Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) Program Fact Sheet 

KEY POINTS

• The Australian Government introduced the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program as part of a suite of reforms to higher education and research announced as part of the 2009-10 Budget.
• The program is designed to assist less research-intensive smaller and regional higher education institutions to develop their research capacity and adapt to a research system driven more strongly by performance outcomes by teaming up with other institutions in areas of common interest.
• The initial round of the CRN program will provide up to $51 million from 2011 until mid 2013. Subsequent rounds will be invited as required.
• The CRN program is intended to complement other aspects of the Government’s agenda for reform of the Australian higher education and innovation systems, such as the Sustainable Research Excellence and Joint Research Engagement initiatives.

BACKGROUND

• Less research intensive, smaller and regional universities will be eligible for funding under the new Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program. 
• The CRN program was developed in consultation with the higher education sector.
• On 16 July 2010, the Government released the CRN program guidelines along with a call for expression of interest from eligible institutions.
• The program guidelines reflect feedback from universities, peak bodies and related organisations on a draft of the guidelines released on 3 June 2010, a discussion paper released on 22 February 2010, and face-to-face consultations during February-March 2010.
• Funding will be made available to successful higher education institutions from early 2011.
• CRN proposals will need to be based on verifiable evidence that demonstrates how the higher education institution will develop its research capacity and maintain its efforts into the future.