Board of Research

1.1

To develop strategies and plans to strengthen the University's research performance, including plans for the allocation of resources for research and strategies for growing external research revenues from industry and national competitive grants.

1.2

To develop University-wide research objectives and targets, for inclusion in the University's Research Master Plan

1.3

To develop recommendations to Executive Group on strategic objectives and priorities for research across the University, including recommendations on proposals to consolidate and coordinate the major research strategies of the University, i.e., concentration and selectivity, industry-linked research, strategic collaboration and alliances, internationalisation of research

1.4

To work pro-actively with Chancellery, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Faculties, to foster the implementation and achievement of objectives from the Research Master Plan, and to ensure a coordinated approach to the development and monitoring of targets for research performance.  When appropriate, the Board should also provide support to the TAFE sector to assist it in its own particular research agenda.

1.5

To make recommendations and advise the Executive Group on the allocation of resources for research, research training and on an annual allocation to the Board for University-wide strategic research initiatives

1.6

To make recommendations in regard to University support and resourcing of significant research proposals, e.g. CRC applications, STI Grants, ARC Centres of Excellence and ARC LIEF applications.

1.7

To work pro-actively to ensure that the University's human resources practices and policies facilitate research development within the University

1.8

To ensure appropriate provision of infrastructure and facilities for postgraduate research students and institutional research capabilities

1.9

To develop policies to safeguard and enhance the quality of the University's research activities and processes

1.10

To develop strategies for the promotion and public dissemination of the results of research by staff and students

1.11

To approve recommendations for funding of research projects for internally-managed grants schemes.

1.12

To commission periodic reviews of University-funded Research Centres and Institutes.

Vice-Chancellor

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) 

The Chair, Research Higher Degrees Committee

The Director, Swinburne Research

The Director, Swinburne Knowledge

Three Faculty Deans nominated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Three Deputy/Associate Deans (Research) nominated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) from Faculties not otherwise represented above

Two Research Professors, at least one of whom will be a University Distinguished Professor, nominated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

A nominee of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic – Sarawak) (who may attend by video or teleconference)

An Early Career Researcher appointed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

A research student enrolled for a PhD appointed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

2.2

The term of office for appointed members shall be two years, with the possibility of further terms with the agreement of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)   In the first instance half the Committee will be appointed for one year in order to maintain some continuity in the Board.

2.3

Insofar as is possible, the Chair will seek to achieve a balance of discipline and gender among the membership

2.4

Chair, Secretariat and Quorum

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The Chair will be the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)   

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The Chair will appoint a Deputy Chair from amongst the academic members of the Board.

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The Board of Research will be serviced by the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

The quorum for the Board of Research shall be 50% of membership, excluding the positions of Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the nominee of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic – Sarawak).

3.1

The Board of Research, as a committee responsible to the Executive Group reports formally to the Executive Group.

3.2

The Board will provide reports of meetings to Academic Board and the Board of TAFE Studies.

3.3

The Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC), a Standing Committee of Academic Board, will also provide advice to the Board of Research, as requested by the Board or on the initiative of the Chair of the RHDC.

3.4

The University's Human Research Ethics Committee and Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee report directly to Council, but will also provide advice to the Board of Research at the Board's request.

4.1

The Board may establish such committees as it sees fit to assist in the development of new strategies and approaches, to monitor the University's research performance, to allocate grants and for any other purposes to further research at the University.

4.2

Each Board committee will be chaired by a member of the Board, who will determine arrangements for discussion and meetings and take responsibility for the committee's "portfolio". The Chair of each committee will be appointed by the Board. Membership of each committee will be agreed between the Chair of the Board and the committee chair. Members of Board committees may be drawn from across the University and from external sources if desired.

4.3

The Board may also establish ad hoc working groups from time to time and may commission reports on particular topics.

5.1

The Board of Research will meet at least five times a year at times as agreed by the Board, having regard to the dates of meetings of the Executive Group and the Academic Board.

5.2

Subject to section 7 below, the Chair may invite persons to attend Board meetings for discussion of particular items, with the right to speak on those items.

5.3

Subject to section 7 below, observers may attend meetings of the Board if notice has been received by the Chair at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time.

6.1

Members may nominate an alternate for a meeting of the Board if they are unable to attend. A member absent for more than three successive meetings without prior approved leave of absence shall not be entitled to send an alternate.

7.1

At the commencement of a meeting, the Board will determine whether any matters are to be considered in camera.  Non Board members will be asked to leave during discussion of in camera items.

8.1

 Membership of the Board of Research is drawn from persons occupying a range of positions across the University. It is expected that in the conduct of business, Board members will adopt a University-wide perspective, irrespective of any particular affiliation, research interests or activities.   The University Policy on Conflict of Interest will be observed at all times.

9.1

Board Minutes will be distributed to members. Reports of meetings, as prepared for Executive Group and other Boards, will be available to members of the Swinburne community electronically.

10.1

Any variation in the composition or terms of reference of the Board of Research shall be approved by the Executive Group.

Current Status:

Version Number

Four

Approving Authority:

Executive Group

Approval Date:

30 May 2006

Document History:

Version Number

Three

Approving Authority:

Executive Group

Approval Date:

25 January 2005

Version Number

Two

Approving Authority:

Joint Planning and Resources Committee

Approval Date:

10 October 2002

Reviewed By:

Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Industry Liaison

Version Number

One*

Approving Authority:

Joint Planning and Resources Committee

Approval Date:

14 May 1998

Reviewed By:

Pro Vice Chancellor, Research

Reviewed Without Amendment On:

7 June 2001