Vision and strategy
Curtin aspires to be a leading university in education and research serving its wider region through "the application of creative thinking and ingenuity to the solution of definable and practical problems in all fields of human endeavour" (Dr Haydn Williams, first Director of WAIT).
In pursuit of this overall goal, Curtin has established a strong track record of working with industry, government and community groups to understand their needs and, through innovative research and development, to provide long-term benefits.
Further development of the University's research and research training programs and its capacity to partner with the various groups will become increasingly important if it is to continue its contribution to the sustainable social, environmental, and economic development of the State and the broader national and international community.
Curtin is committed to meeting this challenge through its strategy of
Research in Partnership: building world class capability in R&D through strategic alliances and partnerships.
This requires an understanding of the total needs of students, research clients and markets and excelling meeting those needs. The alliances and partnerships will assist in building enhanced capability for both the University and the partner to generate mutual and independent benefits for each, and most importantly to generate long-term benefits for the community.
The Office of Research and Development's role is to:
- Develop a research culture of open communication, continuous learning and improvement;
- Develop a focus which recognises the needs of partners, postgraduate research students and clients;
- Maintain and further develop critical R&D capability in key areas;
- Develop R&D and research training management systems;
- Develop R&D image and relationships in accordance with partner and student expectations;
- Attract new strategic research partners to Curtin;
- Focus strategic and performance-based resources into key R&D areas; and
- Increase the level of external support for R&D.
Specific initiatives currently underway are included in the Research Management Plan.
