4Sciences worked with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supporting the redevelopment of an annual benchmarking exercise (ACU Measures), exclusively available to its 500+ member universities across the Commonwealth. 4Sciences designed the survey at the core of the benchmarking exercise in close collaboration with the ACU.
The survey enables institutions to compare their research activities and support mechanisms across different institutional and geographical context, thereby enabling benchmarking and best practice sharing.
Among other results, the first round of the survey (taken by 95 organisations across 29 countries) has highlighted the unequal access to research funding and related research support mechanisms. Universities in lower income countries were found to commit more than double the amount of institutional income to supporting research than their counterparts in high income countries and receive 50% less income from industry collaborations.
“We are delighted to announce the results of the ACU Measures Supporting Research Survey, the findings of which provide a unique snapshot into the research support structures, priorities, and provisions that drive university research across the ACU’s global network. Working with 4Sciences during this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience; we were able to draw on Silke’s vast expertise in the survey design and rigour in engaging ACU members through structured workshops to deliver an effective and inclusive service. Her timely support throughout has been integral to its success, and we look forward to working with 4Sciences again at the earliest opportunity.”
Dr William Bramwell, Senior Research Officer and the ACU’s lead of the project