Research Quality Framework

As part of the innovation package Backing Australia’s Ability, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of a Research Quality Framework (RQF) in May 2004, as the basis for an improved assessment of the quality and impact of publicly funded research.

The emerging RQF model to date is described in The Recommended RQF.

The model has the following main features: 

• Institutions will nominate Research Groupings that can be aggregated to Research Fields, Courses and Disciplines (RFCD) Codes; 
• Research Groupings will provide Evidence Portfolios (EP), comprised of: 

  • A Context Statement detailing the type, composition and focus of the Research Grouping; 
  • The 4 “best” outputs of each of the eligible researchers; 
  • The full list of Research Outputs produced in the six-year assessment period; and 
  • Statements of community impact of the group’s research, including up to four case studies, verified by qualified end-users of research.

Final overarching specifications are to be released in the third quarter of 2007, together with panel-specific guidelines from the 13 Expert Assessment Panels who will be assessing the Evidence Portfolios.

Final submissions from each Australian university are due to be submitted to the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) on 30 April 2008.

The outcomes of the RQF will be extremely significant for the University’s future ability to attract both research funding and students.

Faculty of Art & Design RQF

The Faculty has nominated RQF Champions to assist staff. These are:

• Troy Innocent – Multimedia & Digital Arts
• Anne Marsh – Theory of Art & Design
• Darragh O’Brien – Design
• Kit Wise – Fine Arts

Faculty Resources

• 2008 RQF Timeline (pdf 44kb)

Monash RQF Team

Monash University has an RQF Team.  Members operate under the direction of the Monash RQF Strategy Committee which is chaired by Prof. Edwina Cornish (DVC Research).

Information about the team can be found on their website at:
Research Quality Framework at Monash (Monash website, authcate required)

Further Reading
Research Quality Framework in Australia (DEST website)