Purpose and Terms of Reference

The University Research Committee (URC) is a Standing Committee of Academic Board. The Committee's role is to oversee the University's research and enterprise activities, in line with ACU's mission, strategy, statutes and regulatory environment. These activities include research, research training, innovation, engagement with industry and government, research infrastructure, as well as ACU's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability strategy for research.

URC is governed by the Terms of Reference as set out below:

• In accordance with the Higher Education Standards Framework, URC will monitor the quality of research and research training, including the development and oversight of policy that ensures:
  • clarification of ownership and management of intellectual property;
  • clarification of requirements for publication and authorship;
  • ethical conduct of research, research training, and responsible research practice;
  • induction and orientation of higher degree research students and supervisors to their roles;
  • resolution of allegations of misconduct in research and research training;
  • successful management of research partnerships; and
  • successful progress and timely completion of candidature/HDR candidates.
    
    
• As a monitoring body for quality, URC will conduct analysis, benchmark and make recommendations on:

• research activities that support the University Strategic Plan and related KPIs;
• ACU's cultural capability strategy for research, in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Committee;
• higher degree research, including coursework components, examination of research degree theses, appointment of examiners and the results of examination, and nominations for university research prizes;
• reports from Faculty research committees; and
• reports on research ethics and integrity.

Meeting Schedule: See Governance Committee Calendar.

Committee Templates: See Governance Committee Templates.

Chair: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise.

Governance Support: Dr Glenys Eddy, Governance Officer.

For general URC enquiries, please contact governance@acu.edu.au.

Composition and Membership:

Where necessary, the Chair can nominate another member of the Committee to act as Chair.

Members unable to attend a meeting may nominate a designated alternative to attend as proxy.

Each Executive Dean will nominate an additional academic member for a 2-year term on the basis of an expression of interest process within the Faculty.

All committee members, including the Chair, have voting rights.

Half the members of the Committee plus one shall constitute a quorum.