Why Griffith is one of the 15 ‘fast moving’ research universities

Griffith University vice-chancellor Carolyn Evans explains why her institution is one of the 15 ‘fast moving’ research universities.

Griffith University vice-chancellor Carolyn Evans.

For the past 18 months, Griffith University has pushed forward with a “surge program” to supercharge its research, says vice-chancellor Carolyn Evans.

One key goal is to put more resources into the research work itself, and less into the administration by consolidating work into larger research institutes with better economies of scale.

Another element, says Evans, is to put more long-term planning and support into bids for major projects or pieces of research funding — whether through competitive grants or philanthropy.

“The third really critical element is very strong focus on major partnerships with people who can help add to our research, sometimes financially, but also in terms of expertise, connections, and facilities,” Evans says.

She says the strategy is already paying off. Pharmaceutical company Sanofi has set up a research facility at the university to develop mRNA vaccines, and quantum tech company PsiQuantum will establish a test and validation lab on campus.

Evans says the university is focusing on deepening its research expertise in fields where it shines, for example biotechnical and biomedical research, quantum physics, and adaptive manufacturing. Also, “we’ve always been strong in areas like environmental and social sciences and creative arts”, she says.

But this does not mean the university is not ready to pivot to new research opportunities. “We’re consolidating and focusing a little bit more while leaving a door open for the next thing that we haven’t thought of,” Evans says.