Future Research Leaders Program (FLRP)
Background
The Future Research Leaders Program (FRLP) has been developed collaboratively by the Group of Eight universities (Go8) to build skills and knowledge in research leadership and management. Building the capabilities of our researchers is integral to The University of Melbourne becoming one of the world's leading research universities. The FRLP supports the pursuit of this vision, in particular the following principle in Growing Esteem:'As a research institution, Melbourne will open new paths to scientific understanding, support critical and creative endeavour and provide an outstanding research training experience for future leaders in academia, government and industry.'
At the University of Melbourne the FRLP is supported by the Research Portfolio under the leadership of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research); and is coordinated through the Melbourne Research Office.
Structure of program
The FRLP comprises eight separate modules that explore the effective principles and practice of research leadership. These modules are designed for researchers who are currently chief investigators, managers of the grant and funds process, or who are hoping to become a principal investigator on a project.1: Research Strategy and Planning
2: Commencement and Collaboration: putting ideas into practice
3: Governance and Compliance: protecting yourself, your research and your University
4: Intellectual Property and Commercialisation
5: Financial, Resource and Risk Management
6: Grant and Contract Administration
7: Managing and Leading People in a Research Context
8: Project Closeout
The modules employ a blended learning approach where participants complete a web-based component prior to a module workshop which will draw on the web material. This learning approach allows participants to maximise the value of the face-to-face contact, to learn from their peers, share strategies and to apply new knowledge into their own context. Modules have been customised to suit the conditions and requirements of each Go8 university.
Who should attend?
The program is targeted at early to mid-career researchers (generally level B and C academic staff) who are new to research leadership roles (e.g. new Chief Investigators) or who are on-track to take up such roles in the near future.2009 schedule
| DATE OF WORKSHOP | MODULE |
|---|---|
Tues 2 June | 1: Research Strategy and PlanningOur universities are strongly encouraging research which demonstrates excellence and recognises and complements the larger strategic context. Many research projects are closely linked to industry, collaborative research communities and/or within a larger program of research. Effective research must be carefully planned to achieve the best outcomes for the researcher/s, the university and the furthering of knowledge. This first module explores the initial stage of research project management: designing and costing the project as well as operating within the broader research and political context. This module is suited to any researcher who is developing a new grant proposal or project area. More...Facilitated by: Professor Leon Mann, Research Leadership Unit |
Thurs 4 June | 2: Commencement and Collaboration: putting ideas into practiceThere are many issues to address once funding for a research project has been obtained. The researcher must coordinate the development of the research concept and team, implement good project management processes, including effective management of any risks, and also encourage strong intellectual and emotional engagement with the project. This module explores the first year of a research project to ensure successful start-up and consolidation. The module is extremely valuable for all grant recipients. More...Facilitated by: Professor Leon Mann, Research Leadership Unit |
Fri 12 June | 3: Governance and Compliance: protecting yourself, your research and your universityResearch is bound by significant governance expectations, responsible research practices and the need to comply with statutes and regulations. This module examines the policy and risk management context in which research operates and the resultant requirements for research practice. This is must-know information for all researchers. More...Facilitated by: Dr Paul Taylor, Melbourne Research Office |
| Tues 16 June Enrolments closed
| 4: Intellectual Property and CommercialisationThe intellectual capital within a research project needs to be carefully preserved and managed. This module provides an overview of how intellectual property is defined and managed at the University of Melbourne. It explores the potential for commercialisation of research outcomes and also examines the issues relating to knowledge management within a research setting. A useful module for all researchers but particularly important for those working in areas where the research outcomes have high commercial potential. More...Facilitated by: |
Wed 4 November | 5: Financial, Resource and Risk ManagementResearch projects must operate within the funding and resource constraints agreed at start-up. The researcher much therefore carefully manage the resources to ensure they support the full research life cycle. This module explores some useful principles and practices for managing the financial processes, assets and risks attached to research. It emphasises the importance of monitoring the progressive expenditure and management of the project to achieve the agreed outcomes. This is particularly useful for research leaders and team leaders. More...Facilitated by: Cherry Birch and Geoff Wright (Birch Consulting Group) |
Wed 11 November | 6: Grant and Contract AdministrationResearch grants and contracts are legally binding agreements between the provider and the researcher. This module explores the nature of research grants and contracts. It examines the principles of effective grant management and explores the responsibilities of the researcher with respect to the execution and reporting of project outcomes. It is essential for any researcher with responsibility for a grant execution. More...Facilitated by: Dr Tania Bezzobs, Melbourne Research Office |
Wed 18 November | 7: Managing and Leading People in the Research ContextResearch projects require some particular approaches for managing people. This module explores the ongoing management of the research team and allied contributors, and looks at associated management issues that may arise. It focuses on management within the distinctive research context of constrained periods of employment and tight timelines. If you have responsibility for managing students, research teams, a research centre or a program of research, this is an important module as it will make a real difference to how your group operates. More...Facilitated by: Professor Leon Mann, Research Leadership Unit |
Thur 26 November | 8: Project CloseoutThe successful completion of the research project requires a number of closure processes relating to research, people, finance, knowledge, assets and media management. This module examines the effective closing out of the project life-cycle and the initiation of new allied projects. More...Facilitated by: Dr Lewis Atkinson (Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd.) |
How to enrol
Researchers may enrol for one or more of the modules via Themis Self-Service:- Modules 1-4: open for enrolment from Friday 1st May 2009 (Modules 1-4 enrolments closed)
- Modules 5-8: open for enrolment from Thursday 1st October 2009
- Enrol via Themis Self-Service>Training and Development
- Go to Browse Catalogue
- Go to Browse by Category
- Select Research
- Choose the workshops in which you would like to enrol
Workshops are held in the Staff Development Centre, Level 2, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton.
Contact
Jane Pontikis (x42065)Melbourne Research Office