Guidelines for Research Centre Fellows (RCF)
- The University within its 2007-2011 Strategic Plan is committed to providing access to blocks of concentrated time for key researchers to work in Research Centres for a period of six months or one session. Funding for this Scheme is guaranteed until the end of 2011.
- The nine Research Centre Directors have been provided with funding to appoint a specific number of RCFs. An amount of between $40,000 and $50,000 (negotiable, from 2010) will be provided to the relevant School from the Centre Director to support the full-time release of a Staff member for six months. This is the strongly preferred arrangement. Variations to this model will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and where high quality outcomes are made explicit, thereby justifying diversion from the six month model. It is expected that Research Centre Fellows (RCF) teach and research thereby supporting the Teaching and Research Nexus. Teaching includes Research Higher Degree supervision.
- During the six months "BUY IN " to the Research Centre the RCF is expected to continue to supervise all research and honours students. However, teaching and administrative duties should not normally be undertaken during this period.
- The nomination of RCF is a collaborative, consultative process between the Centre Director and HoS and Dean and the key researchers’ teaching expertise and commitments must be considered. All three must agree that it is convenient and appropriate for the academic to be nominated. Research Centre Directors can determine the method by which RCF are considered for approval. Some call for expressions of interest while others may negotiate. Participation is voluntary and it is not normally appropriate for staff to have SSP and to be a RCF in a 12 month period. A staff member may nominate themselves through their HoS.
- Research Centre Directors and Heads of Schools are strongly encouraged to confine the Scheme to staff with External Research Grants, those with a strong track record, those who have or will produce high quality publications (A*, A or B) and to Early Career Researchers with a good track record.
- Research Centre Directors and Heads of School should be using the Scheme to support key researchers. Agreed outcomes for the year should be specified and signed off by the Centre Director, HOS and RCF. These outcomes must be discussed and documented for the November Performance Management Interview and the relevant Centre Director should attend or provide input into the Performance Management Interview for each past RCF and each proposed RCF for the following year. The proposed outcomes must support the Centre’s objectives and targets. RCF may be appointed for a subsequent year on the proviso that they achieve the agreed outcomes. Long term arrangements of up to 3 years can be proposed and approved but the RCF must achieve the annual outcomes to continue.
- To ensure the funds are expended to advance the University’s Research Profile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) will approve all appointments following a recommendation from the relevant Centre Director and Head of School that is endorsed by the Dean. This funding must be used strategically to enhance quality.
- The outcomes of each RCF must be clearly documented and significantly add to enhancing the quality of the Centre's outputs. The University expects high ERA ratings in the FoR codes that are germane to the Research Centre's mission and goals.
- Research Centre Fellows remain under the supervision of the HoS and located in their office. All normal approvals should be obtained through the HoS.
- Centre Directors may use RCF funds to support a new additional research and teaching position provided the Dean of the the relevant Faculty provides half of the funding needed to support the position. These appointments can be made for up to 3 years in the first instance.
Contact Details
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)