Research Operations Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

This policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University encourages and manages the attraction and use of external funding to support our research activities.

It establishes the governance-level responsibilities for research funding applications, contractual agreements and project delivery.

This policy provides authority to maintain the:

• Research Grants, Contracts and Fellowships Procedure
• ARC and NHMRC Financial Reporting Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to 

2.1 Inclusions

This policy applies to Adelaide University staff members, graduate research students and titleholders.

2.2 Exclusions

This policy does not apply where a titleholder is governed by an affiliate agreement between their employer and Adelaide University. In such cases, the terms of that agreement override this policy to the extent of any inconsistency.

3. Our research operations principles

Our principles for this policy are:

3.1 We encourage and support external research funding

We promote a research culture where staff and students are encouraged to seek and obtain external funding, as this supports research excellence, collaboration and innovation across all disciplines.

3.2 We uphold research integrity in all funding arrangements

Research funded by external sources must be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Research Integrity Policy.

3.3 We protect academic integrity and freedom  

All research agreements must allow researchers to pursue their work impartially, without bias, and preserve academic integrity. Agreements must balance commercial, cultural or security considerations with the need for academic freedom.

3.4 We provide expert support for research delivery

Adelaide University offers professional and advisory services to assist researchers in delivering high-quality outcomes while meeting legal and contractual obligations.

3.5 We require clarity in research agreements

Research funding agreements must clearly outline the rights, responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved. This ensures mutual understanding and accountability.

3.6 We maintain oversight of research funding proposals

All proposals for external research funding must be approved by Adelaide University prior to submission. Proposals must be processed through the University, even when funds are administered by another institution.

3.7 We do not accept funding from tobacco or e-cigarette industries

Adelaide University will not accept research funding from tobacco or e-cigarette companies, excluding taxes applied by government to support health or welfare projects.

3.8 We manage use of our afiliation and resources responsibly

Use of Adelaide University’s name, brand, staff time or facilities for personal or third-party benefit, in relation to research agreements, must be consistent with this policy and its procedures.

4. Definitions used in our policy

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

Graduate research student means a student enrolled in a graduate research program, such as the Master of Research, Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. It does not include coursework programs with a research component, such as Honours.

Titleholder means any person upon whom Adelaide University has conferred an honorary academic title.

Research means ‘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, inventions and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.’ (The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018, p. 5.)

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.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.