The Australian Government introduced the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program as part of a suite of new and updated initiatives to reform higher education teaching, learning, research and research training. These reforms, announced in the 2009-2010 Budget, will lead to a more productive and effective university system focused on quality and excellence, collaboration, sustainability, and end-user engagement. The CRN program will provide $114 million over six years from 2011.
CRN is designed as a structural adjustment fund. It will encourage less research-intensive smaller and regional universities to develop their research capacity and adapt to a performance-driven research system by teaming up with other institutions in areas of common interest. The intention is that all participants in a collaborative network will benefit from the partnership, with flow-on effects for the research and innovation system as a whole.
CRN Guidelines
On 16 July 2010, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr announced the release of the CRN Guidelines and invited Expressions of Interest in CRN projects from the sixteen eligible institutions.
The CRN guidelines have been prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines - Policies and Principles for Grants Administration issued by the Department of Finance and Deregulation.
Questions, feedback or comments on the CRN program are welcome and should be submitted to CRN@innovation.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Institutions that are eligible for CRN funding are invited to submit an Expression of Interest using the following template:
Please note that in response to requests from the sector, an extension has been granted for Expressions of Interest in the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program.
Expressions of Interest from eligible lead institutions should be sent to CRN@innovation.gov.au by cob 27 August 2010.
Late submission of an Expression of Interest will be considered only in exceptional circumstances beyond the eligible lead institution's control.
Expressions of Interest for CRN funding will be discussed with the lead and partner institutions (as appropriate) in compact discussions for 2010. Eligible lead institutions with Expressions of Interest assessed as suitable will then be invited to submit full applications for CRN funding via a competitive selection process.
Sector Consultation
The Department of Innovation released draft guidelines for the CRN program on 3 June 2010 for comments from the sector. These reflected feedback from universities, peak bodies and other research organisations in response to a CRN discussion paper released in February 2010, and face to face consultations with university representatives which took place in February-March 2010.
- Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) Discussion Paper released on 22 February 2010
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