The University of Melbourne is a public-spirited institution with a mission that encompasses learning and teaching, research and knowledge exchange and engagement, all of which exist for public benefit.
Consistent with this mission, the University engages with audiences and partners beyond the academy and seeks to ensure that the significance and benefits of research are widely communicated and debated.
All research at the University, including that with external partners, seeks to uphold the University of Melbourne Research Principles. These Principles bring together key aspirations, such as the long-term community benefit deriving from research, as well as formal policy commitments, such as endorsement of academic freedom, and oversight of ethical standards and research integrity.
- Research excellence is our primary indicator of success.
- Academic freedom is of crucial importance. Academics determine their own research path and are supported by opportunities from divisional and institutional strategy.
- Basic research is a critical foundation for discovery and understanding.
- Basic and applied research can thrive simultaneously, in an interdependent manner.
- The long-term benefit to the community is an important goal of our research.
- Research is conducted to the highest ethical standards with integrity and openness. This value is embedded in every aspect of our work including our choice of research partners and collaborators.
- Research is integrated with the education of all our students, enabling a constant renewal of research activity and fostering a spirit of enquiry among our students.
- The University endeavours to remain alert to the ideas of its academic community.
These Research Principles were developed as part of the Research at Melbourne Strategy in 2012 and last updated in 2018.