1. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this policy is to articulate the role and responsibilities of the Associate Deans (Research) at The University of Queensland.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

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3. Policy Scope/Coverage

This policy applies to incumbents in the position of Associate Dean (Research) within the University.

4. Policy Statement

The Associate Dean (Research) reports to the Executive Dean of the Faculty, playing a key role in the academic leadership of the Faculty, with a particular focus on research. The Associate Dean (Research) works closely with Heads of Schools, Directors of Faculty, School and University centres, Deputy Directors (Research) of cognate institutes, and with the Research Partnership Manager.

5. Key Responsibilities

Associate Deans (Research) are responsible to their Executive Dean for:

• the facilitation and promotion of the development of strategic direction of research within the Faculty;
• improvements in the quality and impact of that research,and;
• the growth of local, national and international research collaborations.

Specific responsibilities within each broad area of the role of the Associate Dean (Research) are listed below.

5.1 Policy and leadership

• Advise the Executive Dean on all faculty matters relating to Research and Higher Degree by Research students;
• Facilitate growth of research activity in the faculty, including developing mechanisms and targets to achieve this;
• Develop and maintain the research section of the Faculty Operational Plan in consultation with Faculty Research Committee and Heads of Schools;
• Coordinate and plan the development of research infrastructure across the faculty;
• Develop and coordinate strategies for maximising the faculty’s success in gaining external research funding;
• Chair the Faculty’s Research Committee and ensure regular communication among the Faculty’s Higher Degree by Research coordinators;
• Assume the responsibility for the establishment of criteria and local procedures for the allocation of funds in those areas specified by the Executive Dean;
• Assume responsibility for the evaluation of faculty applications for internal UQ funding schemes;
• Represent the faculty on appropriate University committees, working parties and review teams e.g. University Research Committee;
• Maintain and disseminate current information about relevant research policy areas and initiatives in government (state and federal), in the professions and in relevant industries, including external funding opportunities;
• Develop strategies to foster research collaborations within the faculty, across faculties and institutes, and with parties outside UQ.

5.2 Research enhancement

• Work with schools and centres to establish and develop faculty research priorities;
• Interact with industry, government, professions and the wider community on all research matters and promote faculty research activities to external stakeholders;
• Work with the Research Partnership Manager to realise timely commercialisation opportunities;
• Facilitate research mentorship within organisational units and across organisational units.

5.3 Research scholarship and staff development

• Advise staff and students about forthcoming research opportunities (e.g. ARC and NHMRC programs) and alert staff to grant opportunities;
• Coordinate faculty-level workshops and staff development activities on research-related issues;
• Ensure that each organisational unit has timely and useful research grant readership schemes with a view to improving the quality of grant applications and increasing funding success rates;
• Ensure staff and students are aware of UQ policies and procedures around research;
• Encourage development of activities to attract the best higher degree by research students (e.g. enquiries database, promotional activities, regular updates of research profiles on the Faculty website and of individual research profiles on UQreSEARCHers).

5.4 Human resource management

• Assist the Executive Dean and Heads of Schools as required in the management of human resource issues, including the recruitment and selection of staff, staff appraisals, performance management issues and staff grievances; and
• Assist the Executive Dean and Heads of Schools as required to ensure the development of staff within the Faculty.

5.5 External relations

Assist the Executive Dean and Heads of Schools to:

• Maintain effective links with government departments, authorities, business, commerce and industry organisations relevant to the schools research activities.