Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Knowledge Transfer?
- What are the aims of Knowledge Transfer?
- How is Knowledge Transfer different to research and teaching?
- What financial support can staff/students receive to pursue their Knowledge Transfer?
What is Knowledge Transfer?
Knowledge transfer is the two-way flow and uptake of ideas between the University of Melbourne and the broader community. It is the third strand of the University’s Growing Esteem strategy (alongside research and teaching and learning), and is underpinned by three principles.
These principles are that it:
- Creates intellectual capital in ways that mutually benefit the University and its external partners.
- Is linked to the University’s teaching and research activities.
- Responds to global, social, economic, environmental and cultural issues.
More Information on University Knowledge Transfer Activities
What are the aims of Knowledge Transfer?
The aims of knowledge transfer are:
To foster partnerships to advance research
Many knowledge transfer projects are aimed at improving research – ARC Linkage grants are an exemplar of this. While the University is funded to perform research, the partner is provided with a benefit tailored to their needs and agreed at the beginning of the project.
To foster partnerships that enhance teaching and learning
Such partnerships can include internships, guest lectures and tutorials by professionals active in an area and student projects working on real issues faced by the partner, where the work is primarily conducted at the partner’s premises.
To enhance students readiness for professional life
A range of student knowledge transfer activities fall outside the formal curriculum, yet prepare students for life after university by encouraging them to engage in activities with partners outside the University on projects which apply the knowledge they are gaining in their studies, develop it and directly benefit the community. For instance, engineering students working with Engineers Without Borders to work on development projects. These projects develop the graduates’ attributes, allowing them to demonstrate leadership and social responsibility.
To raise aspirations for tertiary study
Some projects do not actively develop the teaching or research of the university, but aim at improving community understanding of higher education as a realistic and desirable option, whether for current secondary or TAFE students, people currently working or out of study and work.
To produce cultural engagements
The University provides an enormous range of cultural activities, including through the teaching and research of students in the performing arts, its galleries, libraries, museums and its cultural collections. Often, staff also provide expert input into other organisations’ exhibitions and performances.
To develop the standing and practices of the profession
University staff are frequently called on to advise and otherwise support their professional bodies. To be knowledge transfer this work must relate directly to their work at the University. For instance, a researcher in Accounting & Business Information Systems may participate in advisory boards at the CPA, or a department in Medicine, Health and Dental Science may provide professional training for clinicians.
To develop better policy and governance
University staff are frequently called on to provide policy advice to governments. Often this advice is based on their research or expertise more generally, rather than itself being a research activity. For instance, staff may be called on to write a report for government or to be a member on a government board or panel.
To commercialise our intellectual capital
A range of research and teaching products and services are developed commercially at the University. Examples include curriculum and software licensing (usually handled by Curriculum Licensing Services), providing accredited teaching services tailored to particular organisations’ needs (usually handled by Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs) and patenting, licensing and the commercial development of research products (usually handled by Melbourne Ventures).
To attract additional funding, e.g., Sponsorships, donation & benefaction
Knowledge transfer programs aimed at developing non-research or teaching funds. For instance programs aimed at developing scholarships for students, maintaining alumni involvement and developing other donor opportunities.
To foster intellectual discourse and knowledge dissemination
University staff frequently write columns for newspapers, appear in other media to provide expert comment and opinion, give public lectures or participate in public debates or panels.
To meet our responsibility for the greater public good
Community groups frequently call on the expertise of University staff to support their work. While the activity itself is not part of the University’s teaching and it is not research, it meets one of the responsibilities of the University, which is to use its knowledge to advance the well-being of the Victorian, Australian and international communities, and to represent underprivileged groups or those where equality of opportunity is needed.
To improve our reputation and public standing
Sometimes the University engages the public in activities which are not themselves teaching or research, but which nevertheless advance the research and higher education sector and demonstrate its value. Some knowledge transfer can be aimed at improving our reputation and standing in the public consciousness or in association with key issues the public is facing.
How is Knowledge Transfer different to research and teaching?
Knowledge Transfer is intrinsically connected to research and teaching and can be a component of both.
When teaching and learning activities include the input or involvement of an external partner or collaborator then they contain an element of knowledge transfer; this will involve a mutual exchange of intellectual knowledge.
What financial support can staff/students receive to pursue their Knowledge Transfer?
A series of grants and awards has been implemented to reward achievement in, and to assist the development of, knowledge transfer. The grants are also designed to encourage visits of outstanding knowledge transfer practitioners from outside the University.
The Vice-Chancellor's Knowledge Transfer Staff Excellence Awards carry a cash prize of A$5,000 each plus a trophy, the 10 Project Grants offer funding of up to A$10,000 each and grants of A$10,000 will be made available to fund visiting scholars.
The DREAMLARGE Knowledge Transfer Student Grants support knowledge transfer projects which connect students with external partners. Grants of up to $2,500 will be made available to enrolled students of the University. A small number of grants may be provided up to A$5,000. Enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.