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Research Policy

Policy overview

1 Purpose

To establish the framework under which the University manages and enables Research Activities.

2 Scope

This policy applies to all staff, adjuncts and associates, and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students.

3 Policy Statement

In support of the UniSQ research plan this policy outlines the Research environment and culture in which Research is activated at the University. For further details on expected standards of conduct, please refer to the Research Code of Conduct Policy.

This policy aligns with:

  • Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021: Standard 4.1 Research

4 Principles

The University is committed to performing Research that is not only of academic relevance but is engaging with industry and our stakeholders and is contributing to innovation that delivers impact for our communities and the nation.

The University values Research as a fundamental form of learning and considers it to be an essential part of the work of the University. Focussed, high quality Research and Research Training is an integral part of academic work and is expected to contribute to excellence in industry growth, innovation and sustainable communities.

The University's Research and Researchers will:

  1. meet the standards specified in the Higher Education Standards Framework;
  2. promote a Research culture of excellence, integrity, professionalism and mutual respect;
  3. align with the ambitions of the University's strategic plan and research plan to drive industry and community engagement and deliver high impact Research;
  4. achieve ethical conduct of Research and responsible Research practice;
  5. meet the occupational health and safety standards necessary for the type of Research being undertaken; and

The University will enable this by:

  1. providing a system for accurate and up to date recording of the Research Outputs of staff, adjuncts, associates and HDR Students;
  2. acknowledging that Research with First Nations Peoples or collections spans many methodologies and disciplines; and there are wide variations in the ways in which First Nations Peoples, communities or groups are leading, active in, or affected by, Research;
  3. establishing (under the authority of the Vice-Chancellor) external and internal research institutes and centres, on the recommendation of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). These research institutes and centres are managed and monitored as outlined in the Research Structures Procedure;
  4. supporting the responsible conduct of Research through the establishment of ethics and biosafety committees, and other relevant administrative support, committees and working groups as required; and
  5. managing Research Funding Agreements, grants, fellowships, projects and contracts efficiently.

5 References

Nil.

6 Schedules

This policy must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.

7 Policy Information

Accountable Officer

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

Responsible Officer

Director (Office of Research)

Policy Type

Academic Quality Policy

Policy Suite

Higher Doctorates Procedure

Research Active Procedure

Subordinate Schedules

Approved Date

16/11/2021

Effective Date

16/11/2021

Review Date

16/11/2026

Relevant Legislation

Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018

Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

Higher Education Support Act 2003

Information Privacy Act 2009

National Code of Practice for Providers of education and Training to Overseas Students 2018

Policy Exceptions

Policy Exceptions Register

Related Policies

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy

Animal Wellbeing and Ethics Policy

Code of Conduct Policy

Higher Degree by Research Student Policy

Intellectual Property Policy

Learning and Teaching Policy

Research Code of Conduct Policy

Related Procedures

Appointments: Visiting, Adjunct and Honorary Procedure

Authorship Procedure

Commercialisation of Intellectual Property Procedure

Human Research Ethics Procedure

Integrated Planning and Performance Procedure

Intellectual Property Procedure

Research Active Procedure (under development)

Research Code of Conduct: Management of Potential Breaches Procedure

Research Data and Primary Materials Management Procedure

Research Structures Procedure

Related forms, publications and websites

UniSQ Research Plan

UniSQ Strategic Plan

Graduate Research School

UniSQ Research

Definitions

Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Student

A Student enrolled in an HDR program....moreA Student enrolled in an HDR program.

Research

Research is the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. This could include the synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative....moreResearch is the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. This could include the synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.

Research Activities

Refers to activities that result in the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes....moreRefers to activities that result in the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.

Research Funding Agreements

Refers to an agreement between the University and an external entity or entities that provides a legal framework for the funding of University Research Activities....moreRefers to an agreement between the University and an external entity or entities that provides a legal framework for the funding of University Research Activities.

Researcher

Any person/s involved in Research Activities at, or on behalf of the University. This includes, but is not limited to Employees, Students, visiting scholars, research partners, research affiliates, holders of Honorary or Adjunct positions....moreAny person/s involved in Research Activities at, or on behalf of the University. This includes, but is not limited to Employees, Students, visiting scholars, research partners, research affiliates, holders of Honorary or Adjunct positions.

Research Training

A formal course of postgraduate study that leads to the acquisition of advanced skills, techniques and knowledge in the conduct of Research, and requires the production of a substantial original Research Output....moreA formal course of postgraduate study that leads to the acquisition of advanced skills, techniques and knowledge in the conduct of Research, and requires the production of a substantial original Research Output.

Definitions that relate to this policy only

Keywords

Record No

21/464PL

Complying with the law and observing Policy and Procedure is a condition of working and/or studying at the University.

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