MQSIS
Macquarie University Strategic Infrastructure Scheme (MQSIS)
The MQSIS combines the former Equipment Fund and the Research Infrastructure Block Grants Scheme. The MQSIS presentation provides an overview of all aspects of the new Scheme and should be used when explaining aspects of the Scheme to researchers and research administrators.
In summary, the Scheme is designed to ensure a strategic focus is maintained to new infrastructure investments across the University and includes the following components:
1. A Teaching Infrastructure Fund of $1 million (funding available to Divisions for new investments in teaching equipment – funds will be released to Divisions according to the pre-set formula, on submission of their expenditure plan. The formula takes into account Divisional expenditure patterns from past years and areas of emerging demand)
2. The Offices' Infrastructure Fund of $600,000 (funding available to Offices for new investments in strategic purchases that will further the University's teaching and research objectives – funds will be released to Offices on submission of their expenditure plan)
3. The Divisional Research Infrastructure Fund of $600,000 available to Divisions on a competitive basis for new research infrastructure investments
4. Research Infrastructure Block Grants Fund [RIBG] of $1.1 million available to Research Teams on a competitive basis for new research infrastructure investments
5. A Teaching & Research Special Reserve (to meet emerging needs on a case-by-case basis throughout the year). This Fund is accessed via special submission to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
6. A Linkage Infrastructure Equipment Fund [LIEF] Reserve (set aside to leverage Commonwealth funding under the ARC Linkage Infrastructure Equipment Fund)
Submissions relating to the first four funds are due by 5pm on Friday 8 December 2006 for items to be purchased in 2007. Submissions to the Special Reserve can be made to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) throughout the year. Email grants@mq.edu.au for further details on the Special Reserve. Submissions for LIEF funding are made by Expression of Interest concurrently with the running of the Australian Research Council's LIEF round.
Decisions relating to the Scheme are made by the Research Policy & Management Committee, on advice from the Research Infrastructure Panel, with supplementation from Academic Senate where teaching infrastructure investments are concerned.