Rebecca Cook
Business Partner, Research and Innovation

Organisation unit

Research and Innovation Office of the DVC - Research and Innovation

Location

Adelaide University
Profile of Rebecca Cook

About me

Overview 
The Research Business Partner, reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office, is strategically embedded within the Colleges at Adelaide University. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring alignment between the overarching Adelaide University Research Strategy and the specific research objectives of each College. 
Responsibilities
In the College of Health, I lead the delivery of a responsive and outcome-oriented research support service, dedicated to achieving the College’s research objectives. My role involves providing strategic, data-supported advice to the Dean of Research to guide both strategic and operational research planning. This advice serves to inform and clarify the College’s research priorities. 
Key Relationships 
I maintain close working relationships with several key stakeholders within the College, including the Pro Vice Chancellor; the Dean of Health Innovation, Precincts and Partnerships; and the Dean of International and Engagement. These relationships are essential for collaborative planning and the successful execution of research initiatives. 
Development of Research Opportunities 
I support the development of College-specific research opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, providing and coordinating targeted College input for the development of major funding rounds. By doing so, I ensure that the College’s priorities and expertise are reflected in external funding applications and initiatives. 
Sector Engagement and Best Practice 
I actively engage with the broader Higher Education sector, both nationally and internationally, to maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends, opportunities, and risks. This ongoing engagement enables me to share knowledge and support the adoption of best practices within the university context. 
Capacity Alignment and Opportunity Identification 
I work to identify and align the College’s capacity, expertise, and capability with relevant opportunities for funding, external partnerships, and, where appropriate, commercialisation. This ensures that the College is well-positioned to maximise its research impact and secure external support for its research initiatives.
Overview The Research Business Partner, reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office, is strategically embedded within the Colleges at Adelaide University. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring alignment between the overarching Adelaide University Research Strategy and the specific research objectives of each College. Responsibilities In the College of Health, I lead the delivery of a responsive and outcome-oriented research support service, dedicated to achieving the College’s research objectives. My role involves providing strategic, data-supported advice to the Dean of Research to guide both strategic and operational research planning. This advice serves to inform and clarify the College’s research priorities. Key Relationships I maintain close working relationships with several key stakeholders within the College, including the Pro Vice Chancellor; the Dean of Health Innovation, Precincts and Partnerships; and the Dean of International and Engagement. These relationships are essential for collaborative planning and the successful execution of research initiatives. Development of Research Opportunities I support the development of College-specific research opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, providing and coordinating targeted College input for the development of major funding rounds. By doing so, I ensure that the College’s priorities and expertise are reflected in external funding applications and initiatives. Secto...
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  • Senior Research Support Officer 2016 – 2022 College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA
  • Scientific Coordinator 2014 – 2016 Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, VIC 
  • Senior Research Officer 2002-2010 Rheumatology Unit, Dept of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA
Last updated on 09/02/2026 by Rebecca Cook