Research Institutes and Centres Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

This policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University establishes, governs, evaluates and disestablishes its Research Institutes and Centres.

This policy provides authority to maintain our Research Institutes & Centres Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to

This policy applies to Adelaide University Research Institutes and Centres. Adelaide University Research Concentrations are referenced within the associated Procedure.

3. Our Research Institutes & Centres principles

3.1 University Research Institutes and Centres must advance Adelaide University’s research reputation and impact

University Research Institutes and Centres are expected to advance Adelaide University’s research reputation and impact through research excellence, innovation and translation, engagement with external stakeholders, and sector thought leadership.

They will contribute to the strategic goals of at least one Signature Research Theme (SRT) or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy, and must not replicate or overlap significantly with another research structure at Adelaide University.

They will embody and promote the values of Adelaide University as places of trust, inclusivity, ambition, respect and discovery.

They will engage collaboratively with colleges and schools to deliver integrated research activities and research training for Adelaide University at scale and impact to be globally regarded.

3.2 We establish Research Institutes and Centres in line with our brand

Research Institutes and Centres established by Adelaide University must conduct naming and branding activities in accordance with our [Brand Policy].

The Vice Chancellor and President, on the recommendation of the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Research and Innovation (DVC-R&I), approves the establishment of a University Research Institute or Centre.

3.3 We govern the lifecycle of each Research Institute and Centre

The establishment and governance of a University Research Institutes or Centre must be approved by the DVC-R&I, in accordance with the [Research Institutes & Centres Procedure].  The term and any renewal of term must also follow that procedure.

Material changes to an Institute or Centre that affect any matter in the establishment proposal must be approved by the DVC-R&I before being implemented. A new proposal may be required if the change significantly alters the original intent.

The Vice Chancellor and President, on the advice of the DVC-R&I, may disestablish a University Research Institute or Centre at any time.

3.4 Research Institute or Centre leadership

Every University Research Institutes and Centres will have a Director.

3.5 Membership

Participation in a University Research Institute and Centre will be determined by a membership model,  managed and reviewed in accordance with the [University Research Institutes & Centres Procedure].

3.6 Reporting requirements of Institutes and Centres

University Research Institutes and Centres must prepare and submit an annual report to the DVC-R&I and Provost.

3.7 Funding of Research Institutes and Centres

University Research Institutes and Centres may receive funding from the DVC-R&I and/or the Provost portfolios. However, no request for funding is guaranteed, and there must be no expectation of ongoing or continuous funding.

3.8 Institutes and Centres are subject to review

University Research Institutes and Centres will be reviewed at least once during their approved term. The DVC-R&I or the Provost may initiate a formal review at any time.

4. Who holds a responsibility within this policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for delegations at Adelaide University.

3.1 The Vice Chancellor and President is required to:

• approve the establishment of a University Research Institute or Centre upon recommendation of the DVC-R&I
• disestablish any University Research Institute or Centre at any time, on advice from the DVC-R&I.

3.2 The Deputy Vice Chancellor - Research and Innovation is required to:

• approve the establishment and governance of University Research Institutes and Centres in accordance with the Research Institutes & Centres Procedure.
• approve changes to a University Research Institute or Centre that materially affect any matter addressed in the establishment proposal before those changes are implemented
• approve the appointment of a director for a University Research Institute or Centre, regardless of organisational location.

3.3 The Provost is required to:

approve the appointment of a director for a University Research Institute or Centre reporting within the Provost Portfolio.

5. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

A University Research Institute directly supports the vision and research ambitions of the Adelaide University Research Strategy and/or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy and:

• operates with significant breadth and scale across Colleges and Schools to advance research innovation and translation;
• leads interdisciplinary research aligned with South Australia’s and the nation’s socioeconomic priorities;
• accelerates and delivers research outcomes of national and global significance;
• engages end-users and external stakeholders through discipline advocacy and thought leadership;
• maintains an appropriate/sufficient number and mix of high-performing researchers with sustained and significant external research funding to support activities and reputation;
• is nationally leading, and recognised internationally for research excellence.

A University Research Centre will contribute to the strategic goals of at least one Signature Research Theme (SRT) or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy in alignment with the Adelaide University Research Strategy and:

• builds interdisciplinary research capacity and capability in targeted areas at scale, accelerating innovation and translation;
• comprises a core team of researchers who have a strong collective potential to secure external funding at scale, and achieve national recognition for research excellence and impact;
• develops strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and end-users and/or participates in national and international research collaborations and major research initiatives.

5. How our policy is governed

This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.