Otago Polytechnic Prepared for Real-World Research

MEDIA RELEASE – OTAGO POLYTECHNIC
For immediate release, Thursday 11 April 2013

Otago Polytechnic Prepared for Real-World Research
PBRF results announced today

Otago Polytechnic is in good shape to pursue its goal of producing innovative research that addresses real community issues, with the publication of its performance-based research fund (PBRF) results today.

The results show that, since the previous round in 2006, Otago Polytechnic has substantially grown its research capability across the institution, almost doubling the income it becomes eligible for though the government’s PBRF scheme, and has ranked third in the whole ITP sector in research quality.

Particular improvements are reported in Design, with the numbers of PBRF-rated staff rising from eight to 16, and the quality of their research now seeing the School of Design ranked fourth in the entire tertiary sector, including universities.

It also maintains its strong performance in Art, with 19 PBRF-rated staff, and Health, with 13.

Today’s results also see Dunedin School of Art ranked fifth in the tertiary sector for the quality of research outputs, reflecting the large number of staff actively exhibiting as artists or publishing research, and the school’s growing international profile.

The area of technology – including engineering, educational technology and sustainability – has also grown, from two to nine PBRF-rated portfolios. The results are a positive endorsement of the efforts Otago Polytechnic has made to ensure it can creatively address real concerns facing the community, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of New Zealand, says Director: Research and Enterprise, Alistair Regan.

“Otago Polytechnic is already well recognised by the industries we serve for ensuring our graduates are ready for the real world of work. Our focus is to take these relationships even further through our research services, by making use of our expertise to address real issues facing businesses and our communities.

Centres of Research Expertise in Health, Sustainability, Innovation and Business Improvement were launched at Otago Polytechnic in the past year, reflecting the organisation’s strength in these areas. Regan comments that “The increasing number of staff who are recognised through their PBRF results can give our communities real confidence that that we can deliver robust, high quality research and enterprise to address their needs”.

The growing numbers of emerging researchers also provides a strong base to draw upon in future years as it further develops its community-based research activities, Mr Regan says.
The Polytechnic’s results also reflect the increase in high-quality degree-level programmes delivered by Otago Polytechnic, he says.

In total, 62 Otago Polytechnic staff achieved a PBRF rating, compared with 45 in 2006. Today, 11 researchers gained a B rating, 32 were rated C, while 19 were given a C rating as a new researcher.

Highlights for Otago Polytechnic:

Substantial increase in PBRF income, to earn Otago Polytechnic $1.14 million per year for the next six years, up from $660,000 per year since the last quality evaluation
School of Design ranked fourth in tertiary sector (including universities), and Dunedin School of Art ranked fifth, for the quality of research outputs
Second highest income from PBRF in the ITP sector
Second most A and B rated researchers in the ITP sector
Second highest postgraduate degree completion rates in ITP sector.
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