Abstract

Research institutions face increasing pressure to deliver impactful programs at scale.
This presentation explores the Monash University Incubator program, a central portfolio funding initiative designed to support international, interdisciplinary research teams to undertake challenge-led research initiatives and translate research outcomes.

This presentation posits that international engagement and international research partnerships are crucial to build a pipeline of impactful research projects that address global challenges, diversify funding opportunities, and crowd-in expertise from a range of stakeholders. The program is offered as an example of how to nurture excellent collaborative opportunities between interdisciplinary clusters of researchers, professional staff, and international partners.

Following a competitive selection process, funds were awarded to 17 project teams across three funding windows. Alongside direct funding, the program provides each project with wrap-around support to enhance activities and maximise research impact. The projects involve 93 Monash research and professional staff, and over 70 external partners. Partners include more than 25 community, industry and philanthropic organisations, and over 20 investment partners across 19 countries.

The presentation outlines how The Incubator program strengthens the research community – by focusing first on talent (to deepen interdisciplinary and international research capacity and capability of staff), second on community (to connect, share and learn from each other) and finally on expanding impact through networks (to engage with new and existing international development partners).

This presentation also shares lessons learned from setting up a central initiative - including the program design, governance model, wrap-around support activities to research teams, stakeholder management with international external partners, resourcing, and the selection strategies to select projects that can amplify research impact in a sustainable way.

Overall, the presentation aims to provide valuable knowledge and insights for individuals and organisations interested in fostering international research collaboration, streamlining operational efficiency, and maximising research impact.