculties, principally on the basis of their research performance.Those items supported centrally included:• centrally-located research support positions• support and professional development programs for research higher degree students


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• funding for ASRIs, consistent with the University's Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions2001-2005 Mark II and Strategic Overview Action Plans

• other activities and initiatives which support research and postgraduate research students. As part of the same reporting process described in Section 2.2.1, the Faculties also report to the DVC(R)on expenditure from RIBG funds allocated through the URB. In relation to 2004, items reported byFaculties included:• support for ASRIs and other major research initiatives• major equipment support• research support positions of a general nature• project-related infrastructure costs associated with Australian Competitive Grants.

2.3 Internal allocation mechanismsIn 2004, Flinders University implemented a new formula for the distribution to Faculties. The formula is builtaround an agreed base percentage allocation to Faculties with the balance being distributed according toFaculties' competitive research performance, based on activity for the previous four years. Faculties utilisethese funds for a range of purposes as explained in Section 2.2.

3. Managing Research Performance3.1 Research structures and resources

3.1.1 Physical and personnel resourcesThe primary research resources at Flinders are its 587 (FTE) teaching and research staff and 584(EFTSU as at 31 August 2004) higher degree research students. Additional support for research isprovided by general staff employed in the areas of technical support, research administration, and staffdevelopment and training.Physical resources are concentrated at Flinders' main campus at Bedford Park, Adelaide, which hasland and buildings valued at approximately $122M and equipment worth $36M. In the past few years,the University has also established a physical presence in a number of remote and regional areas:Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln and the Riverland in South Australia; Warrnambool and Hamilton inVictoria; and Alice Springs and Darwin in the Northern Territory.Medical research facilities include those of the co-located Flinders Medical Centre (now part of theSouthern Adelaide Health Service), and other similar centres in Adelaide (notably the RepatriationGeneral Hospital and Noarlunga Health Services), Darwin (principally through the Northern TerritoryClinical School at the Royal Darwin Hospital), and Alice Springs (mainly through the Centre for RemoteHealth). The Flinders-owned Mark Oliphant Building, on a separate site within Science Park Adelaideadjacent to the university campus, is the location for a number of industry-linked organisations andre s e a rch ce n t res. Flinders Unive rsity also has the Lincoln Marine Science Centre lo ca ted at Port Linco l nin regional South Aust ralia. Yu n g g o rendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research prov i d e san expert and specialised point of co n tact on Indigenous matte rs within Flinders Unive rs i t y.

3.1.2 Flinders University LibraryThe Flinders University Library, which comprises a Central Library, a Law Library, a Medical Library,and an Education and Nursing Library, is a primary resource and support base for the research work ofacademic staff and postgraduate students.The Library's ex te n s i ve co l lection of journals, both print and ele c t ronic, comprises principally re s e a rc hjournals. More than $2 million per annum is expended on maintaining subscriptions to re s e a rch journalsand on new subscriptions to re s e a rch titles re q u e sted by academic sta f f. The Library's re s e a rc hco l lections are particularly st rong in the areas of health sciences, biolo g i cal sciences, law and socials c i e n ce s.In addition to funds from the Library recurrent budget used to support research, in 2004 the Library wasallocated $200,000 from the University Research Budget for library research materials. These funds aretargeted to support the research of individual researchers and are allocated on merit following a call forsubmissions.

3.1.3 Central committeesThe Research Advisory Committee (RAC) provides advice to the DVC(R) on research-related matters.The RAC consists of the Executive Deans, the Associate Heads (Research), the Head of the Office ofResearch and a representative of the Flinders Postgraduate Students’ Association. The DVC(R) alsoreports on research matters to the fortnightly meetings of the Vice-Chancellor's Committee.


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The University Research Higher Degrees Committee is responsible for providing advice on thedevelopment of policy, and for monitoring and reporting to the Academic Senate on the operation ofresearch higher degrees overall. The Scholarships Committee is responsible for overseeing the allocation of Australian PostgraduateAwards, Flinders University Research Scholarships and related research student support such asconference and field trip travel grants. In compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, Flinders has established committees withresponsibility for approving research applications, providing advice on policy and monitoring researchactivities in the areas of animal welfare, human ethics and biosafety.The Animal Welfare Committee and the two human ethics committees (the Social and BehaviouralResearch Ethics and the Flinders Clinical Research Ethics Committee) report annually to the AcademicSenate in accordance with external reporting requirements. The Biosafety Committee, which coversgenetically modified organisms, ionising radiation and safe practices in the research environment,reports through the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Committee and to external regulatorybodies as required. All of these committees are operated by Flinders University on behalf jointly of theUniversity and the Flinders Medical Centre (now formally part of the Southern Adelaide Health Service),an arrangement which facilitates the consideration of proposals involving researchers from bothinstitutions. During 2004, the DVC(R) initiated a series of reviews of all four of the above ethics committees. The reviews will be completed during 2005.

3.1.4 Office of ResearchThe Office of Research provides centralised services in relation to: research grants; support for ethicsand biosafety; negotiation, execution and legal advice on contracts; policy and planning advice onresearch matters; advice and support for the DVC(R) regarding the implementation of Flinders StrategicPriorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II and research management issues; and thecollection and analysis of research performance data. The Office also provides support for the operationof the ASRIs and other strategic research initiatives.

3.1.5 The Higher Degree Administration and Scholarships Office This Office provides support at the University-wide level for higher degree research and scholarshipsmatters.

3.1.6 Career development for researchers In support of the requirement in academic staff profiles to engage in research, Flinders has encouragedand supported academic staff to develop their careers by undertaking further study and developmentalprograms. Some of these activities are provided centrally through the Staff Training and Development Unit. This unit conducts a range of research-related training activities for staff, particularly highlighting theinformation and mentoring needs of new and early career researchers, and new and prospectivesupervisors. Topics covered include:• the Flinders policy framework for postgraduate research supervision

• aspects of, and approaches to, supervision and examination of students• supervising international students• (for new early career researchers) research planning, writing for publication, forming research

alliances, presenting research, applying for research grants, and research grant and projectmanagement

• research techniques and tools (eg bibliographic and data management software, NVivo and SPSS)• applying for Australian competitive grants (eg ARC and NHMRC)• seeking funding from non-traditional research funding sources• consulting and commercialisation (in cooperation with Flinders Consulting and Flinders

Technologies)• intellectual property and risk management issues.Of particular note is the Mentoring Scheme for Early Career Women Researchers, funded by the Vice-Chancellor and the University Research Budget. This scheme is widely known across Australia,and has been conducted for seven years with impressive results. Twenty-two mentees have beenfollowed since the inception of the program and a report on the outcomes of the scheme will becompleted and launched in early 2005.


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The Faculties fund a range of activities which support research career development of their staff,including outside studies programs, conference leave, time release from teaching and other duties,publications and research project costs, as well as allocations targeting early career researchers. Career development for Indigenous staff has been a particular focus and concern for the University.Three Indigenous staff from Yunggorendi, First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research, havebeen successful in applying for research funds from the Australian Research Council's Discovery -Indigenous Researchers Development Scheme over the period 2002-04.

3.1.7 Statistical ConsultantAlong with many other research support staff across the University, a Statistical Consultant is employedwith funding from the University Research Budget to provide assistance to staff, postgraduate andhonours students in areas of their research that require the use of statistical methods. The Consultant'sbrief is to assist clients to help themselves, rather than to conduct either research or analysis on theirbehalf. The Statistical Consultant provides quarterly detailed reports to the DVC(R) on her activities.

3.1.8 Research databases and networksFlinders University is host to a number of national research databases and networks. These provideresources for research and are available, under appropriate conditions, for both national andinternational research. These projects include: the Australian Corneal Graft Register; AusStage;Auseinet; and the Primary Health Care Research and Information Service (PHC RIS).

3.2 Planning processes3.2.1 University-wide

At the end of 2004, Flinders University had in place an integrated system for planning and qualityassurance which comprised:• Mission Statement and Statement of Intent• Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II• annual Strategic Overview Action Plans (SOAPs) for each of the four areas of Flinders Strategic

Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II and for each Major Cost Centre• review of implementation of SOAPs for the University as a whole and for Major Cost Centres,

reporting to Academic Senate and Council on Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions2001-2005 Mark II and SOAPs, and revision of Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions2001-2005 Mark II and SOAPs as required

• annual review discussions on performance and quality with Major Cost Centres, a review of dataagainst Key Accountability Measures (KAMs)*, and reporting to Cost Centres, the Academic Senateand Council.

Specific research planning processes involve:• meetings of the Research Advisory Committee, membership of which includes those responsible for

research management within Faculties• Faculty planning and monitoring processes, including SOAPs put forward by Faculties• advice from the Scholarships Committee on ways to increase accessibility to opportunities for higher

degree research students• the annual research budget allocation process, formulated in discussions with the Research Advisory

Committee• the KAMs processes.

*See Section 3.4

3.2.2 Faculty-basedAt Flinders, Faculties have the primary responsibility for providing academic direction for and activemanagement of research training. Working through the University Research Higher Degrees Committee(a committee of the Academic Senate), Flinders University has engaged the Faculties in acomprehensive planning, monitoring and reporting process. This has been complemented by acommitment to resource and support central administrative programs which deliver policy andprocedural development, dissemination and maintenance; publicity for research programs; staffdevelopment and training in areas related to higher degree student supervision; and administration of higher degree student scholarships. Flinders is also committed to central information systems tosupport planning for and monitoring of research training.


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Research management at the Faculty level is devolved to the Executive Deans of the Faculties and theirAssociate Heads (Research), where relevant. Except for Health Sciences, where the Executive Deanundertakes both roles, all Faculties have an Associate Head (Research). Each Faculty providesadministrative support for research and research higher degree matters at the Faculty level.Each Faculty has its own Faculty Research Committee that deals with research management, includingthe allocation of research funds at the Faculty level. They also have Research Higher DegreeCommittees that manage research student matters. In some cases, these two functions are combinedinto a single committee.The Academic Senate receives annual reports from the Faculties about their research performance,with references to KAMs, as part of the annual monitoring and review cycle. Faculties also reportexpenditure of devolved funding under the URB, through the process described in Section 2.2, to theDVC(R); these reports are aggregated by the DVC(R) and combined with information on centralexpenditure under the URB into a single report to Academic Senate.

3.3 Resource allocation proceduresFunds from the URB are allocated strategically to further the University's research goals, objectives andstrategies. From the second half of 2004, and continuing through 2005, a substantial allocation has beenmade to support the implementation of ASRIs, a new initiative to concentrate research effort. The overallsupport will increase over time, as Faculties increase the extent to which their expenditure on research isaligned with ASRIs and as ASRIs become a factor in the allocation of scholarships, small grants, researchproject and infrastructure funding. Consistent with the principle of devolution, a substantial component of the URB is allocated to the Facultiesfor distribution according to programs they establish and determine - in 2004, this was around 44% of theURB ($4 million of a total budget of around $9 million, which included APA funding of around $1.9 millionand which is determined centrally). Faculties manage their research activities and the financing of theseaccording to their own plans, and these plans are being progressively aligned with Flinders StrategicPriorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II goals, strategies and action plans. The URB is used tosupport the items and activities outlined earlier in Section 2.2. The DVC(R) is responsible for approving the URB, including the distribution between centrally-funded itemsand the portion devolved to Faculties, based on the advice of the Research Advisory Committee. The DVC(R)provides the annual report on the URB to Academic Senate outlined earlier in Section 2.2.

3.4 Performance monitoring arrangementsFlinders University monitors its research performance primarily through the Key Accountability Measures(KAMs) process. This involves the maintenance of a range of metrics relating to the research performance ofthe University as a whole and that of each of the four Faculties. The range of metrics used in KAMs is broad,reflecting the diversity of academic disciplines at Flinders. This information then forms the basis of separatemeetings with each of the four Faculties about their research performance and the effectiveness of theresearch management strategies being pursued by the Faculty concerned. The same information is alsoaggregated into a report to Academic Senate.The research data used in KAMs is based on that collected as part of the annual Research Data Collection,which identifies inputs in the form of research funding from Australian Competitive Grants, othergovernment sources, industry and CRCs, and outputs in the form of measures such as research publicationsand higher degree student completions. KAMs provide performance information against these measures atinstitutional, Faculty and Departmental levels.The data collected are mostly aligned with that required to be reported to DEST, but a number of additionalcategories of publications is also reported, reflecting our commitment to measuring research performanceacross all academic disciplines in the University. The full list of input and output categories requested isincluded in the KAMs summary in Flinders Way (www.flinders.edu.au/about/audit.html).

3.5 Benchmarking (national and international)Flinders University is exploring opportunities for benchmarking aspects of its research performance withinthe Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA) group, and is having ongoing discussions about bestpractice in research management at regular meetings of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research) and Headsof the Offices of Research of this group. The annual review process includes benchmarking againstperformance data from other Australian universities.


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3.6 Identification of research performanceFlinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II outlines strategies to identify andincrease the level of high quality research activity across the University. These strategies include:• the development of criteria for the identification of truly outstanding individual researchers• review rewards, recognition and incentives for research activity• work towards having the majority of those courses which distinguish Flinders University in the education

marketplace align with an area of research focus• the establishment of Areas of Strategic Research Investments (ASRIs) and a separate mechanism for

identifying outstanding individual researchers and outstanding small groups, to receive continuingrecognition and support alongside the ASRIs' (Areas of Strategic Research Investment (ASRIs) -Implementation, May 2004).

During 2004, the University initiated a process to acquire and install a research management informationsystem. The process has been managed by the Office of Research. The implementation of the new systemwill be underway from mid-2005.

3.7 Incentives to reward and support research performanceAs noted in Section 3.6, Flinders University is planning to develop criteria for the identification of trulyoutstanding individual researchers outside the ASRIs; the University is also planning to review rewards,recognition and incentives for research activity. Currently, the major incentive to reward researchperformance is Flinders' criterion-referenced academic promotions process, employing profiles for eachlevel of academic appointment. These profiles emphasise research performance, and take account ofresearch earnings from non-traditional sources (including patents) and applied, collaborative, and industry-linked research.

3.8 Conflict of interest policiesThe Unive rsity enco u rages the disclo s u re of any potential conflict of inte re st, beginning with members of theU n i ve rsity Council who fo l low pro ce d u res that re q u i re them to adhere to the fiduciary duty of Council membersto avoid 'actual and potential conflicts between personal inte re sts and the inte re st of the Unive rs i t y ' .In the research arena, conflict of interest is addressed primarily through the University's Policy on ResearchPractice which states: 'Researchers must disclose to the Head of the AOU (Academic Organisational Unit)and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) any affiliation with or financial involvement in any organisation orentity with a direct interest in the subject matter or materials of the researcher.'The same policy requires researchers to disclose to any relevant outside parties any potential conflict ofinterest that could be seen to influence the research and investigations, publication and media reports, grantapplications, and applications for appointment and promotion. Members of the various ethics committees withdraw themselves from the discussion of projects they areassociated with, although they may be asked for clarification on aspects of the project.Flinders Consulting Pty Ltd was established by Flinders University to provide a pathway for access toUniversity skills and expertise for a range of contract and consulting services. Flinders Consulting is awareof the potential for conflict of interest and has instituted a range of practices to ensure that such conflicts donot occur. The company includes a statement in all submissions made for projects involving FlindersUniversity staff and external organisations to the effect that there is no known conflict of interest. Thecompany's contracts also include a warranty that no conflict of interest exists, and that should any suchconflict arise, it will immediately be brought to the notice of the parties to the contract. The company hasalso developed a Conflict of interest declaration form to be used by members of boards of managementoverseeing major projects conducted through Flinders Consulting. Flinders Technologies Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned entity of Flinders University. It is the vehiclethrough which ideas and intellectual property developed by University researchers can be commercialised. The company has a statement outlining its position on conflicts of intereston its website at: http://flinderstech.flinders.edu.au

4. Research and Research Training Objectives4.1 Research and research training objectives

In relation to research and research higher degree activities, we have undertaken to: • enable our students to graduate with the knowledge and skills that will let them take their place

confidently amongst their peers graduating from well performing teaching and research universitiesanywhere in the world


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• enrich our programs by always drawing on relevant international, national and local perspectives andunderstandings

• develop strategic partnerships with overseas institutions to enhance further the internationalisation of ourresearch and teaching programs

• foster research, scholarship and creative activity in appropriate balance in all our academic disciplines• maximise devolution so that effective decisions are made close to the point where they are to be

implemented and where the implications are best understood• ensure that the administration of the University supports fully the core activities of teaching and research

in an enlightened, efficient and effective mannerStatement of Intent

Flinders University regards research higher degree students as central to its research effort. This isreflected in the second of the three research goals of Flinders Strategic Priorities and Future Directions2001-2005 Mark II:

Recruit and graduate high quality research higher degree students.

4.2 Strategies to achieve objectivesThe strategies discussed here are based directly on the identified priorities in the SOAP for research in theUniversity's planning processes for 2004. 4.2.1 Areas of Strategic Research Investment (ASRIs)

The principal strategy for advancing the three research goals mentioned above is the identification andestablishment of Areas of Strategic Research Investment (see Section 1.1). This strategy represents asignificant transition in the approach to managing research at Flinders. The ASRI process has involvedthe identification and ongoing implementation of a range of quality assurance measures and newmeasures within KAMs.The first ASRIs were established in 2004, the same year that Council approved Flinders StrategicPriorities and Future Directions 2001-2005 Mark II. To achieve the required changes throughout theUniversity, as well as other associated strategies for supporting and assisting researchers at all stagesof their careers, it has been necessary to ensure that University and Faculty plans for research and theevaluation of performance are aligned, and reflected in action plans at all levels across the University.Faculties have their own research management plans which are aligned with University research goals,but which reflect their own context and priorities. The University's identification of ASRIs has resulted in the University Library developing a plan toprovide targeted library support services for each ASRI: • assignment of a senior staff member to coordinate library support for each ASRI• assessment of strengths and weaknesses of relevant collection resources and addressing the

weaknesses• review of the provision of document delivery and information retrieval instruction services • development of ASRI-specific web pages for each ASRI with links to relevant library resources and

services.4.2.2 Review of research management structures

During 2004, the research management structures of the University were examined and revised,principally to introduce the Research Advisory Committee mentioned earlier.

4.2.3 Identification and implementation of a research management information systemAs mentioned in Section 3.6, the University has taken steps to acquire and install a new researchmanagement information system.

4.2.4 Identification of a statement of minimum resources for research higher degree studentsIn 2004, a statement of minimum resources for research higher degree students was developedthrough the University Research Higher Degrees Committee. This was recommended to the DVC(R) in 2004 and is in the process of being implemented.

4.2.5 Increasing international collaboration in researchThis was a new strategy in 2004 and discussions were held with universities in the United Kingdom,Spain and Germany, with a view to identifying collaborations in areas of common research strength.Further development of this strategy will await the completion of the process of identifying the ASRIs,which will then form a basis for these discussions with overseas universities. The development of aninternal funding scheme within the University to encourage international collaboration has also begun.


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5. Ensuring a quality research training experience Flinders regards each research student candidature as an investment, by both the student and the institution, andour management of research training is directed towards maximising the probability of a successful outcome forall candidates.In relation to research higher degree students, Education at Flinders contains the following statements:

6 The University is committed to ensuring that its research students are adequately inducted into andsupported during their candidature, and that their supervisors are suitably qualified, trained and have aproven track record in supervision, in order to:

give guidance and advice on research planning, preparation, techniques and instructionsmonitor progress and give constructive feedback.

7 The University recognises that its research students should be:encouraged to interact with and develop profitable intellectual relationships with fellow research studentsand academic staff; andgiven opportunities to enhance their understanding and skills through attendance and presentation atrelevant seminar and workshops.

All commencing research higher degree students are provided with the publications Research HigherDegree Student Information Manual and Student-Related Policies and Procedure Manual, both of which areavailable on the web (www.flinders.edu.au/students/current/policies.html) and are available to ongoingstudents on request. Research higher degrees policies and procedures cover all aspects of enrolment, candidature andassessment, including responsibilities of Academic Organisational Units, supervisors and candidates, accessto resources, ownership of intellectual property, ethics and safety, progress and review, and procedures forresolving problems and disputes.

5.1 University structures to support research educationResearch students are supported financially through externally funded scholarships (such as AustralianPostgraduate Awards) and internally funded scholarships (such as the Flinders University ResearchScholarships and those provided by some Faculties). The Scholarships Committee determines the recipientsof those scholarships which are awarded competitively, using clearly documented criteria.The Scholarships Committee and the University Higher Degrees Committee (URHDC) monitor the quality ofprospective higher degree students with reference to their academic background. Faculty Higher DegreeCommittees examine the academic environment in which the student proposes to work, to ensure thatappropriate resources and supervision are available for the proposed research. The URHDC is working toestablish a statement of minimum resources for research higher degree students to ensure all researchhigher degree students at Flinders receive high quality support.The URHDC oversees the work of the Faculty Higher Degrees Committees in a number of respects, includingthe annual review of progress of all the University's research higher degree students. The URHDC, inassociation with the Staff Development Unit and the Student Learning Centre, also conducts the University-wide annual induction of new research higher degree students.For the last year or so, the URHDC has been actively seeking to integrate its activities into the strategicresearch framework of the University. In October 2004, the Committee identified its priorities for 2005 as:improving the resources and supervision for research higher degree students; supervisor development forboth new and continuing supervisors, with suitable variations in approach for both constituencies; improvingcommunication with potential students through the upgrading of web-based information; and introducingincentives and monitoring progress to encourage students and supervisors to complete in a timely fashion.

5.2 Research Higher Degree Professional Development ProgramSince 2001, the University has provided a Research Higher Degree Professional Development Program(RHDPDP), funded from the URB. This program is coordinated by the Staff Development and Training Unit, incollaboration with the Student Learning Centre and the Faculties. RHDPDP offers research higher degree students access to a wide range of activities developed specificallyfor them and also to the same range of training opportunities as staff members. In 2004, the programoffered over 40 different workshops, seminars and demonstrations. The program is continually evolving,enabling the program to be responsive to a changing research environment.


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Plans were completed in 2004 for the introduction (in 2005) of a comprehensive University-wide InductionDay for new research higher degree students. The day, which will be run twice a year from 2005, presentsthe students with the essential things to know when beginning a research higher degree and providesinformation on the roles, expectations, rights and responsibilities of students, staff, departments andsupport services. Additionally, a structured induction process called the Off to a Good Start program wastrialled in two Faculties in 2004 and there are now plans to introduce this to all Faculties from 2005.

5.3 Flinders Postgraduate Students’ AssociationThe University works closely with the Flinders Postgraduate Students' Association (FPGSA) on all mattersrelating to planning and decision-making affecting postgraduate students. The FPGSA is represented on keycommittees, including Council, Academic Senate, and the Research Advisory Committee. The DVC(R) meetswith the President of the Postgraduate Students’ Association periodically, along with the Chair of the URHDCon some of these occasions, to discuss specific issues. The FPGSA conducts its own program of activities for students, which is complementary to the RHDPDP andcovers such topics as: thesis writing, effective oral presentations, writing for publication, referencing,scholarship application writing information sessions, structuring an essay and assignment writing.

5.4 Arrangements for supervisor developmentSupervisor training is mandatory for intending supervisors across the University. The Staff Development andTraining Unit at Flinders University has responsibility for providing formal supervisor training; in addition,there are complementary activities at the Faculty level.

5.5 Student satisfactionThe Flinders University Student Satisfaction Survey, conducted on a three-year cycle with higher degreeresearch students as well as undergraduate students, was last undertaken in 2004, with 310 Higher Degreeby Research respondents.A high percentage (84%) of research students were satisfied with their supervision in general, with only6% being dissatisfied. This continues a trend towards increased satisfaction which has been evident insurveys since 1998 (comparable figures in 1998 were 78% and 8% respectively and, in 2001, 81% and 10% respectively). In 2004, 74% were generally satisfied with the level of support provided (65% in 1998 and68% in 2001).

This increase in satisfaction is reflected throughout the survey. A high percentage of research respondents(86%) were satisfied with the University overall, an increase from 78% in 1998 and 83% in 2001. Over three-quarters were satisfied with their research training overall, up from 69% in 1998 and 74% in 2001. Also, 72% would recommend their course to a friend, colleague or family member, up from59% in 2001. A very high percentage (85%) of research respondents would recommend Flinders University toa friend, colleague or family member (84% in 2001).Research respondents were asked to categorise their usage of 21 University services. Awareness of servicesmentioned was high, with 85-98% of respondents aware of all services. Generally, there was some evidenceof an increase in overall satisfaction with general university services compared with the 2001 results. Recent Flinders graduates have indicated a high degree of satisfaction with their research experience, with 89% agreeing that they were satisfied with the quality of their higher degree research experience in the 2004 Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire section of the Graduate Destination Survey(87% in 2002 and 84% in 2003). The proportion of available Flinders graduates of research degrees (Masters by Research or PhD) in full-time work has been consistently high. Surveys in 2002, 2003 and 2004 show 92%, 85% and 91%,respectively, of our graduate respondents obtaining full-time employment. Of those in full-time employment replying to the 2004 survey:• all respondents indicated that they were in a desired career position or that their work was a stepping

stone to a desired career position• 93% felt that they were in employment either directly related or somewhat related to their studies• 41% had remained in an employment position held while they completed their studies• of those who had changed employment, all but one respondent felt that their new position was facilitated

by their studies.


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6. Collaboration and National Priorities6.1 National Research Priorities (NRP)

Flinders University is active across the National Research Priorities with particular strengths in An environmentally sustainable Australia and Promoting and maintaining good health.The following is a snapshot of notable research activity in each of the priority fields.6.1.1 An environmentally sustainable Australia

WATER - A CRITICAL RESOURCEThe newly-established Flinders Research Centre for Coastal and Catchment Environments bringstogether academic staff from the Faculties of Science and Engineering, Health Sciences and SocialSciences, with research expertise which encompasses the whole water cycle. The Centre has beenrecognised as an Area of Strategic Research Investment. It is active in strategic partnerships withindustry, community and government agencies, pursuing excellence in research, postgraduateeducation, consultancy and training, in a way which will contribute to the sustainable management of aspects of the water cycle relevant to coastal and catchment environments. The research andpostgraduate training activities of the Centre are building the capacity, key expertise and infrastructurerequired to monitor and manage the health of coastal and catchment ecosystems.SUSTAINABLE USE OF AUSTRALIA'S BIODIVERSITYThe Bioknowledge: understanding and interpreting Australian biodiversity and landscapes ASRIbrings together research expertise in the functioning of ecological, marine and biological systems of organisms, the computer-assisted geographical analysis of ecological and landform data, theinterpretation of scientific information for the tourism industry and education bodies, and thepresentation of information using print and electronic media. The research provides both the scientificbasis for understanding coastal and marine attributes (through marine biology and biodiversityexpertise), and appreciating seafood (through aquaculture and cultural tourism research activities),as well as providing the interpretative capacity to translate research understandings into tourism andenvironmental management practice. Flinders University's Lincoln Marine Science Centre is the focus of other research in the sustainableuse of Australia's biodiversity with programs as varied as the creation of a comprehensive computer-based Geographical Information System for the region, Southern Bluefin Tuna nutrition, and theassessment of the stock of Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster.

6.1.2 Promoting and maintaining good healthFlinders University has traditionally been strong in health sciences research, and continues to performwell in this area. Health research at Flinders covers the full range of research activity, including basicscience, clinical research and public health research. AGEING WELL, AGEING PRODUCTIVELYThe Centre for Ageing Studies is an approved research centre of the University, promoting the need forresearch, education and policy development to achieve better outcomes for older people. It is involved ina number of state, national and international research projects examining pivotal issues confronting theolder population and service providers (eg the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing, options forhousing policy development and the implications for non-housing outcomes, housing needs of olderpeople, and the economic contribution of older people). PREVENTIVE HEALTH CAREFlinders University has a strong environmental health research cluster which is concerned with theimpact of the state of the environment on human health. Its focus is on preventing ill-health andpromoting good health through the protection of the environment in which people live. It includes thefollowing areas: water quality management, food surveillance, waste management, pollutionmanagement, pest control, housing and building, development of environmental health managementplans, occupational health and safety, health education and promotion, risk assessment epidemiologyand research. STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA'S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FABRICFlinders University researchers are active in research that aims to strengthen the social and economicfabric of Australia. The University is a core partner in the CRC for Aboriginal Health and is active in allfive program areas of this CRC. The Department of Public Health at Flinders is adding to the work inthe CRC through its NHMRC-funded research into the determinants of urban health inequities from anIndigenous perspective.


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The University is also a core partner in the first Centre for Clinical Research Excellence dedicated toAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, which was established in 2003. The Centre brings togetherand builds on existing work to provide clinical research training and related opportunities for Aboriginalpeople. The mode of operation, methodologies, ways of implementing research findings into practice,and associated research and health training activities will be developed, evaluated and refined incollaboration with Indigenous communities. Activities are led and owned by Aboriginal communitiesthrough the community-controlled health sector.The Social Monitoring and Policy Futures Network has been recognised as an ASRI. The Network aimsto develop and integrate the capacities of Flinders' researchers to undertake 'social monitoring' in allits forms, to stimulate and integrate research that involves social monitoring, and to undertakeresearch about how the knowledge arising from social monitoring is and can best be used, especially inpolicy development.

6.1.3 Frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industriesFlinders University brought together the traditional fields of chemistry, physics and biology to establishthe world's first Nanotechnology degree program. Research in this area at Flinders has now beenrecognised through the Nanostructures and Molecular Interactions ASRI, which involves over 50 scientists who have established expertise in nanotechnology-based research fields including:• Biodevices: the design and fabrication of biosensors using nanoscale materials as sensor matrices to

modulate interfacial interactions with proteins, DNA and living cells. • Interface architecture: the study of the chemical and physical properties of 'new generation surfaces'

to enable the capture of certain molecules or control of biological and chemical interactions at thenano-scale.

• Sol-Gel: involves the process of making ceramic and glass materials (such as thin film coatings,porous aerogel materials, microporous inorganic membranes, ceramic fibres or monolithic ceramicsand glasses) from a formally liquid ('sol') system into a solid ('gel') phase.

• Supramolecular: incorporates a 'host-guest' technology to sense or sequester small molecules thatmay occur in biological fluids, food and wine, or illicit explosives or drugs.

• Nanocomposites: use of immobilised nanoparticles and nanotubes in solution or material form tocreate stronger and tougher materials that are used in everyday life (eg from optical lenses toautomotive parts).

6.1.4 Safeguarding AustraliaResearchers from across Flinders' Faculties are contributing information that will assist withsafeguarding Australia. A study is looking at police reform in developing countries and issues related totransnational crime. A five-year professorial fellowship will study suicide terrorism, and how a lifecomes to be used as a weapon. Other researchers are studying biological invasions, includingenvironmental weeds, plant-animal interaction, mechanisms of seed dispersal and invasive marinespecies.

6.2 Significant research collaborations From a position of strength in Australian Competitive Grant funding, Flinders University is successfullyrealigning its research efforts to take up the opportunities offered by collaborations with industry and otherpotential partners. 6.2.1 Innovative Research Universities of Australia

Flinders University played a leading role in the establishment in 2003 of the Innovative ResearchUniversities of Australia (IRUA). IRUA is a grouping of six universities (Flinders, Griffith, La Trobe,Macquarie, Murdoch and Newcastle) founded during the 1960s and 1970s. IRUA universities have anumber of common characteristics, including a major focus on research. The Deputy Vice-Chancellors(Research) and the Heads of the Offices of Research at these universities meet regularly to discussissues of research management and collaborative efforts. The group is planning substantial jointresearch collaborations, with six areas of combined research activity so far identified. The first ofthese areas to be explored via a workshop was Environmental Sciences (water and catchment ecology)during 2004.

6.2.2 Collaboration with the other South Australian UniversitiesFlinders University is strongly committed to collaboration with the other two South Australianuniversities. The cooperative coexistence of three universities with their principal campuses within themetropolitan area of Adelaide is a major resource for the State, and has been the catalyst for a numberof research initiatives. Appendix 2 lists some of the collaborations in place during 2004.


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The Vice-Chancellors of the three SA Universities meet regularly, as do the Pro- and Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research). During 2004, the universities contributed collectively to SA State Governmentand local government initiatives and processes, such as the Premier's Science and Research Council,the Ministerial Health and Medical Research Advisory Council, and the Information Economy AdvisoryBoard. The universities also contributed collectively to health service delivery planning,telecommunications infrastructure and other development initiatives.

6.2.4 External research collaborationsFlinders University is party to many external research collaborations. Collaborators includegovernments at all levels, industry, universities, Indigenous organisations, statutory bodies andcommunity groups. Appendix 3 contains a table showing significant Flinders collaborations in placeduring 2004.

6.3 Internal support for collaborative research Between 1999 and 2003, Flinders managed its research through a small number of University-wideResearch Institutes (reported in Flinders' Research and Research Training Management Report 2003).Although this approach has been discontinued, it did serve to encourage cross-Faculty researchcollaborations. The University has moved to further develop these collaborations through the identification ofthe ASRIs mentioned earlier; identification of the initial set of ASRIs will be completed by the end of 2005. Flinders has also established, or participates collaboratively in, a number of research centres and institutesin areas where some concentration of research activity exists. These are identified on the University'swebsite at: www.flinders.edu.au/research/centres.html. Until the implementation of the ASRI program, theestablishment of centres and institutes was the principal means of focusing research efforts. Althoughcentres and institutes are no longer the principal means of achieving such focus, they continue to be one of the means by which an area of activity is accorded identity and profile to enable it to participatein collaborative activities and attract funding for research. Centres and institutes established at Flinders are required to operate in accordance with the Policy on Centres(www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/policySecretariat/centres.html) which will be reviewed during 2005 in light ofthe ASRI program. Where a proposed centre is to have a substantial research role, the proposal is referredthrough the relevant Faculty to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) for consideration by the ResearchAdvisory Committee. Advice on the acceptability of the proposal will then be submitted through the Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor's Committee, to the Academic Senate for consideration.Research centres are subject to review according to the Policy on Centres. These reviews address variousaspects of the operation and performance of the centre concerned. Centres are subject to review every fiveyears. For research centres, the policy specifies quantitative performance indicators which are to be used toevaluate the research performance of a centre, including publications, research higher degree students,external funding and patents.Flinders University also has an internal grant scheme, similar to the ARC's Linkage - Project scheme, inwhich the University matches cash and in-kind contributions from external parties.

7. Intellectual property, commercialisation and contractual arrangements7.1 Current intellectual property (IP), commercialisation and contractual arrangements

The University has a well-established Intellectual Property Policy(www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/policySecretariat/ip.htm), which addresses:• key principles for protecting University intellectual property and managing associated risks• intellectual property (and copyright) created by staff• intellectual property created by students• distribution of financial returns to originators and the University• protocols concerning notification upon the creation of intellectual property which may have commercial

potential• obligations to third parties• moral rights, and• dispute resolution.IP is defined in the policy as 'any proprietary right which arises under, or is capable of being obtained under,legislation relating to copyright, patents, designs, circuit layouts or plant varieties, or which otherwise existsat law, including trade secrets, know how and other confidential information and unregistered trademarksand tradenames'.


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The University seeks to ensure that, from the outset of a particular project, University IP is properlyprotected and ownership clearly established. In particular, the use of confidential disclosure agreements isencouraged, and suitable document templates and advice are readily available. When appropriate,particularly where external parties are involved, the University consults with Flinders Technologies Pty Ltd,its wholly-owned commercialisation company, and where necessary, with independent legal and commercialexperts.Flinders Technologies was established in 1987 for the principal purpose of exploiting the University'sintellectual property. Under a Joint Venture Agreement between the University and the company, theUniversity is required to give the company first right of refusal to commercialise university-ownedintellectual property. Flinders Technologies provides returns to the University and originators of theintellectual property in accordance with the Intellectual Property Policy and through other means. Most research contracts arise from the research activities of one or more of the Faculties and involvethe approval of the Associate Heads (Research) and Executive Deans of the Faculty concerned. All research contracts undertaken on behalf of the University are signed by the DVC (R) in accordance with the University's Policy on Delegations of Authority to Enter into Contracts(www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/policySecretariat/delegauth_pol.html), established by Council in August2003. These contracts are generally negotiated through the Office of Research, sometimes with theinvolvement of Flinders Technologies and the University's consulting company, Flinders Consulting Pty Ltd. Flinders Consulting is also wholly owned by Flinders University. The company was established to provide apathway for the commercialisation of consulting services. It facilitates contractual opportunities of mutualbenefit between external organisations and staff of the University. Core activities of the company includecontractual, project and financial management of projects for clients. Services provided through thecompany include contract research and product development and testing.

7.2 Changes since the 2003 Research and Research Training Management Report7.2.1 Intellectual Property Policy

Guidelines for the management of intellectual property and commercialisation(www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/policySecretariat/ip_guidelines.htm) have been developed. Theseguidelines assist staff and students with the concepts of intellectual property and answer commonquestions asked about the nature of IP, its creation and ownership. They describe the process forindividuals to follow if they believe that intellectual property has been created. The guidelines addressissues of confidentiality, ownership and commercialisation. Links to useful websites are provided forfurther information and there are clear indications of the appropriate officers within the University toprovide assistance and further information.Administrative support and advice is provided centrally through the Office of the Executive Director ofAdministration and Registrar, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), and through FlindersTechnologies. The IP Policy outlines the procedures for formal notification by staff to the University of the creation ofintellectual property which may have commercial potential. This process involves the Executive Dean ofthe relevant Faculty and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)determines whether the University will exercise its right to ownership in the IP and must inform theoriginator and the relevant Executive Dean within a prescribed period of his decision. As part of an ongoing strategy to foster awareness in staff and students about issues concerning thecommercialisation of research, seminars about intellectual property are offered regularly. An annualseminar is available for staff as part of the professional development program run by the StaffDevelopment and Training Unit. Other seminars are offered to groups of staff as required.Undergraduate students in relevant Faculties frequently have a component towards the end of theircourse which introduces them to the concept of intellectual property and explains their rights under theIP Policy. An annual seminar is offered to Higher Degree by Research students as part of the relevantinduction program.


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Where students are involved in the development of intellectual property which has commercialpotential, a comprehensive process is triggered, in accordance with the University's IP Policy, to counselthe students about their rights and about the implications of assigning intellectual property rights to theUniversity and entering into a confidentiality agreement. The Policy is explicit that student originators ofintellectual property will be treated equitably, and provides that, on assigning their IP to the University,students will have the same entitlements and obligations as staff. Before signing contracts for researchfunding involving the development of student IP, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) requiresevidence that the student has received advice about potential IP implications of their research.

7.2.2 Policy on Delegations of Authority to Enter into ContractsThis Policy, established by Council in November 2003, sets out the terms of authority and obligations ofofficers authorised to enter into contracts on behalf of the University. At the time of entering into acontract, the authorised officer is required to declare that they sought relevant advice and addressedmatters in accordance with the Policy.

7.2.3 New developments in incentives The University has made it possible for originators of University intellectual property to take equity in aspin-off company in lieu of a share of financial returns under clause 7 of the Intellectual PropertyPolicy, as the mechanism to receive benefits from successful commercialisation of technology. This newincentive arose in response to developments such as AusIndustry's Biotechnology Innovation Fund, thecriteria for which included that the applicant company had some level of private equity.

7.3 Discrete commercialisation proceduresFlinders Technologies is the principal vehicle for commercialisation of intellectual property generated withinthe University. The company assesses the technical and commercial potential of projects, takes action toprotect intellectual property, nurtures further research and development by seed capital investment, andimplements value-adding strategies for commercialisation, usually for global markets. Past deals haveinvolved technology sales, licensing, equity and spin-off companies. Flinders Technologies' activities facilitateaccess to funding from venture capitalists and from industry development initiatives which may otherwise bedifficult to access.

7.4 Future arrangementsThe University has recognised a need to improve communication between Faculty staff and itscommercialisation vehicle, Flinders Technologies. A Flinders Technologies' staff member will be locatedwithin the Faculty of Health Sciences for one day a week to be available to discuss potential IP and itscommercialisation potential at early stages of research activity. It is planned to later extend this service toother Faculties.The University has also considering strategies to improve its commercialisation of activity within its Facultiesof Social Sciences and Education, Theology, Law and Humanities. Discussions will occur in 2005 to improvecommunications between Flinders Technologies and the staff of these two Faculties, with the aim of raisingthe level of awareness of IP issues and potential among academics who have not traditionally seenthemselves as producers of commercialisable IP.


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PART BA reas of re s e a rch st rength have not been employed in co n structing Ta b les 1-3. The identification of ASRIs, as discuss e de l s ew h e re in this report, will provide Flinders with the basis of cluste rs of re s e a rch activity but as the ASRI pro g ram willnot be fully imple m e n ted until the end of 2005, it would be pre m a t u re to report on the basis of ASRIs at this time.

Table 1: Higher degree research (HDR) students (by EFTSL) in 2004All HDR students HDR students

(EFTSL) commencing in 2004 (EFTSL)

All research - by research cluster

Science and technology 159.15 35.33

Health and medical research 124.46 23.58

Arts, humanities and social sciences 300.43 60.16

Total - All research 584.04 119.07

Table 2: Research income in 2004Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

2003-2004 ($'000) ($'000) ($'000) ($'000)


Science and technology 1,817 1,321 885 162

Health and medical research 6,546 7,999 4,486 243

Arts, humanities and social sciences 1,717 929 626 -

Total - All research 10,080 10,248 5,996 405

Table 3: Research active staff in 2004

Number of Number of Number of Number of Number ofresearch staff who staff who staff eligible staff

active staff generated generated to supervise supervisingresearch publications HDR students HDR studentsincome


Science and technology 125 60 99 95 57

Health and medical research 242 122 194 190 64

Arts, humanities and social sciences 229 70 154 235 145

Total - All research 596 252 447 520 266

NOTES ON DATA PROVIDED IN TABLE 3: Research active staff are employed staff who record at least one ofresearch income, publications, or supervisions. Only the principal supervisor with the greatest period of supervisionduring the calendar year is included. Staff eligible to supervise students are academic staff holding either a Masters,PhD or other postgraduate qualification.


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Table 4: Qualifications and activity of staff who supervised HDR students 2004

Number of Number of Number ofsupervisors supervisors who stuff who have

holding a higher undertook formal supervised at leastdegree qualification supervisor training one HDR student to

in 2004 completion in 2004


Science and technology 51 3 20

Health and medical research 52 3 12

Arts, humanities and social sciences 130 5 42

Total - All research 233 11 74

NOTES ON DATA PROVIDED IN TABLE 4: This table includes Flinders-employed staff in the role of Principal Supervisor.

APPENDIX 1Areas of Strategic Research Investment - 2004

FLINDERS ABORIGINAL HEALTH RESEARCH UNITThe Flinders Aboriginal Health Research Unit plays a key role in Aboriginal health research at Flinders by coordinating,conducting, supporting and growing Aboriginal health research initiatives across all Flinders campuses. It also aims toenhance collaboration and to link with Aboriginal and other stakeholders. Flinders has significant activity, linkages andgrant success in this area, and the ASRI has as its fundamental goal the improvement of health and health careoutcomes for Indigenous Australians.

FLINDERS CLINICAL CHANGE AND HEALTH CARE RESEARCH CENTRE The Flinders Clinical Change and Health Care Research Centre aims to excel in research and research training inclinical health care, particularly health care in later and end of life, chronic disease management and evidence-basedpractice. It is also committed to developing and integrating the capacities of Flinders' researchers to undertake healthcare research, to promoting the application of health economics by Flinders' researchers and clinicians, and to addingresearch and evidence-based dimensions and capacity to current and future planning, development andimplementation of change in clinical health care delivery.

EYE AND VISION COLLABORATIVE GROUP The Eye and Vision Collaborative Group aims to improve outcomes for patients with blinding eye conditions affectingour community. Its focus is on the nexus between vision and health, a major issue in Australia with its ageingpopulation.

HUMANITIES RESEARCH CENTRE FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE The Humanities Research Centre for Cultural Heritage and Cultural Exchange is bringing together researchers atFlinders who are working in the humanities in areas broadly related to the study of culture and cultural activity.Flinders has a distinctive approach to this area of cultural activity, in that it seeks to integrate the study of culturalheritage - the artefacts, texts, documents and other records of past and continuing cultural practice - with the study ofthe processes and media by which ideas, technologies and cultural practices are exchanged.

NANOSTRUCTURES AND MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS RESEARCH GROUPThe Nanostructures and Molecular Interactions Research Group is a focus for a distinctive line of research at Flindersin which molecular assembly processes are linked with nanostructure development and the regulation andmanipulation of molecular processes. The ASRI is fostering research of this nature so that important scientificadvances, including many that lie at the commercially significant interface of these two areas, where moleculesinteract with or within nanostructures, can be achieved. The ASRI will foster multidisciplinary projects that addressobjectives likely to be funded by industry partners, such as the development of new chemical sensors and biosensors,identification of new drug and agriceutical targets, new methods of drug delivery, and new DNA and protein-basedtechnologies.


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NEUROSCIENCE: RESEARCHING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN HEALTH AND DISEASEThis ASRI provides a focus to enable Flinders neuroscientists to develop new local, national and internationalcollaborations to address broad questions at the forefront of neuroscience research. The plan for the next three yearsinvolves realigning research capabilities in this area to form new cross-disciplinary research teams and obtain newproject funding, and to promote strategic exchanges with top national and overseas researchers to develop newconceptual frameworks and technical advances.

SOCIAL MONITORING AND POLICY FUTURES NETWORK The Social Monitoring and Policy Futures Network aims to develop and integrate the capacities of Flinders'researchers to undertake 'social monitoring' in all its forms; to stimulate and integrate research that involves socialmonitoring; and to undertake research about how the knowledge arising from social monitoring is and can best beused, especially in policy development.

APPENDIX 2Collaborations with other South Australian Universities

• South Australian Consortium for Information Technology and Telecommunications (SACITT) - a cooperativeventure of the three South Australian universities, the South Australian government and industry to explorecollaborative information technology and telecommunications research and development issues.

• South Australia Partnership for Advanced Computing (SAPAC) - an unincorporated joint venture of the threeuniversities which acts as a focus for the support of advanced, high-performance, and grid computing in SouthAustralia.

• South Australian Broadband Research and Education Network (SABRENet) - a collaborative project between thethree South Australian universities, the South Australian government, CSIRO and DSTO - which manages a multi-million dollar project to develop a major broadband network linking important research sites in metropolitanAdelaide. SABRENet provides researchers with high-speed connectivity and the ability to handle large volumes ofdata.

• Adelaide Integrated Biosciences Laboratories (AIB Labs) - an initiative between the three South Australianuniversities, Bio Innovation SA, and key bioscience research institutes - is a virtual facility across multiple sites toensure that major bioscience research equipment can be shared by the bioscience research community and thatcore competencies are established in key locations.

• International Space University - the three South Australian universities combined to host this intensiveinterdisciplinary professional development program (catering to graduate students, space industry professionalsand visiting national and international experts) in 2004, the first time the program has been held in Australia andonly the second time it has been held in the Southern hemisphere.

• m.Net - the three universities are shareholders in this corporation which has developed an advanced wirelessnetwork which enables research into wireless network technologies and applications.

• South Australian Virtual Reality Centre - a collaborative venture between the three universities and industrypartners - is a fully immersive three-dimensional visualisation facility and supports researchers across a broadspectrum of research fields.

• CRC for Sensor Signal and Information Processing - the three universities are actively involved in this CRC, whichprovides basic and applied research and research consultancies in the multidisciplinary uses of signal andinformation processing.

• The universities shared other research facilities, including Adelaide Microscopy, located at University of Adelaide'scity campus, and a shared laser facility coordinated by Flinders University.

• South Australian Neurosciences Institute - a cooperative venture between the three universities and leading SouthAustralian hospitals to develop a distinctive South Australian hub of neuroscience activity.


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APPENDIX 3Significant external research collaborations - 2004

Ownership of the Mark Oliphant Building at Science Park, and its use in the ✔development of local knowledge-based industry activities.The Centre for Remote Health, located in Alice Springs, is a joint venture with ✔ ✔the Charles Darwin University offering high quality tertiary education, training

and research focusing on the discipline of Remote Health.The Northern Territory Clinical School, primarily located in Darwin, but with a ✔ ✔ ✔presence in Alice Springs, is a joint venture with the Northern Territory Government and local health providers.The Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health, located ✔ ✔primarily in Warrnambool, Victoria, with sub-units in Mount Gambier (SouthAustralia) and other centres in the region, is a collaborative effort with DeakinUniversity and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.Flinders Bioremediation Pty Ltd, which markets specialised skills in microbe- ✔ ✔ ✔driven remediation methods for treating polluted soils and organic wastes.In association with the other two South Australian universities, the Universities ✔ ✔ ✔Research Repository South Australia, which is located on the Flinders campusand managed by the Flinders University Library. In 2004, this was expanded witha major building extension to accommodate the needs of the University of SouthAustralia. The Repository currently houses more than 1 million print researchresources.Flinders University Library involvement in the Australian Literature Electronic ✔ ✔Gateway project funded by the Australian Research Council, the development of the Australian Documentary Film Collection in association with Screen Studiesat Flinders, and the National Library of Australia's Kinetica database.Involvement in Cooperative Research Centres for: ✔ ✔• Aboriginal Health• Sensor Signal and Information Processing• Sustainable Aquaculture of Finfish• Bioproducts• Desert KnowledgePartnership with the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia in the Centre ✔ ✔for Clinical Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health.Australia's national research aircraft facility, Airborne Research Australia, a Major ✔ ✔ ✔National Research Facility - and engagement through this facility in internationalcollaborations in atmospheric sciences.Lead participant and coordinator of the Australian Housing and Urban Research ✔ ✔Institute (AHURI) Southern Research Centre, a joint venture between FlindersUniversity, the University of South Australia and the University of Tasmania tocarry out research into housing and related issues with an emphasis on economic,social and policy aspects.South Australian Department of Health, and the Southern Adelaide Health Service, ✔regarding the operation of Flinders Medical Centre and other local hospitals.Fisheries and aquaculture industry, through teaching and research activities, ✔ ✔including those at Port Lincoln through the Lincoln Marine Science Centre. City of Port Lincoln, SA Water, Lincoln Lakes Development Company, the ✔Environmental Protection Agency of SA, Proper Bay Road Fish Processing Factories, Shellfish Industries and Eyre Peninsula Regional Development Board, through the $3.8 million Clean Seas Project in Port Lincoln.


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APPENDIX 3 (cont.)

Significant external research collaborations - 2004 (cont.)

South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in relation to the ✔ ✔establishment of Marine Innovation South Australia (MISA).Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Commonwealth Department of ✔ ✔Health and Aged Care, through the operation at Flinders of the National Injury Surveillance Unit, as part of Flinders' Research Centre for Injury Studies.South Australian Department of Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health ✔ ✔and Aged Care (National Drug Strategy) through the operation at Flinders of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction.Anglicare SA, through the Australian Centre for Community Services Research, ✔based at Flinders University applies social science research methods to the designand evaluation of community service programs.The Flinders University Rural Clinical School (FURCS) serves both Flinders University ✔ ✔and the rural and remote communities of South Australia through high quality medicaleducation research, and clinical service for and in rural communities. Staff are basedin several locations throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.The Centre for Groundwater Studies (CGS) is a joint venture of nine organisations, ✔ ✔ ✔one of which is Flinders University, each represented on its Board of Management.It is an international cooperative research and education venture with a strong focuson processes of groundwater recharge, discharge, contamination, remediationand management. The South Australian Government and the Thinkers in Residency program, in ✔ ✔ ✔particular through the visit of Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield of the RoyalInstitution of Great Britain, Senior Research Fellow, Lincoln College, Oxford andHonorary Fellow at St Hilda's College, Oxford.In association with the South Australian Government and local government ✔(Cities of Marion and Onkaparinga), Flinders University is helping to facilitate acentre for innovation in the South. This is in response to the Southern SuburbsIndustry Development Group's Blueprint for the South following the closures ofsignificant manufacturing plants in the Southern region of Adelaide.'Innovation in the South' - a seminar series coordinated by Flinders University, ✔supported by a range of industry and community partners: local government, patent attorneys, biotechnology development agencies, and state government. The seminar series evolved from a technology innovation course run at Flindersand is hoped to be the start of a networking group for technology innovation inthe southern suburbs. Planning SA, Boral Resources, Tourism SA, National Parks and Wildlife Service, ✔Adelaide Hills Council, the Councils of the cities of Onkaparinga, Tea Tree Gully, Marion and Mitcham are partners in an ARC Linkage project entitled The AdelaideHills Face Zone: Reconstructing the cultural landscape and sites of culturalsignificance.


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Vice-Chancellor's Certification Statement

I, Anne Rosalie Edwards, being the Vice-Chancellor/President (or delegated officer) ofFlinders University, hereby certify that the information in these documents has beencompiled in accordance with the guidelines for the 2003 Research and Research TrainingManagement Reports issued by the Department of Education, Science and Training, andthat the information contained therein is correct.

Signed:

Title: Vice-Chancellor

Date: July 2005


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