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.
- Excellence and impact are our primary indicators of research success
- Academic freedom is of crucial importance. Academics determine their own research path and are supported by opportunities from faculty and institutional strategy
- Research across the academy is the foundation of discovery and understanding
- The goal of our research is the enduring benefit and impact to society
- Indigenous knowledges, practices and innovations are integral knowledge systems contributing to our research
- Research is conducted to the highest legal and ethical standards, with integrity and openness
- Our research engagements are purposeful, inclusive and ethical
- Research is integrated with the education of all our students, fostering a spirit of enquiry and ongoing renewal of research ideas
- A diverse and inclusive environment produces the highest quality and impactful research.
Our Research Principles were first developed in 2012. They were updated in consultation with University staff to support the new research strategy Advancing Research 2030: Excellence for Impact in 2025.