2019-05-07 P&E Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Sustainability Institute - Concepts and Options Report

University based institutes:
University based institutes were the most common form of institute of all the case studies examined.
The major aims and activities of these university-based institutes is presented in Figure 3. While not
explicitly stated in any of the websites, the Institutes also provide an important role in promoting the
research capabilities within the University in general.
Almost all of the university institutes have a designated director (usually an academic from the
department or school hosting the institute). Some of the larger entities also have designated research
staff directly attached to the institute. The activities of most of these Institutes are also overseen by
a board and/or advisory committee(s), predominantly made up of senior university academics
(although some also have notable community members).
The predominant activity of these University Institutes is related to student-based education and
research. The majority of the research undertaken has at least some component linked to
postgraduate student training. Some of the Institutes have a function of bringing together researchers
from different departments to provide a range of research skills to investigate sustainability issues.
A number also had access to dedicated research facilities targeting specific areas of sustainability
(e.g., energy efficiency studies). Many of the university institutes also promote external education
through the provision of targeted workshops, seminars and lectures.
Funding is sourced from a range of sources with the Universities providing much of the base funding.
Other sources included client funds, research granting agencies and scholarships.




                    Figure 3. Aims and functions of University-based Sustainability Institutes




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