Training program targets researchers

Southern Cross University will deliver research and commercialisation training to postgraduate students at Griffith University as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS).

Under an agreement signed between the two institutions, Southern Cross University will deliver the Graduate Certificate in Research Management to selected Griffith postgraduate research students.

The Department of Education, Science and Training’s CTS was established to provide high quality research commercialisation training for Australian higher degree by research (HDR) students. It is designed to equip research students with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to bring research-based ideas, inventions and innovations, to market.

Professor Peter Baverstock, Southern Cross University Pro Vice-Chancellor Research,
said the University had designed the innovative research training and commercialisation program, which has been running successfully since 2005, for all researchers, including higher degree students.

“We know that while students often have high-level research skills, they often don’t possess skills needed by highly competitive and commercially orientated industries,” Professor Baverstock said.

“This course looks at issues such as intellectual property, its management and commercialisation, as well as project management. Its creation and implementation was sponsored by Grain Foods CRC, and many HDR students of this and other CRCs have already completed the program.

“We have also recognised the considerable demands placed on students and have designed the program to complement students’ research through tailored unit offerings and flexible delivery modes.”

Professor Baverstock said a key feature of the course was that it allowed students to gain a big advantage in their own research projects, as they could use their own research material for assignments and case studies throughout the course.

The course can be completed by distance education or through intensive mode, allowing students to tailor their course load to their individual needs. Under the intensive mode, units within the course can be completed in just eight weeks.

“We are very pleased to be linking with Griffith University. This agreement provides many benefits and may open up opportunities for future collaborative ventures between the two universities,” Professor Baverstock said.

Photo: Professor Peter Baverstock, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Southern Cross University.