Status: Open

Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the MQ Research Centres Scheme.

Aim

The Macquarie University Research Centres (MQRC) Scheme is the means by which major, coordinated, cohesive and high-performing research collectives are branded, promoted and supported as Macquarie University Research Centres (Strength at Scale) or Macquarie University  Research Centres (Consilience).

The scheme exists to deliver on the Focused Investment in Research objective of the University Operating Plan and the four key research objectives of Research Strategy 2025: World-leading research; World-changing impact by:

  1. Recognising, nurturing and accelerating research and research training excellence at scale;
  2. Creating conditions for significant, new, long term external funding, opportunities and impact;
  3. Promoting and leveraging MQ’s world-leading research concentrations in areas of strength, capability and impact.

MQRCs established in this application round will be for a period of five years, subject to satisfactory annual performance and a major review at three years.

MQRCs (Strength at Scale) established in this application round will receive annual funding of up to $50,000 per year and priority in-kind support, subject to satisfactory annual progress review.

MQRCs (Consilience) established in this round will receive annual funding of up to $100,000 per year and priority in-kind support plus support to build consilience, subject to satisfactory annual progress review.

A two-stage application process will commence on 4th July 2022.

Stage 1: Expressions of Interest and Pitch to Panel

Themed Workshops in July and August will be open to all researchers to discuss potential synergies and opportunities for MQRC collectives and bids ahead of written EoIs. In parallel, current MQRCs will hold Open Door Workshops for members as well as colleagues from across the University to join bid discussions.

Themed Workshops

Registrations are essential, and close at 12pm mid-day on the Monday prior to each session. Register now.

  • Ageing Well, Ageing Together - Thur 14 July 1pm – 4pm (Register by 12pm Monday 11 July)
  • Living Pasts, Resilient Futures - Wed 20 July 1pm – 4pm (Register by 12pm Monday 18 July)
  • Sustainable Cities - Wed 27 July 9am – 12pm (Register by 12pm Monday 25 July)
  • Brain Capital - Thur 4 August 9am – 12pm (Register by 12pm Monday 1 August)

Following Themed Workshops, Expressions of Interest will be accepted up until 9am Monday 29 August 2022. Selected collectives will be invited to a Pitch to Panel on either Wednesday 21st or Thursday 22nd  September 2022.

Stage 2: Full application and interviews

Based on EoIs and pitches, select Centres will be invited to submit a full application. Applications in Stage 2 will open on Friday 7th October and close on Friday 11th November.

Details about this stage will made available in October 2022.

  • Monday 4 July 2022 - Expressions of Interest Open
  • July - August 2022- Themed Exploratory Workshops led by PVC (RP&D) and DDRIs Register here. Open Door Workshops led by existing MQRCs
  • Monday 29 August 2022, 9 am - Expressions of Interest Close
  • Friday 7 October 2022 - Invitation to submit full application
  • Friday 11 November 2022, 5pm - Full applications close
  • Late November - Interviews
  • December- Outcomes announced