Module 1: Research Strategy and Planning

3.3 The politics of funding

Probably one of the most fundamental aspects of producing a successful research outcome funded by an external organisation is to listen to your stakeholders, and make sure you understand exactly what it is they expect. You need to have set clear goals upon which all parties can agree.

You also need to be politically astute and aware when undertaking research for which the application may be unclear. There is an example where a team of researchers were funded to conduct research into ice-sheet stress and impact in Antarctica. As it turns out, and unknown to the researchers, the findings were to be used to establish a runway in Antarctica on which to land a jumbo jet (this being many years before a runway was established). Had it gone ahead and had the plane fallen through the ice, the legal consequences could have been very serious. This highlights the need to engage with your stakeholder to develop and maintain the relationship, something which is discussed further in ‘Module 2: Commencement and Collaboration – Putting Ideas Into Practice’.

Another matter to consider at this stage is whether or not the commercialisation of your research project outcome is part of your goal. There are a lot of complex issues related to the successful commercialisation of research, including legal agreements, intellectual property, finance, etc. Obviously, becoming involved in the commercial world is not necessarily something in which all academics are experienced or even comfortable.

You will definitely need to seek specialist advice to avoid the pitfalls, and your university should have a specific business unit to assist you, whose services include packaging and marketing university technology for investors, licensees, and potential partners. Such a unit will also be able to advise you about the pros and cons of contract research, consultancies, etc.

To give you an idea of the sort of successful business ventures that have evolved from university research, here are some examples, this time from the University of Adelaide:

• GroPep Limited, a biopharmaceutical company.
• Reproductive Health Services Pty Ltd, a company focused on the development of diagnostics for reproductive and fertility applications.
• Optimatics Pty Ltd, a South Australian engineering firm which provides a global consulting service on water distribution systems.
• New wheat, barley, and faba bean varieties with improved production qualities and ergonomic traits have been licensed for commercial use.
• Mudpack Software, licensed to seven major power companies to assist in managing blackouts.
• Innovative air-conditioning technology licensed to local start-up company Dadanco Pty Ltd.

More about the specifics of commercialisation is covered in ‘Module 4: Intellectual Property and Commercialisation’.