Transcript Linda Kristjanson Talk

Research Directions at Curtin:
The “So What Factor”,
Challenges and Responses
Professor Linda Kristjanson
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Development
29 August 2007
Engineering Research Forum
Resources & Energy
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Global challenges related to sustainable
resources
Climate change pressures
Need for cost-effective technologies to deliver
standard of living expectations
Cycle of time from technology to dissemination
is faster than ever before
Issues of equity, expectations and collaboration
Need for social policy and ethical guidelines
Revolution in Health & Medical
Science
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Shift from focus on acute to chronic disease
Escalating health care costs
Torrent of biological data
Development of advanced high-throughput
technologies
Able to identify individuals at risk
Intervene before disease strikes
Advances in Knowledge Technologies
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Data mining more advanced to allow access
to “deep web” repositories
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Advances in natural language processing
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Effect will be to “democratise” information
and knowledge
Biomonitors
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Smaller, faster processes and wireless broadband
will make monitoring health at home cheaper
and easier
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Advances in micro-electromechanical systems,
nanotechnology and network connectivity will
create the network-centric physiological
monitors that can measure body temperature,
hydration levels, chemical toxicity and other
biomarkers
Stem Cells
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Penicillin of the 21st century, exceptional
potential
Adult stem cells cannot turn into as many
types of cells as embryonic stem cells
May be useable in the regeneration process
across an array of organs
Obtaining and preserving adult stem cells in
large numbers could be a stumbling block
Large private companies and a number of
countries are pursuing embryonic stem cell
technology with vigour
Curtin Research Focii
Resources & Energy
 Health, Ageing & Wellbeing
 ICT and Emerging Technologies
 Sustainable Communities
 Growth & Prosperity
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Research Income 2001-2006
$'million
50
45
40
35
CRC
30
IOF
25
OPSF
ACG
20
15
10
5
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
* Note: 2006 income data is preliminary and has not yet been audited.
Research Publications 2001-2005
Unweighted DEST Publications
1000
900
Conference Pubs
800
Journals
Bk Chpts
700
Books
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
* Note: Collection of 2006 publication data currently occurring.
HDR Completions 2001-2006
Weighted HDR Completions
250
200
R&E*
HUM
150
HS
ES&C
100
CBS
50
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
* Note: Divisional structure changed in 2001
2006
External Research Challenges
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Continuing emphasis on ranking of universities
RQF or “son of RQF”
Emphasis on “Impact” and Relevance
Increasing competition for students
Decreasing domestic postgraduate market
Uncertainty with respect to future policy drivers
Internal Research Challenges
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Time demands
Competing pressures
Bureaucratic demands
Resource limits
Uneven experience and varying commitment to
a research culture
“Us and them” thinking
Our Responses
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Targeted research focii
Tier 1 and Tier 2 scheme
Focused RQF strategy and preparation
Analysis of ROI (Return on Investment)
Review and enhancement of research funding
scheme internally
Contribution to Curtin Expectations Dialogue
Curtin Research Focii
Resources & Energy
 Health, Ageing & Wellbeing
 ICT and Emerging Technologies
 Sustainable Communities
 Growth & Prosperity
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Tier 1 and Tier 2
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History
Update and alignment with existing research
policy on centres, institutes
Review of scheme
Capacity building more broadly
Focused RQF Strategy and
Preparation
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Identify and influence policy settings
Ensure all research income counts
Participate on RQF panels, working parties
Respond to draft documents
RQF website and newsletter
Build respositories
Participate in trials
Preparation for development of portfolios
Focus on the future
Analysis of ROI
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Assess all schemes
Review schemes to ensure alignment to goals
and comprehensive approach
Review processes related to each scheme
Build capacity where demonstrated returns are
clear
Enhance transparency
Review of Schemes
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Research Fellows, Curtin Industry Research
Scheme, Near Miss Scheme,Early/Mid Career
Research Scheme, Strategic Research Grants
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Strategic Capacity Building Research Scheme
(2007)
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Review of Centres
Expectations
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Need to provide clear, transparent information
about our research performance
Need to ensure that this information is
contextualised
Need to negotiate reasonable targets, goals and
define aspirations within existing resources
More Responses
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International Strategy (eg., CIRTS, China Strategy – Joint PhDs,
Engagement, MOUs, Focus)
CUPS
Research Space Funding
Emphasis on Competitive Grants
CRC engagement
Quality control for proposal development
Mentoring Scheme
Research Forum
Publication Strategy
Marketing Focus
Conversations to Continue
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Teaching-Research balance and integration
Dialogue about how we do our work
Discussions about expectations and career paths
and goals
Scrutinise choices (day, week, month, year)
Shared research leadership
Valuing contributions