Research and research training have increasingly become a major factor setting our University apart as one of Australia's 'research-intensive' universities and the flagship research institution in Western Australia.
Because research is so important to our mission, aspects of its strategic direction are being carefully examined to take account of new areas of knowledge and new modes of research.
A review of research linkages and the commercialisation of intellectual property was carried out in the latter part of the year, encouraging wide debate which will be the basis of recommendations to be implemented in 2000.
The international acceptance and recognition of degrees from UWA is due in no small part to the research reputation of our staff. We attract researchers of world standing across the range of disciplines. We have also been able to attract more competitive research funding on a per capita basis of staff involved in research than any other Australian university, and we have significant strategic partnerships with industry and other major universities. These factors provide a strong base for further enhancement and growth.
We already have strong research programs in all faculties, and it is notable that many of these broad areas of international research distinction coincide with areas of strategic and economic importance to Western Australia.
The highlights of successful research development include:
- a 70 per cent increase in total research income since 1993 (to more than $50 million a year);
- a dramatic increase in industry-funded research from less than $1 million in 1993 to more than $5 million a year;
- continued leadership within the higher education system on many indicators of research performance, including the Asiaweek ranking of UWA as third out of almost 80 universities in Australia and Asia in terms of research output, and first in the number of citations (per teacher) in international journals; and
- outstandingly successful outcomes in 1999 from the Australian Research Council, including 12 new fellowships, a 25 per cent increase in Large Grant funding and 12 (out of 14) International Researcher Exchange Program (IREX) grants awarded to expand the University's international collaborative research links.
Our long tradition and strong commitment to research has resulted in major government and industry collaborations supporting research aimed at solving contemporary problems and developing innovative solutions for industry. Our role in improving technology, performance and profits is recognised and highly valued by both the industry and business sectors.
Currently, the University is host to the Special Research Centres for Offshore Foundations Systems and for Tectonics Research. In addition, we host the Cooperative Research Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture; and we are a core participant in the Cooperative Research Centres for Asthma, the Biological Control of Pest Animals, Welded Structures, and Australian Telecommunications.
We have recognised that to achieve our vision of being a world-class university in the 21st century we must further enhance our standing as one of Australia's leading research universities. In particular, we must enhance our ability to engage actively in the international processes of learning and discovery.
There are two dimensions to the pursuit of this goal: first, the achievement of high quality research and scholarship, by international standards, across the whole spectrum of our disciplines; and second, the development of special research concentrations (of the very highest international standards) in selected areas of particular strength, importance and opportunity.
We have ensured that specific objectives and strategies are identified in both the University's Strategic Plan and its Research Management Plan. These have been translated into key priorities and include:
- improving and encouraging greater research productivity/output and international impact;
- increasing research collaborations, particularly with internationally-distinguished research partners;
- increasing the number of postdoctoral research fellowships and high quality postgraduate students, attracted, and supported, nationally and internationally;
- increasing per capita external research funding from all sources, with particular emphasis on international and industry sources;
- improving the provision of capital and infrastructure (including the library) to support increased research activity;
- improving the commercialisation and management of intellectual property.
Towards the achievement of these goals in 1999 our University has established:
- a School of Postgraduate Research Studies;
- an Institute of Advanced Studies;
- the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research
School of Postgraduate Research Studies
The new School of Postgraduate Research Studies will enrich the postgraduate student experience at our University and promote the international and national standing of postgraduate research.
Academic and executive leadership for postgraduate research is provided by a Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies. The new School will ensure an enhanced level of quality control for postgraduate studies and improved coordination across fields of study. The School will also interact with the new Institute of Advanced Studies to add further value to the postgraduate experience.
Institute of Advanced Studies
The Institute of Advanced Studies ensures robust support for the promotion and maintenance of consistent levels of excellence in research so that the University can consolidate its place in the international world of academic inquiry.
The Institute is a central point for the collection of details of activities across the campus - actively compiling the work of researchers and visitors into a central database so as to maximise opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary work within and outside the academic community.
Internationally distinguished visitors and cross-disciplinary programs will be a highlight of the Institute's operations in a new purpose built structure in the centre of the campus. | 