The University applies for research block grants pursuant to the Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) specifications. The HERDC specifications contain a definition of research which the University uses to determine its submission.
The Office of Research Services supports both research and consultancy projects.
To see how the Office of Research Services categorises research and consultancy projects, use this document.
The definition of research from the 2012 HERDC specifications is set out here:
“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.”
Further, research comprises of “creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.”
It encompasses pure and strategic basic research, applied research (original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge but directed towards a specific, practical aim or objective (including a client-driven purpose) and experimental development.
Activities that meet the definition of research include:
Activities that do not meet the definition of research include:
A University Consultancy provides the services of University employees in return for a benefit (a financial return) to the University. It is the purchase of skills and expertise (pre-existing know-how) of University staff and equipment to work on a specified project. The fee is based on competitive market place considerations. Any resulting IP is usually owned by the client.
The Office of Research Services supports UTAS staff working on both research and consultancy projects. Refer to Contract Research and Consultancy for more information.
Consultancies or research projects the subject matter of which is teaching and learning are outside the scope of the Office of Research Services. This includes the provision of short courses, seminars, education programs and workshops. This subject matter falls within the Professional and Continuing Education Policy under the ambit of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students and Education). Consultancies or research projects relating to teaching and learning are handled within the school. Further information and assistance can be obtained from the Awards, Grants & Fellowships Office.
Any income received by honours students for the research component of their honours degrees cannot be included for HERDC reporting purposes. This includes externally funded scholarships or stipends. Accordingly, the Office of Research Services has no involvement with research projects or consultancies that consist solely of work carried out by an honours student for the purpose of their honours degree.
