Abstract

In today's interconnected world, universities play a crucial role in securing research funding and fostering international research collaboration. This presentation will provide an overview of the endeavours at the University of Melbourne in supporting research funding proposals and facilitating international research collaboration. We will describe the multifaceted ecosystem of research funding support within a large University, with a focus on the different (and sometimes competing!) perspectives of stakeholder groups including faculties, the central research office, Chancellery, funders and researchers.
The University of Melbourne (UoM) stands at the forefront of academic excellence. International research collaboration holds a central role in Melbourne's research landscape. Its global perspective is evident from its diverse student body, including over 40% international students among its 55,000-strong community. Across nine faculties, UoM’s researchers actively engage in international collaborations, and its reputation extends to its prolific joint publications with industry partners, consistently being the most cited Australian University in patent applications. Over the last decade UoM has witnessed a significant increase in international collaboration; internationally co-authored publications account for nearly 55% of all research publications and approximately 10% of its research income comes from international sources.
Supporting researchers to navigate international collaborations can be highly complex. Challenges include differences in governing laws and time zones, differing expectations, and managing planning and communication effectively within tight timeframes. This requires faculty, central research office, and Chancellery staff to collaborate effectively and efficiently to provide this support. Different parties may have different primary objectives through this process, and in a very large institution, it is not always easy to ensure everyone is on the same page. It is our observation that is it critical for all parties to understand the perspectives of all others to enable streamlined and effective support for research collaboration.
This presentation will discuss how UoM navigates this complex internal collaborative landscape and the mechanisms it has implemented at various levels of the organisation to support international research collaboration. Initiatives include seed funding schemes, schemes supporting international mobility, and joint research workshops which empower researchers for effective global engagement. Additionally, the University has established jointly awarded double PhD programs with international institutional partners to further foster international collaboration. Access to international research grant funding is facilitated through initiatives such as the International Grants Accelerator Program, country fact sheets, and a dedicated International Research Grants support team.
The University of Melbourne exemplifies a global leader in supporting researchers in securing research funding and facilitating international research collaboration. It epitomises the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and alignment with institutional goals. By integrating these perspectives, the University of Melbourne effectively supports their researchers in securing research funding, navigating international collaborations, and advancing knowledge across borders.