Reinforcing our research goals

ANU is re-thinking the way it manages and invests in research infrastructure.

Research infrastructure is a prime determinant of our ability to undertake world-leading research.

Led by our Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Keith Nugent, the changes include a new approach to managing research infrastructure, and a new team to help oversee the University’s $2 billion research infrastructure portfolio. These are just some of the initiatives to help bring further clarity to the purchase and management of research infrastructure.

This approach will address issues such as duplication of facilities which is inefficient and costly; provide support for strategic purchase of new research infrastructure; and provide a central place to find and book research infrastructure; and to update and maintain it.

These updates follow extensive consultation across ANU and with other Group of Eight universities around the University’s role as the national university and how it can best manage research infrastructure to meet those needs.

As part of the new approach, an Office of Research Infrastructure (ORI) will launch in early 2020. Under the guidance of a director with an academic background, a strong interest and passion for research infrastructure, and strong experience of ANU and its processes, the ORI will focus on increasing productivity, university-wide engagement and research outcomes. The office will also ensure the University’s investment in research infrastructure is strategic and maximises its competitiveness.

The new director and the ORI will oversee the University’s core facilities and coordinate existing and new research infrastructure worth more than $2 billion. They will also help oversee 620 staff employed to manage these facilities.

Keep an eye out for an expression of interest for the role of Academic Director, which will soon be advertised internally. For more information on this role and the ORI team, contact roslyn.prinsley@anu.edu.au.