• Section 1 - Background
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Definition of Research
• Section 5 - Attaining Research Active Status
• Section 6 - Retaining Research Active Status
• Section 7 - Revisions made to this Policy
• Section 8 - Associated Information

Section 1 - Background

(1) The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 require that ‘research is conducted, or overseen, by staff with qualifications, research experience and skills relevant to the type of research undertaken and their role’ (Section 4.1.2) and that higher degree research ‘students are admitted to research training only where the training can be provided in a supervisory and study environment of research activity…’ (Section 4.2.2).

(2) The Higher Education Provider Category Standards (PCS) are the legislative instrument of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. The PCS define the various categories of higher education providers and outline the associated requirements for registration by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Section 2 - Purpose

Section 5 - Attaining Research Active Status

(6) To be deemed Research Active, academics must:

1. have produced at least 5 high-quality publication points in the last 5 years; and
2. be performing at Achievement Standard 1. of Schedule 3: Criteria and Evidence Guide for Research Workload Allocations (R3 and R5) for their discipline and academic level according to the Achievement Standards for Academic Staff (see Schedule 3: Criteria and Evidence Guide for Research Workload Allocations (R3 and R5)) in one additional area of: research income, research engagement and impact, or research training noted in Appendix A of Schedule 3: Criteria and Evidence Guide for Research Workload Allocations (R3 and R5).

(7) Achievement relative to opportunity will be considered in evaluating research active status according to the Achievement Relative to Opportunity (ARtO) Guide.

(8) Staff who attain Research Active status and who wish to supervise HDR candidates at ACU must submit a request for accreditation as an HDR Supervisor in accordance with the Accreditation of Higher Degree Research Supervisors Policy.

Section 6 - Retaining Research Active Status

(9) Research Active status will be confirmed by the Associate Dean, Research when forming supervision panels or processing changes to supervision panels.

(10) A staff member will be confirmed as research active for a period of three (3) years automatically if they meet the minimal requirements when evaluated as part of the Research Workload Allocation (RWA) process.

(11) Research Active status should be considered in recruitment, selection, and performance review processes for Teaching and Research, Research-Focused, and Research only academic positions and pathways.

(12) A staff member may be confirmed as research active for a three (3) year period outside of the RWA process by application to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research).

(13) If a staff member no longer meets the minimum thresholds (refer to clause 6) for Research Active status, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) will inform the Faculty Associate Dean, Research. The Faculty Associate Dean, Research will review the composition of supervisory panels on which the staff member is active to ensure the provision of effective supervision and, as appropriate, confirm that no changes are required or amend the panel (refer to Section 7 of the Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy).

(14) Staff who do not retain Research Active status cannot be principal supervisor for any new HDR candidates.

Section 7 - Revisions made to this Policy

(15) Unless otherwise indicated, this Policy will still apply beyond the review date.

Section 8 - Associated Information

(16) For related legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines and any supporting resources please refer to the Associated Information tab.