Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) Program Fact Sheet 

KEY POINTS

• The Australian Government established 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 CRN program will provide $52.0 million over three calendar years from 2011 to assist less research intensive smaller and regional universities adapt to a research system driven more strongly by performance outcomes.
• The program complements other reforms of the research block grants system, which include a greater emphasis on collaboration between universities and the business and non-government research sectors.

BACKGROUND

• Less research intensive smaller and regional universities will be eligible for funding under the new Collaborative Research Networks (CRN).
• The eligibility criteria for CRN will be developed in consultation with universities over the next six months.  The Department will circulate a discussion paper on CRN early in 2010.
• The CRN program will assist less research intensive smaller and regional universities adapt to a research system driven more strongly by performance outcomes.
• From 1 July 2010, eligible regional and smaller universities will be invited to make submissions which support an area of national importance.
• Each eligible university will be invited to provide one submission only in each round, although they may be partners in submissions led by other universities.
• Funding will be made available to successful universities from 1 January 2011.
• The program may also have the flexibility to support a small number of larger “lighthouse” projects.
• Mandatory criteria will include the requirement that all submissions are based on verifiable evidence that demonstrates each regional university’s areas of research and research training excellence, and collaborative links with universities with established research strengths.